I don’t think I have ever read a book that felt so claustrophobic, which is ironic because a beach is one of the most open places imaginable. The ominous, titular wave is what causes the tense foreboding feeling, and it is the perfect counterpoint to the characters’ journeys.
The story unfolds through the points of view of seven characters, as well as comments from social media and Facebook posts. The rhythm set by this constant rotation invoked waves to me. After the first iteration, I knew how the rise and fall of the action would proceed. It was a great technique that helped create the mood of the story.
I liked how the author related the same events in each wave (section) of the story, but from each person’s point of view. It gave the reader more depth of character and a better understanding of the overall picture. I also think that the looming disaster was a compelling catalyst for the characters to make amends, however they could. Each of them had their secrets or struggles that they felt needed to be resolved, and following each through the other characters’ actions was fascinating.
I did think that a few of the moments seemed forced and overdone, but then again, these people were on a beach, basically having made their decisions to die on their terms. So, maybe they were entitled to over-react and have a few dramatic moments. With that said, I am not sure that I really connected to any of them.
I thought Poppy’s backstory was the most interesting. However, it felt incomplete as most of it was in a thought-dump towards the end. I suppose I related to Margaret most, only because of her age. And I would have actually liked to have more of Shelley’s journey because I think she had the farthest to travel (but I’m glad she got there).
It is worth noting that I also was unsure if the wave was going to hit at the end. There were a few times where I felt that these people were having their last confessionals and making decisions and that the wave wasn’t going to hit, leaving them to face the decisions of the night.
I’m not going to tell you if I was right about that or not.
Ultimately a thought-provoking look at what’s important in the face of impending doom, I rode this wave to the end and would highly recommend it.
About Virginia Moffatt
Virginia Moffatt was born in London, one of eight children, several of whom are writers. ‘The Wave’ is her second novel. Her previous publications are ‘Echo Hall’ (Unbound) and ‘Rapture and what comes after’ (Flash fiction collection published by Gumbo Press). She also writes non-fiction. Virginia is married to Chris Cole, Director of Drone Wars UK. They have two daughters at University and a son still living with them in Oxford.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiamoffattauthor/
Website: https://virginiamoffattwriter.wordpress.com/
