Title: Flat Water
Author: Jeremy Broyles
Genre: Fiction; Literary
Book Length: 215 Pages (print)
Book Version Read: Paperback
Year Published: September 5, 2023
Date Started: May 6, 2024
Date finished: May 10, 2024
This eloquent story tells the story of Monty Marinnis, a man haunted by the tragic loss of his brother in a shark attack while surfing during their childhood. The incident, where his brother sacrificed himself to save Monty, left an unforgettable mark on him. When Monty’s sister extends an invitation to her wedding back in his childhood home in California, it stirs up a flood of memories he’d long suppressed. Among them are recollection of an abusive father who was absent from their lives.
I found this story deeply moving. It explored themes of pain, sorrow, and the journey towards acceptance in the face of loss. Despite Monty being an adult, living in the mid-west with his wife, the weight of memories never seems to fade. Confronting them proves just as challenging. The story delves into Monty’s strained relationship with his wife (who was patient with him and did her best to support and help him whenever he needed it) as well as his desire to reconcile with his father. There were moments where it felt as though Monty would come through, but then he’d fall right back into this dark place that only he could work himself out of. This poignant story is a reminder of the inherent unfairness of life’s twists and turns.
Who should read this book: This would be an excellent read for anyone who enjoys a captivating literary story about family, love, and loss.
From My Corner of the Universe 
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