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Past the Shallows

By Favel Parrett
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett is a poignant story set in Tasmania, exploring the lives of three young brothers growing up in a coastal town. As they contend with challenging family dynamics and the harshness of their surroundings, the novel delves into themes of brotherhood, loss, and resilience. The bond between the brothers is central to their navigation of a turbulent childhood against the backdrop of a rugged, unforgiving landscape.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to stories of family dynamics set against a stark, natural backdrop. This poignant novel offers a moving portrayal of brotherhood, set in the beautifully harsh environment of a remote Tasmanian fishing community. Its evocative prose and exploration of themes like loss, resilience, and the innocence of youth will resonate with those who appreciate character-driven narratives full of emotional depth.

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Hauntingly beautiful and told with an elegant simplicity, this is the story of two brothers growing up in a fractured family on the wild Tasmanian coast. The consequences of their parents' choices shape their lives and ultimately bring tragedy to them all.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Harry and Miles live with their father, an abalone fisherman, on the south-east coast of Tasmania. With their mum dead, they are left to look after themselves. When Miles isn't helping out on the boat, they explore the coast, and Miles and his older brother, Joe, love to surf. Harry is afraid of the water.

Every day, their dad battles the unpredictable ocean to make a living. He is a hard man, a bitter drinker who harbours a devastating secret that is destroying him. Unlike Joe, Harry and Miles are too young to leave home and so are forced to live under the dark cloud of their father's mood, trying to stay as invisible as possible whenever he is home.

Harry, the youngest, is the most vulnerable, and it seems he bears the brunt of his father's anger.

Past the Shallows is an evocative exploration of family dynamics, personal growth, and the struggles of navigating life's unpredictable waters.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett is praised for its emotionally moving narrative and beautifully crafted prose. Kevin Powers appreciates it as a debut novel rich in psychological drama and mystery, enriched by the Tasmanian setting. Australian Woman's Weekly highlights Parrett's profound connection to the landscape, while The Age and The Guardian commend its emotional depth and poignant tragedy. Marie Claire likens Parrett's style to Cormac McCarthy's, noting its stark but powerful impact.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780733630491

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 February 2013

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hachette Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 195.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 320

Collections

Favel Parrett Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction

About the Author

Favel Parrett is a Victorian writer who loves to surf in the Southern Ocean. She was a recipient of an Australian Society of Authors Mentorship in 2009 and has had a number of short stories published in journals including Island and Wet Ink. PAST THE SHALLOWS is her first novel. She has a passion for travel, especially to Africa and Bhutan, and in her spare time she volunteers at an animal rescue shelter.

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