Seagull's Bay

This is a very well-written story about a man, Nicholas Bowman, who literally comes apart during a summer vacation as he realizes things about himself and his family that he has either ignored or suppressed for a long time.  Throughout, we meet complicated characters who surprise, entice, disgust, and wow us with their personalities.  It is so riveting, even through very rough chapters, that the reader is propelled to read the next chapter.  It is not your 'feel good' or happily-ever-after story, but is one filled with hope and fueled by love. 

Seagull’s Bay is a unique look at one man’s journey of discovering his true self. Admittedly, the first several chapters contain some seriously disturbing events. So much so, some readers might be tempted to read no further. Don’t be deterred, though, as in the last few chapters, the audience is gifted with details of an intriguing, well-thought-out psychological mystery. If one pays close attention, there might be small snippets of clues about what’s to come and who was involved. As for the characters, one might say most of them are complicated. The best advice would be to reserve judgment, as once history is revealed, their choices and predilections explain how they’ve become who they are.

“Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.”
― Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

It is not the first time I find analogies between @CasualWanderer82contemporary literature and everlasting classics. Taking us for a ride through the deepness of human mind, author builds this magnificent novel of disappointment, anger, domination, love and hate. 

Every character has his own mask and, till the very end of the story, reader, as the main protagonist himself, is wandering in fog, unable to distinguish the truth around him...

Dark story, very rough occasionally, with powerful descriptions of dominance, desperation and anger... But not everything is dark - with his unique, poetic style @CasualWanderer82 paints some of the most beautiful and epic love scenes. 

This might not be story for everyone, but everyone should read it. It is not an easy joy; its serious deepness gets the proportions of Greek Tragedy and makes readers' brain work in high speed. 

As author himself call the ending not happy but hopeful, I'll conclude this Review quoting the great Dostoevsky once again:

“You will burn and you will burn out; you will be healed and come back again.”
― Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

Read this.

The story is layered and twisted without being convoluted. The characters are unique, distinct, and each and every one of them is flawed in some say. Woven together as they are, you’ll expect the author to lead you in one direction, yet you’ll find yourself taking an unexpected turn that somehow makes sense.

You’ll smolder. You’ll rage. You’ll clutch your pearls the entire effing time. And, if you’re like me, you’ll read it more than once, returning to previous chapters, knowing what you know now, and appreciating the details you missed the first time.

Like I said: read this. You won’t be disappointed.