What do you think?
On the Edge: Sea, Surf and impossible Dreams
What if the life you were promised was taken from you? What would you do to get it back?
Rhys lives in a coastal town in South Devon, where seasonal work dries up as winter storms hit, housing is hard to come by and livelihoods are threatened by distant bureaucrats. Life is much harder for Rhys and his two younger brothers than tourists can possibly know.
It is only when surfing that Rhys finds solace in the beauty around the crashing waves, towering cliffs and sandy beaches. But when that solace is taken, his tinder-dry rage is soon ignited. Determined to defend his family from a life blighted by social neglect and poverty, Rhys is drawn to Dodo, a radical political activist inspired by the Welsh protest group, Meibion Glyndŵr. Before long, Rhys' actions spiral out of control, with dire consequences for himself and those he loves.
Set in a coastal town and drawing on the author's own rural childhood, this YA / crossover novel explores how young people's futures are built – and defended – on shifting and uneven ground, where tides of tourism, gentrification and second-home ownership erode the traditional ways of life and financial stability of locals. Beautifully drawn characters, lyrical depictions of the natural landscape, brotherly love, family loyalty – and surfing. A powerful and thought-provoking summer read.
Rhys lives in a coastal town in South Devon, where seasonal work dries up as winter storms hit, housing is hard to come by and livelihoods are threatened by distant bureaucrats. Life is much harder for Rhys and his two younger brothers than tourists can possibly know.
It is only when surfing that Rhys finds solace in the beauty around the crashing waves, towering cliffs and sandy beaches. But when that solace is taken, his tinder-dry rage is soon ignited. Determined to defend his family from a life blighted by social neglect and poverty, Rhys is drawn to Dodo, a radical political activist inspired by the Welsh protest group, Meibion Glyndŵr. Before long, Rhys' actions spiral out of control, with dire consequences for himself and those he loves.
Set in a coastal town and drawing on the author's own rural childhood, this YA / crossover novel explores how young people's futures are built – and defended – on shifting and uneven ground, where tides of tourism, gentrification and second-home ownership erode the traditional ways of life and financial stability of locals. Beautifully drawn characters, lyrical depictions of the natural landscape, brotherly love, family loyalty – and surfing. A powerful and thought-provoking summer read.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 3, 2026
What a read. Visceral and authentic. A story about working class people. A family in rough waters, heads barely above the surface, and a community trying to hold itself together when market forces are against them.
The writing is a seamless blend of dialect; beautiful, lyrical description; political fire, and the sorts of timeless wisdom passed down through folk over decades. The dialogue is so authentic- right down to absolutely nailing the way the boys speak across their age range.
Rhys and his family- The Fishers- live in a seaside town in South Devon. Seventeen-year-old Rhys, looks after his younger brothers, Dav and Owen, when their dad is out of the country driving his lorry– which happens a lot of the time. Their mam tragically died when delivering Owen (now 8). Dad, Phil, is trying his best after losing her; he thinks long-distance haulage is more secure than the other industries in Lythcombe, which are susceptible to last minute shutdowns, due to bureacratic sea changes. But, day-to-day life is a real struggle for the boys.
Rhys is a great lead character. Flawed and totally human. Having to grow up fast. Wanting to be something, anything, someone. Once a surf hero, with his photo in the paper…now what? Sensitive to labels, and how he imagines he’s perceived. Full if contradictions. A NEET with a huge wealth of knowledge and skills linked to his environment. Poor, but on a good day, they eat like kings. A local where strangers homiday. Needed. Disposabl. A stand-in father…a boy.
‘Unbeknown to his teachers, Rhys— half-man, half-this, half-that and half-of-the-other- added up to more than any measly whole.’
He has a huge sense of loyalty towards his brothers and dad. He fights tooth and nail to keep the wolf-and social services from the door. But it’s inevitably taking its toll on him. He’s still a kid and he misses his mam but he has so much responsiblity and so little is in his control. Rhys, and middle brother Dav, try to shelter their little brother from the harsh realities of their situation, playing imaginative games and spinning stories. I just wanted to scoop them all up and give them a massive hug.
The benefits of community are seen in the myriad little gestures from townsfolk towards the boys from people who understand their situation. From feeding the cat, to turning an eye to shoplifting and even having a selective memory when it matters.
Place is intrinsic to this story. Lythcombe Bay, represents all of the coastal towns fighting to maintain a sense of community and traditions amid the many social and economic issues of our times. The tenuous employment situation in the fishing industry and the seasonality of tourism, mean that many young people leave. Those that stay struggle to make ends meet. The area’s rugged beauty, beaches and big waves have made it a tourist hotspot. Over the years, the properties, many of them former fishing cottages, and farm buildings, have been bought up as second homes and rentals, pricing locals out, except of run down estates. Making a mint for owners; money that leaves the area.
I live in a seaside town, which was protected from airbnbification simply because it was already gentrified and house prices were high enough to shield against mass buy-ups from out-of-towners during the air b n b boom. There are towns not far north and south of us that have experienced exactly what happened in Lythcombe Bay.
It made me think about young people, especially working class kids, and how easily they are demonised without enough scrutiny of the social factors at play let alone support. There’s a lot of a focus on this demographic in newspaper headlines for instance, but they’re an under-explored population in fiction, as elsewhere.
Such a good, provoking read. 13+
The writing is a seamless blend of dialect; beautiful, lyrical description; political fire, and the sorts of timeless wisdom passed down through folk over decades. The dialogue is so authentic- right down to absolutely nailing the way the boys speak across their age range.
Rhys and his family- The Fishers- live in a seaside town in South Devon. Seventeen-year-old Rhys, looks after his younger brothers, Dav and Owen, when their dad is out of the country driving his lorry– which happens a lot of the time. Their mam tragically died when delivering Owen (now 8). Dad, Phil, is trying his best after losing her; he thinks long-distance haulage is more secure than the other industries in Lythcombe, which are susceptible to last minute shutdowns, due to bureacratic sea changes. But, day-to-day life is a real struggle for the boys.
Rhys is a great lead character. Flawed and totally human. Having to grow up fast. Wanting to be something, anything, someone. Once a surf hero, with his photo in the paper…now what? Sensitive to labels, and how he imagines he’s perceived. Full if contradictions. A NEET with a huge wealth of knowledge and skills linked to his environment. Poor, but on a good day, they eat like kings. A local where strangers homiday. Needed. Disposabl. A stand-in father…a boy.
‘Unbeknown to his teachers, Rhys— half-man, half-this, half-that and half-of-the-other- added up to more than any measly whole.’
He has a huge sense of loyalty towards his brothers and dad. He fights tooth and nail to keep the wolf-and social services from the door. But it’s inevitably taking its toll on him. He’s still a kid and he misses his mam but he has so much responsiblity and so little is in his control. Rhys, and middle brother Dav, try to shelter their little brother from the harsh realities of their situation, playing imaginative games and spinning stories. I just wanted to scoop them all up and give them a massive hug.
The benefits of community are seen in the myriad little gestures from townsfolk towards the boys from people who understand their situation. From feeding the cat, to turning an eye to shoplifting and even having a selective memory when it matters.
Place is intrinsic to this story. Lythcombe Bay, represents all of the coastal towns fighting to maintain a sense of community and traditions amid the many social and economic issues of our times. The tenuous employment situation in the fishing industry and the seasonality of tourism, mean that many young people leave. Those that stay struggle to make ends meet. The area’s rugged beauty, beaches and big waves have made it a tourist hotspot. Over the years, the properties, many of them former fishing cottages, and farm buildings, have been bought up as second homes and rentals, pricing locals out, except of run down estates. Making a mint for owners; money that leaves the area.
I live in a seaside town, which was protected from airbnbification simply because it was already gentrified and house prices were high enough to shield against mass buy-ups from out-of-towners during the air b n b boom. There are towns not far north and south of us that have experienced exactly what happened in Lythcombe Bay.
It made me think about young people, especially working class kids, and how easily they are demonised without enough scrutiny of the social factors at play let alone support. There’s a lot of a focus on this demographic in newspaper headlines for instance, but they’re an under-explored population in fiction, as elsewhere.
Such a good, provoking read. 13+
August 16, 2025
Really captures that sense of coastal deprivation and the life lived by some young people stuck in seaside towns where there are few job opportunities and even less opportunities to build a life when they are are priced out of the housing market by second home Airbnb owners
March 1, 2026
I liked the topic of the story which looks at deprivation in coastal towns and the impact this has on its inhabitants. The lack of a nearby maternity ward and slow ambulance services led to the death of the main character's mum when he was a young boy. His dad works away in Spain during the week as there is a lack of employment in the town. Rhys is classed as a NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) but is essentially the carer for his younger siblings. He too cannot find a job. The seaside town comes alive in summer with tourists, but work disappears in the off season. The proliferation of Airbnbs mean that there is a scarcity of property for locals and rent and house prices are beyond the reach of most.
Yet Rhys doesn't see himself as deprived. He feels he lives a rich life, able to fish for his tea and go surfing. He feels it is those in the cities without such opportunities that are deprived. Rhys is rough around the edges but cares deeply about those he loves. Although initially hostile to his brother Dav revealing he is gay he starts to come around to the idea. He objectifies the women and girls he meets but dreams of finding a girl to settle down with, ideally on a farm. He does seem to view said girl more as a stay-at-home mum to his children than as a partner, but that is perhaps understandable given his lack of a mum growing up.
Where I struggled a little with the book was the lyrical language and long sentences. It's beautiful but I did feel it sometimes distracted from the plot. Likewise the references to fishing and nautical terms felt a bit much at times. Although they either tailed off or I got used to them as I mostly felt that way at the start of the book . But this is a personal preference and I can see others really enjoying the story because of the language. I just prefer things to be more straightforward and clear about what is happening.
Yet Rhys doesn't see himself as deprived. He feels he lives a rich life, able to fish for his tea and go surfing. He feels it is those in the cities without such opportunities that are deprived. Rhys is rough around the edges but cares deeply about those he loves. Although initially hostile to his brother Dav revealing he is gay he starts to come around to the idea. He objectifies the women and girls he meets but dreams of finding a girl to settle down with, ideally on a farm. He does seem to view said girl more as a stay-at-home mum to his children than as a partner, but that is perhaps understandable given his lack of a mum growing up.
Where I struggled a little with the book was the lyrical language and long sentences. It's beautiful but I did feel it sometimes distracted from the plot. Likewise the references to fishing and nautical terms felt a bit much at times. Although they either tailed off or I got used to them as I mostly felt that way at the start of the book . But this is a personal preference and I can see others really enjoying the story because of the language. I just prefer things to be more straightforward and clear about what is happening.
April 1, 2026
Rhys and his brothers, Dav and Owen, live in Lythcombe Bay (a fictional town) in South Devon—a place where Londoners do not mind driving six hours and paying £1,800 for a week during the summer holidays. When they leave, they drop sentences like this to the locals: "Lucky you, living in this place."
How lucky, exactly, are Rhys, Dav, and Owen? How much access do they actually have to this beautiful place they call home?
After the holidaymakers leave, those luxury holiday houses are empty, but the locals are out of jobs and cannot afford to keep their houses due to increasing housing prices.
By telling the very moving story of Rhys, Dav, and Owen, Nicola portrays how the family becomes the victims of gentrification in every way. They’ve been cornered with no place to run. The brotherly relationship is truly beautiful; I loved how they stick together despite all the challenges. When they dream of the future, they always have their brothers in mind.
If we do not care about young people’s dreams and futures, if their dreams are taken away by our short-term profit-driven thinking, will they turn to drugs and alcohol to find comfort? If Rhys could develop his potential in surfing, where would he be?
Social justice is the way to a more secure society, not driving disadvantaged people away.
Thank you, Nicola, and Ruth from Old Barn Books for this reviewer copy.
How lucky, exactly, are Rhys, Dav, and Owen? How much access do they actually have to this beautiful place they call home?
After the holidaymakers leave, those luxury holiday houses are empty, but the locals are out of jobs and cannot afford to keep their houses due to increasing housing prices.
By telling the very moving story of Rhys, Dav, and Owen, Nicola portrays how the family becomes the victims of gentrification in every way. They’ve been cornered with no place to run. The brotherly relationship is truly beautiful; I loved how they stick together despite all the challenges. When they dream of the future, they always have their brothers in mind.
If we do not care about young people’s dreams and futures, if their dreams are taken away by our short-term profit-driven thinking, will they turn to drugs and alcohol to find comfort? If Rhys could develop his potential in surfing, where would he be?
Social justice is the way to a more secure society, not driving disadvantaged people away.
Thank you, Nicola, and Ruth from Old Barn Books for this reviewer copy.
January 2, 2026
A story full of beauty, heart and grit. Set on the coast of South Devon, Rhys is trying to find his way; trying to find relevance in the town he grew up in, even as he witnesses it changing before his eyes. With his dad abroad, struggling to makes ends meet just to keep a roof over their heads, Rhys is left to take care of his two younger brothers and it is the relationship between the three boys that is at the heart of this novel.
If you grew up by the beach, if you surf, if you've ever been sucked in by those who seem to have more or know more than you do, you will find so much to relate to in this timely story. With descriptions of the ocean to rival Tim Winton's, and a heartfelt portrayal of brotherly love that brings to mind Favel Parrett's 'Past the Shallows', this is an important story of how power, politics and progress are leaving so many behind.
I mourned this story and its cast of compelling characters long after I put it down. Highly recommended.
If you grew up by the beach, if you surf, if you've ever been sucked in by those who seem to have more or know more than you do, you will find so much to relate to in this timely story. With descriptions of the ocean to rival Tim Winton's, and a heartfelt portrayal of brotherly love that brings to mind Favel Parrett's 'Past the Shallows', this is an important story of how power, politics and progress are leaving so many behind.
I mourned this story and its cast of compelling characters long after I put it down. Highly recommended.
October 31, 2025
This novel explores issues that are faced by young people in coastal communities both on a personal and a political level without suggesting that there are easy answers to be found. However, it is hard to say whether it was the powerful themes that made this story stay with me or the energetic, comic and tender delivery .
The writing is so engaging and the characters drawn with such affection and humour that when the writer takes us to some very dark places we are carried along and through the to other side by rooting for the family and their wider community.
For me , the heart of the novel is the lovely Dav with his bottomless capacity to doggedly push through adversity in pursuit of his goals.
The writing is so engaging and the characters drawn with such affection and humour that when the writer takes us to some very dark places we are carried along and through the to other side by rooting for the family and their wider community.
For me , the heart of the novel is the lovely Dav with his bottomless capacity to doggedly push through adversity in pursuit of his goals.
November 7, 2025
This is a fast read - difficult to put down. An eye-opening glimpse into a seventeen year old’s difficult life and the difficult decisions he makes along the way. A kind hero who doesn’t always get things right but he has the best intentions. Funny in parts and unexpectedly tender.
January 25, 2026
A very powerful novel, written in a honest, gut-wrenching way. This is a novel that will strike a chord with young adults and adults alike because it is genuine and channels the rage and helplessness felt by communities left behind. A siren call of a novel, I loved it.
August 18, 2025
It's hard to know where to start with what I loved about this novel - there was so much. The characters have really stayed in my head, especially little Owen, chattering away to Dav! This book is beautifully written and has some really important messages - it makes the reader see seaside towns differently (for this reader, anyway!) and made me realise how little we know (or think?) about the challenges of some young people's lives. But it's also very funny and has a clever and propulsive plot which had me on the edge of my seat. Rhys is a brilliant portrayal of a young man trying to do his very best and ending up in trouble despite this. The brothers' love was heart-warming and inspiring. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a meaningful but thoroughly enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews