A review by mmarlborough
A Parent Apart by Gary Wright

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I enjoyed the plot of this debut novel (and think it could be adapted to the screen easily) but I struggled with the writing. 

Andrew is a devoted father looking after a friend’s son as the kids play on the beach. The weather is rough and the kids are suddenly adrift. Andrew tries to rescue them both, but prioritizes saving his own daughter. His split second decision impacts his family, his friends’ family, and the community as a whole. Will the truth come out about what Andrew did? 

I read this quickly as the plot was engrossing, but it was written more like a script than a novel. It was all telling instead of showing, jam packed with action without emotional depth IMO. There is definitely a big fan base for books like this and recommend it for fans of this type of book.

✨Trigger Warnings: Death, Child Death, Alcoholism, Cancer, Death of a Parent, Suicide