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mshusky 's review for:

From a Low and Quiet Sea by Donal Ryan
4.75
dark emotional sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Three stories, one of guilt and grief, Farouk - a refugee from Syria;  one of desolation and anger from Lampey, an Irish man in his 20s; and the last  John, who you realize is confessing his remorse and guilt over the sins of his lifetime .  

The anguished, searing prose (especially of Farouk) pulls you into this astounding novel.   The lives have a connection that is revealed in the last few pages.    

The tonal shifts between the stories can be disquieting.  Farouk is articulate, and very self aware. Lampy is angry, terse and only has moments of instrospection.  John is relective, unstinting in his confession, in his recognition of the many wrongs he committed (although also prideful in how he would manipulate people), yet not recognising the impact on his pyche of his childhood grief.