rachelchloe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
naish's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-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
3.75
bridiemorgan's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to read this book because I saw the trailer for the movie and I thought it looked really good plus I'd never read a Tim Winton novel before and thought I'd start here.
I thought it was a really beautiful and raw book. It wasn't just about two young surfers learning the ins and outs of surf culture from their mentor Sando but rather about human emotion and all that comes with it, whether that be extreme bitterness, young naive lust, being impressionable or feeling the need to live to extreme.
I loved the way Winton made me feel like I was watching them from the shore, my heart pounding waiting for the waves to wreak havoc. The descriptions of the water, the surf and the feelings while surfing where so lovely I lapped them up. I felt like I was a passerby to Sawyer, spying on everyone because the writing style placed me there with them all.
In terms of narrative, I really had no idea where it would go. I was a little shocked by the last fourth of the book I'd say. Some people have a problem with it, I don't. It was odd but I think it fits - it shows two people lost and confused and bitter and angry trying to fit together in a place they can't anymore. Just as the surfers push themselves to the extreme, I think Winton pushed the plot to the extreme and I don't mind that.
I'm very excited to see the movie now, I've pictured everything in my head and hope it lines up!
I thought it was a really beautiful and raw book. It wasn't just about two young surfers learning the ins and outs of surf culture from their mentor Sando but rather about human emotion and all that comes with it, whether that be extreme bitterness, young naive lust, being impressionable or feeling the need to live to extreme.
I loved the way Winton made me feel like I was watching them from the shore, my heart pounding waiting for the waves to wreak havoc. The descriptions of the water, the surf and the feelings while surfing where so lovely I lapped them up. I felt like I was a passerby to Sawyer, spying on everyone because the writing style placed me there with them all.
In terms of narrative, I really had no idea where it would go. I was a little shocked by the last fourth of the book I'd say. Some people have a problem with it, I don't. It was odd but I think it fits - it shows two people lost and confused and bitter and angry trying to fit together in a place they can't anymore. Just as the surfers push themselves to the extreme, I think Winton pushed the plot to the extreme and I don't mind that.
I'm very excited to see the movie now, I've pictured everything in my head and hope it lines up!
starness's review against another edition
4.0
They say only a surfer knows the feeling and you can tell by the writing that Tim Winton knows the intricacies of the ocean intimately, his depth of knowledge of the water is breathtaking the writing sharp and surreal with a natural flow. He really transports you making you feel like the words are washing over you. I loved this simple story of young grommet ‘Pikelet’ searching for a way to mark himself different from the mundanity of his small town life to make his life less ordinary and the one place he feels like he achieves this is in the wild unpredictable terrain of the ocean. Abit of a healthy rivalry ensues with his daring and fearless best mate Loonie and a mentor who pushes the boys to their limits and beyond testing their friendship and upping the stakes. I really enjoy and appreciate the distinct style in which Tim Winton writes you always know it’s going to be a good yarn, the story is nostalgic and makes you feel a little bit homesick for those long carefree Aussie summer days of youth. The story didn’t exactly go where I was expecting, besides a few questionable moments the story was engaging even though a great portion of the book revolves around surfing culture and goes into a lot of detail of the sport itself.
ethansreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
chloemadgwick's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
zoli's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-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
3.75
souppiggy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book becomes unexpectedly dark and confronting. I like the exploration of the teenage experience, especially the distancing of childhood friendships.
elnell's review against another edition
reflective
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
3.5
madelinekelly's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse