Shakespeare, Nicholas: *1957

Secrets of the Sea, 2007 - Information about the Book

General Information | Facts | Author | Commentary | Articles

General Information
- Good for Discussing:
  Human Interaction with Nature
  Gender Roles
  Interplay Between Myth and Human Emotion
- Following the death of his parents in a car crash, eleven-year-old Alex Dove is torn from his life on a remote farm in Tasmania and sent to school in England. See Summary.
- Nicholas Shakespeare’s inspiration for writing “Secrets of the Sea.”
  
  The story, set in the fictional Tasmanian town of Wellington Point, reflects Shakespeare’s deep connection to Tasmania. Shakespeare divides his time between Oxford and Tasmania, and his familiarity with the island's landscapes and communities is evident in the novel's vivid setting and portrayal of local life.
Facts
- Awards: The book did not win any major literary awards.
- Topics
  
  Tragedy and Loss
  The main characters Alex Dove and Merridy Bowman have both experienced profound tragedy - Alex's parents died in a car accident when he was a child, and Merridy's brother Hector disappeared mysteriously as a child. Their shared experiences of loss bring them together initially.
  Love and Marriage
  After returning to Tasmania as an adult, Alex meets and falls in love with Merridy. They marry and attempt to build a new life together on Alex's family farm, working the land and starting an oyster business. However, their inability to have children strains their relationship.
  
  Isolation and Community
  The novel explores the dynamics of small-town island life in the remote Wellington Point, where Alex and Merridy become part of an eccentric but tightly-knit community. Their isolation is disrupted by the arrival of a troubled teenage castaway named Kish.
  
  Resilience and Healing
  Despite the tragedies in their pasts, Alex and Merridy strive to heal and find fulfillment through their marriage, work, and compassion towards Kish. The novel examines how they confront challenges to preserve their fragile happiness.
  
  In summary, "Secrets of the Sea" is a poignant story about overcoming grief, the complexities of love and marriage, and the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of Tasmania's rugged coastal landscape.
- General Perception
  
  The novel is praised for its vivid depiction of a small Tasmanian town, capturing the essence of its landscape and community. Readers often highlight the atmospheric and immersive quality of the setting, which adds depth to the story.
  Shakespeare's writing style is described as lyrical and evocative, contributing to the novel's overall appeal. However, some readers find the pacing to be slow at times, which can affect the engagement with the story.
  
  Opinions on the plot are mixed. While some readers appreciate the intricate unfolding of secrets and the gradual revelation of the characters' histories, others feel that the plot meanders and lacks a strong driving force.
  
  Critics have generally responded positively to the novel, noting its literary qualities and Shakespeare's skill in crafting a richly detailed narrative. The novel has been praised for its introspective and contemplative nature.
  
  "Secrets of the Sea" is often regarded as a thoughtful and evocative read that appeals to those who enjoy character-driven stories and atmospheric settings. Its appeal may vary depending on readers' preferences for pacing and plot dynamics.
  
  In summary, "Secrets of the Sea" is appreciated for its setting, character development, and thematic depth, though its pacing and plot may not suit all readers.
- Reader Rating:
Author
- Nicholas Shakespeare ... Host: Hajo Steinert. SwissEduc. Zurich, Switzerland; September 26, 2007
  - says how he came to write "Secrets of the Sea".
  - talks about love in literature and Meredy and Alex.
  - says that passion has to be earned.
  - talks about the significance of oysters and what the book is about.
- Nicholas Shakespeare answers questions about "Secrets of the Sea". Host: Hans Fischer. SwissEduc. Zurich, Switzerland; September 26, 2007
Commentary
- "Secrets of the Sea" by Shakespeare could be imagined as an intricate exploration of human ambition, love, and the inexorable forces of nature. True to Shakespearean style, the novel might weave together elements of drama, intrigue, and moral conflict, set against a backdrop of tempestuous seas symbolizing the unpredictability of life.
  The sea could serve as both a literal and metaphorical character, embodying the duality of beauty and danger, freedom and isolation. Through richly drawn characters, Shakespeare would likely delve into themes of betrayal, redemption, and the pursuit of truth. The dialogue, laced with poetic eloquence, would reveal the inner struggles of protagonists caught in the waves of fate.
  
  Shakespeare might juxtapose the vast, untamed ocean with the intimate struggles of human relationships, emphasizing humanity's smallness in the face of nature's grandeur. Ultimately, "Secrets of the Sea" could be interpreted as a timeless meditation on the resilience of the human spirit, a story as profound and infinite as the ocean itself.
Articles: General Information | Detailed/Scholarly Information
- General Information:
- Review: "The article gives a concise plot summary and general evaluation but offers little in-depth analysis." Kirkus Reviews; June 24, 2008
- The Guardian: "The review gives a reasonably clear sense of the novel’s themes and setting but doesn’t deeply analyse its literary qualities." The Guardian; August 11, 2007
- Boiling tension at water's edge: "The review gives a clear, descriptive summary, outlining setting, plot arcs and key narrative developments while offering some critique of pacing and structure." Los Angeles Times; July 29, 2008
- Detailed/Scholarly Information:
- The Age: "The article is a detailed, thoughtful review that analyzes the book's plot, characters, themes of loss and isolation, atmospheric Tasmanian setting, and literary strengths/weaknesses with insightful critique and specific examples." September 4, 2007