Reviews

Only the Ocean by Natasha Carthew

salixa's review

2.0

Natasha Carthew uses an interesting prose for which she is often praised - according to the book's opening pages. And I sort of liked it. I certainly did at first, it's got a sort of charm to it. But then I found it tedious, as I found the whole book tedious. I couldn't be made to care enough about the characters, they weren't that interesting, or - they could have been, in another story, but not in this one. And their interactions were stilted which made sense for the story but made for unenjoyable reading. And their relationship progression just made no sense. I've heard of enemies-to-lovers romance but a-bit-feisty-but-mostly-apathetic-interactions-but-you've-only-seen-each-other-for-a-month-I-guess-you're-in-love-now romance - that's a new genre that should never be repeated.

angiesbookmarks's review

challenging dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I published a full review on my book blog.

I had seen Only the Ocean on my bookstagram feed, but I refrained reading around it to not ruin my reading experience. And boy, was I surprised. I was expecting something on the lines of Life of Pi, but instead I got queer dystopian literature on the high seas. I have never been more shocked by a reveal in my life!

I know Carthew’s writing style might not be popular among most readers, but I personally loved its flow. It followed the ebb and flow of the ocean; one may resist it and hate it or embrace it and let themselves be transported. Perhaps I’m accustomed to reading modern and post-modern literature, but I had no issue letting myself go.

The dystopian setting is very essential: few, but precise brushstrokes outline it with great effect. I believe there is much more dread in what isn’t said than what is. People — Kel and Rose — were at the centre of this story. The world didn’t swallow them in excessive detail and backstory; it kept them afloat. The author is unafraid to engage with the dark, gritty realities that populate it as much as she engages with the beauty in it, which is something I can appreciate it. Readers should note that the book contains mentions of rape, abuse, and under-age pregnancy.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Incest, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, and Sexual violence

jamierose's review

3.0

3.5 stars. I had a love-hate relationship with the dialogue this was written in, it gave the narration a lot of character and vividness, but at times made the action hard to follow. That aside it was a good read, fast-paced, dramatic in places and poignant in others, with a fierce and original protagonist and great character growth from both girls. There's not a lot of detail about the dystopian world, but there doesn't need to be; the story paints a clear enough picture of the struggles of living in it and if Kel knows any more about how it happened, she wouldn't be thinking about it much anyway.

CW: rape, child/sexual abuse, self-harm, kidnapping