Only the Ocean - Natasha Carthew

Only the Ocean - Natasha Carthew

A post just from me today... I generally don't read YA books during term time as I always have my book on my desk and it can get tricky when the class want to know what I'm reading, so it was perfect timing when this book landed at the beginning of half-term!  O is venturing into YA so the chance for me to delve into this one first was too good an opportunity to miss.

Set in a dystopian Cornwall, Only the Ocean tells the story of Kel who is desperate to head to America for an operation on her heart so she can carve out a new life for herself (as the book progresses, you learn more of her home-life and the abuse to which she has been subjected). In order to escape the clutches of her swamper family, she embarks on a mission to kidnap Rose, a girl from the towers whose father captains the ship she has stowed away on.  However, things don't quite go according to plan, and both girls, along with Kel's baby, end up lost at sea, desperate to find a way to survive.

It's true that the writing, especially at the start of the book, is different; however, I can’t help but feel that the lack of punctuation helps to create Kel's character. The first few chapters are largely narrative and I feel are a reflection in the girl Kel is at that time (rather lost but determined to change).  It makes it trickier to read at times but it works and is worth persevering with.

This is a gritty, compelling book of loneliness and resilience. Kel is desperate and determined to do whatever she can to change her life. Her initial desire to head to America becomes secondary to her once she, Rose and the baby are adrift at sea, which is where the bulk of the story unfolds.  And the sea itself plays a very strong role in the novel ... indeed, it's a key character in the book, determining the future for Kel, Rose and the baby.

This is an interesting book with a unique style of writing.  I enjoyed dipping into something different and think it will be interesting to see what O thinks once he's read it.

Would I recommend it?  Yes, but definitely as a book for ages 13 upwards.

‘It wasn't about being rescued, it was about rescuing yourself.’