My Side of the Ocean: A Novel

by Ron Irwin

Accomplished American artist Stella Wright’s beachside home in Cape Town is perched on the edge of land and sea, safety and vulnerability, the domestic and the wild. When Stella takes an afternoon swim, she is unprepared for the drama that unfolds. She and a nearby surfer are tracked by a giant great white shark that swims close enough so she can look it in the eye, leaving the two of them deeply traumatised. The surfer – Ben – is a waterman who paints trawlers for a living. There is an almost instant attraction between them, but Stella is married to wealthy American financier Jack Barlow, and she and her husband are preparing to leave the country.Stella and Ben begin a passionate affair. The two of them must face their fear of the water; Stella because beaches and oceans form the basis of her art, Ben because surfing is his passion. Into this situation Jack returns from overseas to tie up their affairs and bring Stella back to New York. Stella must make a choice between the man who has reawakened her original passion for art, and the man who can give her everything else the world has to offer. My Side of the Ocean is a novel of great empathy and insight, exploring essential questions about what it means to live, and love, when the secure foundations of a life have been ripped away.

Genres: Fiction

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

About the author

Ron Irwin is an American writer who divides his time between Cape Town, South Africa and various places in the United States. He grew up in Buffalo, New York, where he learned to row. He attended boarding school and college in New England, where he was part of a number of winning crews. Ron has worked as a journalist, a documentary filmmaker, and as a teacher. He currently lectures in the Centre for Film and Media at the University of Cape Town.

Reviews

[Mr Pink Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

"'Oh! Always, many.' He had an inscrutable politeness about him, and this kind of obtuse questioning, for him might be considered rude. I was sensitive to his privacy. His space. This country was still healing from its oppressive past - would always be healing - so we spoke to each other with exaggerated friendliness, an ever-present formaility."

Now here is another book that surprised me even though it is way out of my comfort zone. My Side of The Ocean is a novel about healing and overcoming your fears, it's a novel about finding yourself again and the need to be one's true self.

- The Trauma: When something terrible is happening to you and you are literally staring death in the face, your entire entire world shatters in a matter of moments. Fear is everything! The hardest part is having to break through that fear enough to be able to rational enough to let self-preservation take over, at the very least. The opening chapters of the book describe this so perfectly that I was gasping for breath after.

- The Fear: Having nearly drowned as a young teenager, at a beach we've visited all our lives, I have been irrationally afraid of all large bodies of water ever since; I'll go to the beach if I have to, but I'll stay far away from the water. The author does an amazing job of carrying Stella's fears over into the rest of her life and how it affects even her day-to-day routines.

- The Characters: Stella was so relatable; like many people, her life has reached a kind of stalemate and she feels stuck in a rut. She is someone with a successful job and marriage with her art now being almost like a hobby; Jack, Stella's husband, a typical American businessman in the country for his Hedge Fund, just wants to tie up loose ends and go back to New York; Ben, the surfer who suffered the trauma with Stella, is aloof and mysterious, but he fell a little flat for me.

- The Setting: Cape Town is simply gorgeous; with a beautiful coastline and evergreen flora the Mother City will take your breath away. Even though I am not personally intimate with the area the author has done an amazing job bringing the atmosphere to life.

- The Accuracy: This story takes place during the drought we were experiencing a few years ago (before the Corona Virus outbreak) and Irwin accurately describes the restrictions we faced and how some people were doing their part (and more) while others, like Jack, couldn't have been bothered.

Also, a touch which I thoroughly enjoyed, this book starts each chapter with a specimen of Stella's artwork (done by Ayanda Phasha) and a fact about sharks and how they inhabit our waters; very nice.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this last night a couple of hours after I had finished One Hundred Saturdays , Michael Frank.

[Lara Dunwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The creative process - what lies between terror and possibility - is the consistent thread drawing this story together. Although on one level the story is about choices, at a deeper level it's about compulsions, external forces, and finding one's way in an unpredictable world. Choosing to face fears, it suggests, may be less terrifying than the alternative.
I enjoyed this fun read. The author is deft with quick sketches of place and time, situating it firmly in Cape Town in the drought of 2019. You'll recognize the city and seascapes if you live here. You may also recognize the choices, if not the opportunities, that propel the narrative. Highly recommended.

[Dominique Fredericks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Stella are two people who have connected over a traumatic experience. They try to find comfort in each other and help each other heal. She is an American artist and esteemed professor and he paints boats for a living. They live in worlds that are so different from one another, but are brought together by this shared moment.
She starts questioning her life choices and moving back to New York with her husband. Stella has a good heart and you can see this from the way she interacts with Mandla who
helps with odd jobs and maintenance around the house and the the young man who helped her at the springs. Unfortunately her choices and how she decides to deal with her trauma are questionable and could have been handled a lot better.
I wouldn’t call this pure romance as it’s more about healing after trauma, facing fears and finding what truly makes you happy. I would call this more of a contemporary novel.

This was a relatable story as a lot of people go through these moments where they start to question where their life choices have brought them and if they are truly happy or if they need to make a change. Some are brave enough to do so. The story is told from Stella’s POV and in between each chapter are lovely illustrations of different sharks and pictures relating to them. We also get some background from when Stella was a young artist just starting her career.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story by local author Ron Irwin and would highly recommend it to lovers of contemporary fiction 😊

Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

[Tarryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually one for literary fiction but this one is going to stay with me for a long while. Stunning imagery created by Ron's words.

[Consuelo Roland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started out giving this wonderful novel 4 stars because I only give the most amazing immortal books 5 stars (and anyway I dislike the star system) but then it struck me how deeply affected I was by the story and how I read compulsively over three bedtime lamp stints, foregoing other activities and all other books. Most of all it gets 5 stars because the writing was so immersive that the unfolding scenes entered my dreams, which hardly ever happens. I can't say for sure what it is about the story that makes it so compulsive but partly it's because the story is driven by the central question of what/who this incredibly deftly drawn character (Stella) will ultimately choose and partly because the writing takes it's excrutiating time (yes, oddly enough this actually heightens tension) to build towards various emotional crescendos that we know with shivery certitude are coming. I loved that the novel was in a local Camps Bay environs setting, on the unusual outcrop where houses are built a step away from the ocean and all its life - the drought, storm and later hurricane conditions are written so beautifully that I could almost feel the liberating gusts and encroaching sea and how they mirror the state of Stella's physical body as it is buffeted by biological instincts and nature's primal powers. The shark theme works remarkably well with the gorgeous sketches and enlightening info breaking up the novel into sections more than chapters. And including the far less privileged locals on the outskirts of the successful American artist's privileged life is done in such a light and perceptive way that it is never gratuitous but comes across as a moving and convincing shift towards being a human moving closer to other humans. Irwin appreciates the art and craft of the work that sustains lives; whether writing about the long apprenticeship of an artist or a surfer surfing huge dangerous waves or painting boats as if they were canvases or applying mind and body and soul to keeping a roof on with singing yacht wires. The shark scene that opens the book is so terrifying and riveting that it's massively heart-pounding affecting; from that point on we are Irwin's willing captives until the final pages. One woman's story becomes a brilliant metaphor for fear as a predator that we can't always clearly see but that prevents us from living life fully on our own terms; as Ben notes, if we don't get rescued by others then we must rescue ourselves.

[Tam - Mysisterstolemybook]

A thank you to Pan Macmillan South Africa for gifting us this book!

For me, My Side Of The Ocean was very much about trauma and trying to overcome that trauma and rebuilding one life afterwards.

This book starts off with Stella who doesn’t want to leave Cape Town but her husband has wrapped up business and wants them to return to the USA. She’s endured a lot since they first arrived in Cape Town two years ago. It’s become home. On top of that, a trauma happens which bonds her to a surfer, Ben. After this trauma, something that she once loved becomes something she fears. This fear stops her from partaking in something she once loved, but also stops her from painting something that was once her inspiration.

I’ve seen fellow bookstagrammers enjoy this book and connect with it. They’ve found a lot of meaning in it which I understand. Ron Irwin created a book with wonderful imagery. When Stella underwent her trauma, I was at the edge of my seat waiting with anticipation to see what happens next. I enjoyed how it captured my attention.

If this type of literary fiction is something that you enjoy reading then this is something that you’ll enjoy and be able to connect with it. It also helps that it’s a short book. For me, this isn’t something that I’d typically read. After reading the synopsis, there was something for me that hindered my reading experience. So whilst some have really connected with this, I didn’t connect with it the way that I would have liked based on personal preference and that this isn’t something that I would usually pick up.

But I did enjoy revisiting Cape Town through this book. It’s where I grew up and where Ry still lives. It was also a little nostalgic at all the mentions of UCT as we both studied there.

[Gail Gilbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Side of the Ocean by Ron Irwin

Stella Wright’s seaside home in Cape Town, is a haven. The wild ocean inspires her art but also leaves space for vulnerability and the alchemy which ensues.

When Stella takes an afternoon swim, she and Ben, a lone surfer are followed by a great white shark. She looks into its eye and struggles to contain her terror.

There is an instant attraction between the surfer and Stella. They are both deeply traumatised, and their unlikely connection is bonded by this event. But Stella is married to an American financier Jack Barlow, who is determined to sell the house as soon as he returns from overseas.

Stella must conquer her trepidation of the sea, as it is central to her art. Ben’s passion is surfing, and the sea is a part of his soul. The two characters understand each other’s fear on many levels.

Jack arrives back early, is eager to settle his affairs quickly, and whisk Stella back to New York.
Stella is torn between passion, both for her art and the young surfer who reminds her of who she is, and the golden cage of wealth, security and comfortable stability.

My Side of the Ocean is a novel of aching passion, and insight into what is important in life. It begs the question … should love be enough?

Ron Irwin immerses us in the depth of two souls, and just as we come up for air, he dives us into another swirl of emotion. I lived the passion, smelt the fear, and prayed for Stella to make the ‘right decision.’

Irwin’s tightly crafted novel is a masterpiece. There is not a word out of place in this lyrical account of life, and what truly matters.

I highly recommend this exquisite read from an extremely talented author.

Bravo!

[Eileen Granfors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron Irwin's MY SIDE OF THE OCEAN has a place on my list of favorite books alongside his prior novel, Falt-Water Tuesday.

Irwin's stories will never grow old. He looks at humans as malleable. Many people choose routine and safety. His characters choose change.

In My Side of the Ocean, Stella is an artist. Her career started in New York City in the darkness of a small, shared studio on a grimy street. As the novel opens, Stella goes for a swim in the ocean, just steps away from her beach house in South Africa.

Her daily swim keeps her centered and fit as she has had some heart issues probably related to stress. This day and this swim add more stress. She and a random surfer (Ben) come eye -to-eye with a shark. Luckily for both, the shark swims off without inflicting death. A narrow escape becomes life changing to both Stella and Ben.

Ben paints boats. He surfs. He would like to be a better surfer and a painter of something more significant than boats. He is young and footloose, messy, undisciplined, fairly silent about what's going on in his head.

Stella is married. She is settled in her routines of teaching, creating, philosophizing, and loving her rich, rule-clad financier husband, Jack. Or, she was settled until the shark encounter. And Ben.

Stella cannot shake the trauma of the shark encounter, nor can she ignore the way Ben is the only one who understands what those moments meant. The reader can feel the riptide tug of Stella's previous comfort in her life story against the need to find her own way through the trauma. She chooses to use Ben as a new source of comfort and joy.

All of this unfolds as Stella is pushing against the demands of Jack to promptly sell the beach house and move back to New York. She loves Jack. She wants life to be as it was. But, Ben. But South Africa. But the beach house. . .

My Side of the Ocean offers introspection as well as sexual tension, physical danger as well as risks to Stella's artistic soul.

Irwin captures the moody ocean and the beauties of South Africa while sending the reader through a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. My Side of the Ocean is a scintillating story full of profound moments. I have already read it twice and will jump in again to discover more of Irwin's deft authorial choices.

[BRIAN DANIEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Side of the Ocean is a beautifully written novel that explores family, identity, loss, and the complicated ties that connect us across time and distance. Ron Irwin creates a story that feels both intimate and expansive, drawing readers into the emotional lives of its characters while examining the choices that shape their futures.

What impressed me most was the depth of the character development. The people in this story feel real—flawed, vulnerable, and constantly searching for understanding in a world that rarely offers simple answers. Their relationships are layered and believable, making the emotional moments resonate long after they happen.

Irwin's prose is thoughtful and evocative, capturing both the beauty and uncertainty of life's turning points. The story unfolds with a quiet confidence, allowing readers to absorb the emotional weight of each revelation and connection. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the novel builds its impact through authentic human experiences and carefully crafted storytelling.

At its heart, My Side of the Ocean is about belonging, forgiveness, and the ways our past continues to influence who we become. It asks meaningful questions about family, memory, and self-discovery while delivering a deeply engaging narrative.

For readers who enjoy literary fiction with strong emotional depth, memorable characters, and thoughtful themes, My Side of the Ocean is a rewarding and moving read that lingers long after the final chapter.

[Estee Cockcroft · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the ocean and I am a bit of an ocean creature fanatic so I really hoped to enjoy My side of the ocean. I was attracted to the book because of this but overall it went nowhere quickly for me.

There is very little character development and all three of the main characters remain stagnant despite rapid change in their lives.

Stella is a typical American expat in South Africa, she marries with her tits-in-the-till and then has an affair. The “trauma” of the shark circling her whilst on a swim drives her into the arms of a young, dirty, hippie surfer who reminds her of her younger self. She is morally pathetic and one doesn’t really care what happens to her. Jack and Ben are both selfish men and they don’t really change throughout the novel.

It isn’t a love story as she loves neither of them. It isn’t a sexy story because the sex scenes are by passed. There is no real climax except for a big storm.

The plot is therefor rather bland. There is so much that could happen yet very little does. One sort of just coasts along with the story.

The book’s only redeeming factor is the beautiful atmospheric scenes and the descriptions of Cape Town-a city close to my heart.

[AyeshaA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 10-year wait for Ron Irwin’s second book was so worth it. He offers a sublime glimpse of Cape Town and takes you on an unforgettable journey that will haunt you in the best possible way long after you’ve put down the book. You will laugh, cry, and stay up at night obsessing about the characters. Irwin’s crisp, evocative prose creates a world that’s easy to get lost in. I could taste the salty breeze and feel the sand between my toes by the end of this one. How wonderful it was to read about my city through the eyes of a writer who gave up a life in the US to live here. It reads like an Ode to Cape Town and should be read by anyone who’s ever wanted to visit Africa. I gifted copies to all my friends in the hope that they too will rediscover this majestic place we call home. Ron is a writer who sees gold where the rest of us see only copper. This was a brilliant read and I hope it’s not another decade before the next one!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much to love about this book.

Beautiful descriptions of scenery I’d love to see some day and the perfect rendering of different kinds of love top the list. But also, there’s a really neat insider’s perspective on so many things. The scenes set in New York ring so true, it’s like being right there in the artists’ studios and streetscapes described. Similarly, the references to Martha’s Vineyard capture the exact vibe of the inhabitants and lifestyle on that island. And the passages about the sea and air in an exclusive, beach-y part Cape Town make it easy to picture the sun-swept casual chic atmosphere.

In addition to all that, I thought the choice the main character has to make—NYC or South Africa? Her husband or a different love?—was extremely well set up. Because even if we’re all not choosing between such glamorous locations, we all need to make decisions about which versions of ourselves we want to be and where we feel most at home.

Highly recommend!

[Olivia Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐀𝐫𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚

Ron Irwin's "My Side of the Ocean" weaves a spellbinding tale of love, art, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the vast ocean. Stella's transformation from a guarded artist to a woman passionately in love is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. The chemistry between Stella and Ben is palpable, and their shared connection with the ocean becomes a metaphor for the ebb and flow of life. As the story unfolds, the reader is treated to a poetic narrative that reflects the ocean's ever-changing moods. Irwin's exploration of vulnerability and strength resonates deeply, reminding us that life's uncertainties can lead to the most profound revelations. "My Side of the Ocean" is a soul-stirring journey that leaves you with a renewed appreciation for love's boundless possibilities.

[Alex Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐰𝐢𝐧

"My Side of the Ocean" by Ron Irwin is a literary gem that explores the intricacies of human connections and the resilience of the human spirit. Stella's internal struggle between her passion for art and the allure of forbidden love with Ben is both heart-wrenching and beautifully portrayed. Irwin's ability to paint a vivid picture of the Cape Town coast and the mesmerizing ocean adds an extra layer of depth to the story. With every turn of the page, I found myself immersed in the characters' emotional journeys, contemplating life's complexities. "My Side of the Ocean" is an emotional masterpiece that lingers in your thoughts long after you finish reading.

[Joya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel, in part because elements of the main character's experience resonated with my own, as an American woman living in Cape Town, pursuing 'creative' endeavors and questioning life's next steps. But I also felt the author captured Cape Town quite well, without relying on cliches about the mountain or the wind, and gives the reader a sense of how this place--despite its many flaws--can really get under your skin. I highly recommend certainly to those who have spent any time in the Mother City, but also more broadly, to anyone who has ever been forced to reckon with the path they find themselves on, and what they would give up to change it.

[Jason Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

In "My Side of the Ocean," Ron Irwin masterfully delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Stella's encounter with the enigmatic surfer, Ben, sparks a passionate affair that forces her to confront her deepest fears and desires. The vivid portrayal of Cape Town's coastal beauty and the ocean's allure creates a mesmerizing backdrop for this emotional rollercoaster. As the story unfolds, readers will find themselves questioning their own notions of love and commitment. Irwin's profound insights into the human psyche make this novel an engrossing read.

[Sarah Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞'𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬

Ron Irwin's "My Side of the Ocean" is a captivating exploration of art, love, and self-discovery. Stella's artistic soul finds solace in the coastal beauty of Cape Town, while Ben's unwavering passion for surfing provides an intriguing contrast. As their worlds collide and secrets unravel, readers are taken on a poignant journey of choices and consequences. Irwin's descriptive prose breathes life into the characters, allowing us to feel their joys and pains. "My Side of the Ocean" is a compelling reminder that sometimes the most profound art is painted not on canvas but in the delicate fabric of our lives.

[Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫

Ron Irwin's "My Side of the Ocean" takes readers on a mesmerizing journey where art, passion, and danger intertwine. Stella Wright's struggle to balance her artistic calling with her fear of the ocean adds depth to this emotionally charged novel. The encounter with a great white shark serves as a powerful metaphor for the risks we must take to truly live and love. Irwin's prose captivates the reader, making the fear tangible and the love palpable. "My Side of the Ocean" is a thought-provoking tale that resonates long after the last page is turned.

[Erica Smythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautifully written book by Ron Irwin set in what was my home town. The memories are special as are the people, the place and the magnificent scenery described in such detail along the Camps Bay coastline and who can forget the experience of witnessing a spectacular Cape winter storm. The prose is haunting in places.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous book! Written by a South African Author and set in my home town, Cape Town, South Africa!
A beautiful story of love, loss and finding your way again. A real and authentic relatable read! I was engrossed and not only because I share a deep love and fascination with the sea!
I highly recommend this book!!

[Martin FIELD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Magical. A love story to Cape Town and the ocean that embraces and batters her, populated with a diverse cast of drifters who have washed up on her shores.