Beyond the Sea

This haunting tale of survival and redemption certainly leaves a powerful impression as the author Paul Lynch looks at some of the fundamental elements of the human condition and consciousness. This is a survival story of both a physical and metaphysical kind as two men facing death must confront not only the challenges of the natural world but also those emanating from their relationship with each other. 

The story concerns the plight of two fishermen Bolivar and Hector who having left their South American village find themselves stranded in the Pacific Ocean after encountering a violent storm. Against the constant backdrop of the rolling waves and the monotony of each day the story narrates both the physical and mental hardships that they must endure to survive. Days turn to weeks, weeks turn to months as both men become more self aware of themselves as they dissect the shortcomings and regrets found in their past lives. The paramount question is of course will they survive? and towards the end this becomes a truly heart wrenching read.

Profound, imaginative, lyrical and beautifully written this is a book that will I believe be long remembered after completion.

"Beyond the Sea"  introduces us to Bolivar and Hector during a punishing voyage of endurance, on which they experience an unexpected metamorphosis and extreme mindfulness that will immerse your core and wring it dry.

These two South American fishermen flounder on an endless swell of resistance and surrender, its briny depths summoning countless trials to fluster their souls. 

Settling into the erratic rhythm of an unwelcome reality, their already strained relationship is further distressed by overexposure to the elements and each other’s company. 

Proving to be both merciless and charitable, the ocean becomes a rolling, heaving crossing to self-illumination, with mellow narration perfectly complementing its profound undertow. I can only compare it to a veteran storyteller calmly sharing a deeply affecting account with a hopeful audience of one.

An intense story of how it is to be every kind of lost, and what it takes to find yourself again.

This review is based on an advance copy of Beyond the Sea provided with thanks from the author, Netgalley and Oneworld publications. 

Sometimes a book stands out and arrives at the moment that you need it. When I began reading Beyond the Sea I was immediately transported into the world of Bolivar, a Fisherman and his panga boat Camille. Hector joins the South American fisherman and together they face the challenge of survival. But it isn't only about survival it is an exploration of what it means to be human. It is choices and consequences, thoughts and actions, reality and the hallucinations we create to make meaning. 

Paul Lynch weaves words in a way that mesmerises and I was in awe of the way each sentence held its place in this richly woven epic sea adventure. Its simplicity and brevity rich in detail, with writing that captures the movement of the sea. Starting first in the small village where we explore the ordinary world of Bolivar, the fishing village, rich with vivd imagery. Getting to know Bolivar a simple fisherman was like meeting a new friend, with wisdom that resonated and thoughts that caused me to reflect on life, its meaning and its meaning for Bolivar. Hector added a new dimension and their interchange and exploration was both pleasant and haunting. Then the sea and the way it came to life swallowing everything in its path, and its challenges even in stillness. 

"How an hour becomes a life." 

Beyond the Sea is one of those special stories that sit with you long after you put the book down.