Favel Parrett

Well written, at times dreamy, at times poetic novel about a young boy growing up in a broken family along the wild Tasmanian coast. Actually the story is about two brothers – Miles, the older brother, who keeps an eye out for his younger brother Harry.

Their dad works a debt-ridden existence as fisherman, diving for abalone, in protected sites. Miles is forced to participate in these harrowing fishing trips, certainly since his older brother Joe has moved out of their parental home to show more join his grandfather (who recently passed away). By alternating POVs between Miles and Harry, the backstory is slowly revealed to the reader. Their mom died in a car crash. Harry might not be his dad’s child. The mom had an extra-marital affair with uncle Nick. Their dad is extremely violent and abusive. Joe and Miles are surfers and they love the water (and so does the writer Favel – it is obvious from her visceral descriptions that she is an experienced surfer and savant on waves and undertows). Harry is afraid of the water, but he loves dogs (so does Favel, see her later writings). A dog pulls him into a loving acquaintance with George, who stays in a derelict shed, despite Harry’s dad explicit prohibition to have anything to do with George (he is portrayed as a dangerous character). The climax of the book entails a heavy storm at sea, during which a series of accidents occur, leading to the drowning of Harry, ship wreck with loss of all souls, except for Miles, who is saved by Joe. Next, Joe and Miles take off to discover the wider world.

The writing is excellent, the moods of characters are reflected in the movements of waves, shallows and wind; the violence is explicit and raw; the love subtle and shaped in minute details and gestures. What a writer! show less

I was attracted to this book because of the setting, Tasmania, where my future daughter is at this time. The writing is very spare, but this is done to great effect. Three boys, trying to get over a horrible tragedy, two who are the mercy of a drunken, abusive father. The third, older had been building a boat for years and is now ready to get away.

Abalone fishing is a way of life there and the scenes on the water are harrowing. There is a wonderful old neighbor named George, who offers the show more boys shelter and companionship without asking many questions. He is a great character. Not an easy book to read, heartbreaking but a story about secrets, brotherhood and hopefully a second chance for some. show less

3 1/2 stars - actually quite a moving book. Although quick and very easy to read with its short sentences, the author evokes a strong sense of place (a remote fishing community in Tasmania) and skilfully develops her characters. So why not 4 stars? Because these are the ones (for me) that mean “I really enjoyed this and you would too” books.
This book was bleak and portrayed the sad world of three brothers living with a dysfunctional father. It reminded me of Tim Winton novels, which I show more find overly descriptive. A worthy text, but not my preferred choice of novel. So if you’re all about the style and craft of writing, you’ll probably appreciate this one. show less

A true gem of a book. I don't think I have ever shed a tear over the loss of an inanimate object before.
This book has such likable, believable characters. The authors research is evident. she has written a remarkable original tale.
Isla and her brother are sad. They have arrived in Hobart to begin a new life with their mother. Money is scarce and the house they live in is bleak and cold. One morning Isla watches as a big red ship docks at the wharf, as she awaits the ferry to school. A lone show more crew member waves to her from the deck.
Her Mum coincidentally forms a relationship with him. The ship is the Nella Dan, leased by the Australian government to provide transport, support and research to the members of the Antarctic Research team.
Bo spends two summers with the family and a deep affection and bond grows between them. show less