A Wreck of Seabirds by Australian author Karleah Olson is a captivating debut fiction novel of hope and survival.
Ren finds himself back in the small coastal town where he grew up with his family. Ren left when he was a teenager with his mum after his brother Sam died. With obligation, he’s returned to look after his dying father but feels trapped within the memories of his childhood — especially those with Sam.
Briony is in limbo not wanting to leave town. She hasn’t lost hope that one day her missing sister Sarah will return. She feels as though she is the only one who hasn’t given up hope and won’t admit that she may never see her again. Little does she know, Sarah and her friend Aria are trapped on Wreck Island far off the coast in an old research station trying to survive without anyone knowing where they are.
From the very first page, the author pulls the reader into the story. There were many thought-provoking revelations in the plot that kept me completely absorbed. The storyline switches between The Shore, The Shallows, and The Deep with twisty turns that are dark, beautiful and devastating weaving between past and present. I liked how the author didn’t rush the story but took her time to make the book a gripping and engaging read.
This is a completely character-driven novel revealing the complexities of each slowly and thoughtfully. The reader can get to know Briony, Ren, Sarah and Aria intimately as their inner thoughts, fears, and desires are revealed. I found myself emotionally invested in the souls of Ren and Briony. I became their cheering crowd throughout the book as I wanted their suffering to end.
The atmospheric touches are a particular highlight, painting the scene for us as if we are there to experience every part of the coastline landscape. You can hear the waves crash and smell the sea breeze with the sand under your feet. It was quite captivating.
I cannot stop looking at the cover because every element works so perfectly together to create such a specific atmosphere and setting. The illustration with this title packs so much emotion, you can feel the energy and movement within it. It’s a well-crafted cover.
A Wreck of Seabirds is an unflinching look at the complicatedness of life, written with a sincerity that can only come from those who live it every day. Olson has crafted a book that doesn’t shy away from the tough topics of loss, grief, emotionally trapped and isolation. Yet, the story is never bleak. Instead, it is filled with moments of hope, healing, and the powerful reminder that change can start with the smallest act of kindness.
I highly recommend this book to young adults and adults alike.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club members are reading A Wreck of Seabirds by Karleah Olson. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
My love of books started at a very young age. My mum has always been a reader and encouraged me to read, buying me endless book from classic fairy tales advancing to the world of Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, Louisa May Alcott, Kathryn Kenny, Carolyn Keene, Francine Pascal. In my adult years the list of authors is endless and every room in my house is filled with books.
One of my favourite novels is Narnia which has always has a special place in my heart. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1978 and when I was given this book to read it let me escape to another world where I felt like I was in the book with all the characters, it wasfun and exciting to escape from reality and eased the ups and downs of the disease at such a young age.
In books nothing is impossible and there is endless potential and hundreds of places to explore or being taken to places that are only made up from the authors’ great minds, the past and future to navigate, characters lives you step into taking you on an emotional rollercoaster ride or being scared out of your wits. I can experience things that I can’t in real life because they’re not possible or real. It challenges my perspective and mindset expanding my worldview.
I find joy, comfort and peace with books, many people may not get it, but I know bookworms like me truly understand. Reading makes my heart happy.
A Wreck Of Seabirds by Karleah Olson is a story written in a different way. The chapters are between one and four pages long. This actually made the story easy to read and flow well, with different layered stories.
This is the story of Briony and Ren who are both trying to deal with grief in their hometown. Briony’s sister went missing and Ren’s brother drowned in the waters of the bay. Ren’s father is now dying and he’s home to care for him. Ren and Briony meet on the beach and have their past in common, but can they help each other now? We are also told the story of Briony’s sister Sarah and what happens with her. All of these people are trapped in different ways connected by the town.
It is interesting to see the story unfold in different timelines including the connections that bind. These are quite extreme stories, but the reactions are normal and make everything seem as it could be.
A really atmospheric novel with stories to tell and lessons to learn.
Wow! Such a fascinating novel. I loved this unique book about the past and present lives of Briony and Ren, and their respective families.
Briony and Ren are both so sad, due to their past family losses and current circumstances (Briony’s missing sister, and Ren’s dying dad). Readers learn about their heart-breaking stories through flashbacks to years gone by.
It’s an intriguing, emotive tale, well-written, clever and mysterious.
I would recommend this novel in a heart-beat!
This is a debut novel by Karleah and whilst reading, I was just wanting to know the mystery of the disappearance of some girls from a small coastline place.
The story revolves around Ren & Briony where Briony has a missing sister, and Ren has had sadness in losing his younger brother Sam and deals with looking after his dad who is dying.
There are 2 different headings throughout the book, and each has the different characters above in them. Headings like The Deep, The Shore and The Shallows. For each chapter under the heading, majority of pages are between 2 & 4 so it’s perfect if you must put the book down for whatever reason.
Under one heading, it follows the past with each character.
The beautiful cover is inviting to the eyes.
This is a story of grief and loss, friendships, secrets, I found myself intrigued with the storyline and just wanting to keep reading to unravel what would happen especially with two characters of Sarah & Aria. Would they ever be found especially when no one knew where they had ventured to? I enjoyed mostly reading about them and how they would survive.
It is an interesting novel but I think this book would absolutely interest younger adult readers.
Thank you to Beauty & Lace and Freemantle Press for giving me the chance to read such an intriging book.