A review by augureader
The Secrets at Ocean's Edge by Kali Napier

challenging mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

This book is an incredibly slow-paced story set in 1932 about a family who abandon their failed wheat farm and relocate to the coastal town of Dongara in Western Australia. For me, none of the characters were particularly likeable or endearing, least of all Mum and Dad, Lily and Ernie. The glacial meandering pace took me a LONG TIME to get into (I picked this book up a few times over the last year and, upon re/reading the first 15 pages, didn't pique enough interest to continue). It got better when I had a good chunk of time to spend on it, rather than simply trying to read a couple of pages here and there. The descriptions were quite engaging, and I did get a feel for the town and the life of the time, but that was about the only thing keeping me going. Personally, I felt the "revelations" took a bit too long to get to with not enough hook, and weren't seen through well enough. I also had a few questions after the end, which I didn't enjoy. I think this could have used a bit of editing (and <i>condensing</i>) in the first 300-350 pages and a bit more padding out in the last 50 - 100 pages, as things just came out of nowhere and fizzed out way too quickly.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to take a historical walk through small towns in Australia and enjoys small town dynamics/gossip.