whatzoreads 's review for:

The Boy from the Sea by Garrett Carr

4.25

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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In a tight knit but tired fishing community in Donegal a baby boy washes up in a barrel. Ambrose and Christine Bonnar name him Brendan, and raise him alongside their aggrieved biological son, Declan; but Brendan is restless on land constantly trying to find his place in the world, and within his adopted family, whilst the rest of the community look towards this captivating boy for answers. A multi-layered mesmeric story of twisted fates, identity, love and rivalry, of ordinary lives made extraordinary, set in Ireland during the 70s and 80s. 

This is a book that is beautifully written, full of heart, and the warm humour of Donegal. The story waxes and wanes with the tides of the The Bonnar family, which is not smooth sailing, and Carr makes many keen observations about hardship and grief that had me highlighting entire passages. Carr’s tender writing made it feel like I was reading about real people with an attention to authenticity that brought a real place to life. I know that I will think often of the Bonnar family long after finishing this book.