The Broken Wave (Matthew Ryan Davies, Macmillan)

In 1992, 12-year-old Andrew moves from the US to the coastal town of Queenscliff, Australia, with his mother and stepdad. That summer, he meets Tom, an easygoing Aussie boy who nicknames him Drew. The boys forge a strong bond, but their friendship is interrupted when Drew returns to the US following a traumatic event in Queenscliff. Almost three decades later, Drew’s return to Australia for his friend’s funeral forces him to confront his long-suppressed trauma. The Broken Wave is the third novel by Mathew Ryan Davies, and it explores the depths of human emotion in a narrative that shifts between past and present. The writing excels in depicting Drew and Tom’s unforgettable summer adventures, delving into Drew’s inner struggles as an adult, and vividly depicting the seaside town of Queenscliff. The Broken Wave is a profound examination of men’s emotions, representing difficult topics such as PTSD, grief, suicide, postnatal depression and psychosis, and childhood trauma. These complex subjects are not thrust upon the reader; instead, Davies skilfully allows the characters to express them with dexterity and cadence. The Broken Wave asks readers to look at what lies beyond the surface with empathy. The book alternates between celebrating boyhood and friendship and exploring the profound influence of emotions and memory on an individual’s development. Those who enjoy Craig Silvey, Trent Dalton and Richard Flanagan’s books will find much to think about here.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Ana Brawls is a librarian, reviewer and emerging writer originally from Brazil. Her work has been published in Australia and abroad. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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