R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1437 more book reviews
This is an incredible read about a culture I learned to appreciate and I hope understand better. The characters, Simon, Kerewin and even Joe, are compelling, so very real and their lives and interactions are heart-rending. The book is the best I've read in months. In my opinion, the character development is far beyond what most authors offer the reader.
The story is largely told from the viewpoints of all three characters whose love and respect for each other binds them together. Joe is dealing with the death of his beloved wife who he lost far too soon. He drinks too much and is inclined to violence. When he takes in Simon, he feels that this lost boy may somehow fill some of the gaps he feels. But Joe's loss prompts him to react brutally to a child who cannot speak when he disobeys Joe. Simon was found on the beach after a terrible storm with no identification. No one knows who his parents may be and Simon struggles with memories he doesn't understand. His actions often erupt in socially unacceptable ways. Kerewin is an intensely private woman who is estranged from her family. Bit by bit she discovers a family she really understood as her interaction with Joe and Simon increase.
The violence, the frustration, and the love of the individuals portrayed in this novel exhibit is all too real. I couldn't put this read aside until I had finished the book. Not sure the ending is what I would choose but the author does tie everything together at that point. Excellent read in all other ways.
The story is largely told from the viewpoints of all three characters whose love and respect for each other binds them together. Joe is dealing with the death of his beloved wife who he lost far too soon. He drinks too much and is inclined to violence. When he takes in Simon, he feels that this lost boy may somehow fill some of the gaps he feels. But Joe's loss prompts him to react brutally to a child who cannot speak when he disobeys Joe. Simon was found on the beach after a terrible storm with no identification. No one knows who his parents may be and Simon struggles with memories he doesn't understand. His actions often erupt in socially unacceptable ways. Kerewin is an intensely private woman who is estranged from her family. Bit by bit she discovers a family she really understood as her interaction with Joe and Simon increase.
The violence, the frustration, and the love of the individuals portrayed in this novel exhibit is all too real. I couldn't put this read aside until I had finished the book. Not sure the ending is what I would choose but the author does tie everything together at that point. Excellent read in all other ways.
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