A review by swept_up_in_books
Ocean State by Stewart O'Nan

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ocean State is definitely a book I should’ve picked up a long time ago. It is a classic ‘whydunnit?’ and at a mere 226 pages packs a punch. 

There are so many aspects to this story and my attention didn’t waver once. I was so caught up in the Oliviera family who were all flawed in their own ways but intensely loyal to each other. Their dynamic was messy but also felt realistic. 

The portrayal of young love and the devastation it can cause was written with beauty but such a dark undertone. The feelings of both Angel and Birdie were palpable. Knowing it was going to end with tragedy, I found myself wanting to scream into the book and will them to see beyond the toxic emotions. 

I highly recommend this book and cannot believe I didn’t read it sooner.