Past the Shallows

Starred review from February 10, 2014
Australian newcomer Parrett’s remarkable debut examines the bleak life of a broken family in Tasmania, in spare, unflinching prose. Traumatized by their mother’s tragic and early death, three brothers struggle as their father tries to eke out a living from the sea. The focus is on Harry, the youngest brother, a guileless boy of seven who fears the water but loves to collect the flotsam and jetsam on the beach. Miles, the middle son, is envious of his older brother Joe’s independence and burdened by his difficult father’s need for help fishing, as well as by the responsibility of taking care of Harry. But even during the dark times when the father and his business partner are abusive to the boys, there are bright moments: Harry finds solace in a dog belonging to a strange but kind local outcast. Miles finds release in the exhilaration of surfboarding. And despite the desolate surroundings and depressing circumstances, a better life is within reach for these boys.