Jonathan K (Max Outlier)’s Reviews > The Plover > Status Update

In the midst of a chapter, Brian says, "We have not spent sufficient ink on the sounds of the sea; so let us do so now as the Plover makes its way north by northwest along the Christmas Ridge..." While some stories use omniscient POV consistently, Brian throws his narrative in when the mood strikes, much as he does when questioning what fish, the ocean or birds think about

When doing a second reading that's spaced months apart, we tend to forget certain plot elements. I'd forgotten that Piko's little girl Pipa who had been paralyzed and mewed rather than talked experiences a miracle and speaks, questions and sings. In addition, Brian adds a sort of narration that questions where the story goes and other things..fascinating storytelling in all respects

It's unfortunate most readers have failed to add Brian's books to their list. But since the majority prefer mystery, crime and thrillers to creative fiction it's little surprise. I personally feel he was an artist of words, plot and characters. Declan has a drunken accident and hurts his arm. We then hear the arm speaking to him in defense of the rest of his body! Amazing creativity

Declan O'Donnell rigs his 30' fishing boat with mast and sails and sets out on solo journey across the Pacific. Along the way, he picks up his friend Piko and daughter Pipa who attracts birds of all types like a magnet on a South Pacific island. Not long after Tanomauri and large Island woman joins them as Pipa's caretaker. Similar to Moses the crow in Mink River, a sea gull has regular chats with the skipper

Remarkable doesn't begin to do this story justice, but his narrative style is an acquired taste and not for everyone. Brian continually imposes notions about the universe, people and nature woven into his stories. This sets him apart from most and for that I am deeply grateful

Brian begins chapter V with, "Maybe the ocean thinks. How do we know? Maybe the ocean licks it's islands every night like mothers lick their cubs. This could be..." Imagination has no limits and he proves this time and again with his unusual approach to storytelling

If there is one consistent narrative element its stories within the story. Whether spoken by characters, bird or nature, Brian pays homage to storytelling.

A sea journey unlike any other, Declan has been joined by his friend Piko and 9 year old Pipa, a girl who lost her mother in an accident four years previous and hasn't spoken since.

Having just finished Mink River a second time, and decided to do the same with this, what's become clear is Brian's stories are akin to Shakespeare. After one pass it's impossible to remember verse and phrase and upon the second, the love affair deepens. Doyle is unlike any other in publishing, his stories are like songs whose lyrics eventually echo.

Not everyday we are introduced to a young man from Oregon who loves the sea and decides to take a solo voyage in his 20' boat named the Plover for no particular reason. After rigging it with a mast and sails without any knowledge of sailing, the author has Declan quote Edward Burke among others, the boat being stocked with classics.