The Boy from the Sea

by Garrett Carr
The Boy from the Sea cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £16.99
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Format • £16.14
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Technical
  • ID: 3657
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780593802885
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-05-13
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

In the 1970s and 80s, a mysterious baby boy is found on the shores of a small Irish fishing village, captivating the locals with his presence. The Bonnar family, led by fisherman Ambrose, takes him in, naming him Brendan. As Brendan grows, his strange yet magnetic personality disrupts the family and the entire town, especially as the pressures of modern fishing and global economics threaten their traditional way of life. /n/n Brendan's relationship with his adopted brother Declan is fraught with tension, while Ambrose struggles to balance his family's needs with the demands of his dangerous work at sea. The novel beautifully captures the interplay between family bonds, community, and the inexorable forces of change, all while unraveling the mystery of Brendan's origins.

Reviews
The Paperback Psychologist · 2025-03-31
intimate 4.75

The book is praised as a marvel, offering an intimate tale of a family and a small rural community. The reviewer appreciates the deep psychological insights and the vivid portrayal of life in a fishing village.

The reviewer describes the book as a marvel, highlighting its intimate portrayal of a family and a small rural community. Set in a fishing village on the west coast of Ireland, the novel offers deep psychological insights and a vivid depiction of life in such a setting. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the author's ability to capture the nuances of the characters and their relationships, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The book is a marvel, an intimate tale of a family and small rural community

    a psychological portrait of Brendan Bonnar

    The Boy From The Sea

Libro Fulltime · 2025-03-03
tender 4.50

The reviewer was captivated by the vivid adventure at sea and the tender scenes of care, which kept them eagerly reading. The book's emotional depth and vivid descriptions stood out.

The reviewer found themselves completely immersed in the story, particularly the vivid adventure at sea. The scenes of care and tenderness were beautifully written, adding a layer of emotional depth that made the book hard to put down. They appreciated the vivid descriptions and the way the author brought the setting to life. Overall, the reviewer was deeply moved by the narrative and the emotional journey it took them on.

Quick quotes

    There are also beautiful, tender scenes of care and caring

    a very vivid adventure at sea that had me frantically reading

    sure I knew what was going to happen next, but I couldn't stop reading

The Guardian · 2025-02-07
warm-hearted 4.00

The novel is described as a surprising, tender, and warm-hearted tale set in a real place with real people. It is seen as a gentle gift for spring.

The reviewer highlights the novel's surprising and tender nature, praising its warm-hearted storytelling. Set in a real place with real people, the book is seen as a gentle and heartwarming read, perfect for spring. The reviewer appreciates the authenticity and emotional resonance of the story, making it a memorable and touching experience. The novel's ability to capture the essence of its setting and characters is particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    This is a surprising, tender and warm-hearted novel

    a gentle gift for spring

    a real place and real people

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