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Against the Tide
It's July 1939 and even though Poland is trapped between Adolph Hitler and Uncle Joe Stalin, everyone hopes war can be avoided. On the island of Jersey, 18 year old Jack Renouf is forbidden from associating with his own Uncle Fred because of his dangerous Communist views and salacious liaison with his Spanish mistress. Caught in his own velvet trap between outrageous Caroline and secretive Rachel, Jack doesn't pay too much attention to international affairs especially during this glorious summer when, despite the darkening horizon, everyone is in holiday mood. In his final days at school, Jack is focused on breaking the one minute barrier for the 100 yards freestyle so that he can get into the British swimming team for the 1940 Helsinki Olympics. Desperate for those last few seconds, he listens to Miko, an enigmatic Jewish refugee who works as a waiter in a local hotel but claims to have trained the Romanian water polo team for the Berlin Olympics. He persuades Jack to try some new techniques, which he promises will bring him success. But everyone else at the swimming club is suspicious of Miko. An arrogant Dutchman on holiday in the island bullies Jack during a water polo match and his carefully constructed sang froid boils away as he retaliates viciously and has to suffer the disciplinary consequences. Suddenly, Jack is in conflict with everyone and his well-ordered life spins away as he is sucked into a conspiracy involving the island's government, smuggled industrial diamonds, and two ruthless mercenaries seeking to retrieve them at any cost.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2012
11 people are currently reading
1809 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 22, 2013
"Against The Tide" by John F. Hanley is an amazing piece of literature that was my reading highlight of some time.
Set on the small island of Jersey between France and Britain in 1939 it paints an authentic and amazing picture of Europe and the World before the outbreak of the war.
Jewish refugees from Romania, a Dutch businessman, people with communist leanings, British fascists and a lot more characters crowd this story and make it a colourful and engaging read.
Jack, our protagonist, is part of a water polo team where he clashes with Dutchman Rudi Kohler, who seems to catch the eye of Jack's girlfriend Caroline. Jack toys with the idea of going with Rachel instead. Besides this personal rivalry there are political and economical uncertainties that create further tension in the powder box that is Jersey. Torn between the horrors of Franco and Stalin all of the characters have their own ideas and agendas: communists, Jews, Fascists, businessmen and bankers.
The balance between historical facts and personal tragedy is well kept and ensures we never lose interest, the times bring out the best or the worst in everyone while the world seems to hang in balance waiting to spin of its axis.
I have read my share of books set in the times and I found "Against The Tide" particularly well crafted in its portrayal of the times and its characterisation.
This is as close to six stars as you can get. Very well done and highly recommended.
Set on the small island of Jersey between France and Britain in 1939 it paints an authentic and amazing picture of Europe and the World before the outbreak of the war.
Jewish refugees from Romania, a Dutch businessman, people with communist leanings, British fascists and a lot more characters crowd this story and make it a colourful and engaging read.
Jack, our protagonist, is part of a water polo team where he clashes with Dutchman Rudi Kohler, who seems to catch the eye of Jack's girlfriend Caroline. Jack toys with the idea of going with Rachel instead. Besides this personal rivalry there are political and economical uncertainties that create further tension in the powder box that is Jersey. Torn between the horrors of Franco and Stalin all of the characters have their own ideas and agendas: communists, Jews, Fascists, businessmen and bankers.
The balance between historical facts and personal tragedy is well kept and ensures we never lose interest, the times bring out the best or the worst in everyone while the world seems to hang in balance waiting to spin of its axis.
I have read my share of books set in the times and I found "Against The Tide" particularly well crafted in its portrayal of the times and its characterisation.
This is as close to six stars as you can get. Very well done and highly recommended.
December 28, 2012
In Against the Tide we are transported to the island of Jersey, between England and France, just before the start of WWII, where we meet 18 year old Jack Renauf. We see Jack play water polo, get into trouble at school, his mess of a love life, his relationship with his family, and the dangers of getting involved with his Communist uncle. There is just such a mix in this book. Sports, politics, relationships, emotions, secrets, action, danger. I am interested to see where this series goes from here. I stopped by John F. Hanley's website and there are some great pictures of various locations in the book. Read this if you like an exciting book with wonderfully drawn characters. An interest in Shakespeare is a plus. :)
July 30, 2025
I'm not bold enough to review my own book but here's one that I think sums it up rather neatly and was posted on Amazon USA with a five star rating.
'This book is a rich soufflé of young love, war, sport, greed and friendship.
On the outside it's a thriller with races, boat-chases, shootings, spies, and a roller-coaster-ride ending.
On the inside it's a touching coming-of-age story that has resonated with me days after finishing this book. Wow.
Made me remember what it was like to be young in the summer and made me want to buy a motorcycle. What an ending!'
by W.Kent Sligh
'This book is a rich soufflé of young love, war, sport, greed and friendship.
On the outside it's a thriller with races, boat-chases, shootings, spies, and a roller-coaster-ride ending.
On the inside it's a touching coming-of-age story that has resonated with me days after finishing this book. Wow.
Made me remember what it was like to be young in the summer and made me want to buy a motorcycle. What an ending!'
by W.Kent Sligh
August 16, 2013
Is this really how it feels to be a young man? Goodness, I'm glad I never had to go through it. The narrative opens with a foul in a game of water polo that will literally bring tears to the eyes of any male reading and the spirit of competition, in various guises - sex, sport, rivalry, war - never really lets up from then on in.
Against the Tide is a rare example of an action-filled narrative that also has really solid characterisation: the spitefully bitter local butcher Phillips, John's appalling girlfriend Caroline and Red Fred, Jack's Communist uncle were my favourites, but everyone is well-drawn, well-rounded.
This is, in part, a mystery tale of smuggled diamonds, derrring-do and stiff upper lips (that often made me wonder when they were going to bring out the ginger beer and sandwiches), and another, far darker tale, of growing up in a particular time and place with the threat of war and invasion hanging very low indeed over a young man's life, as he struggles to cope with growing up in a very small world and all that that entails.
War, sport, competitive chaps and Nazis... I freely admit, this is not my usual reading fodder, but I enjoyed it hugely despite, rather than because, of its subject matter. The action literally never stops and with ten books apparently in the pipeline, there's plenty more coming to enjoy.
Against the Tide is a rare example of an action-filled narrative that also has really solid characterisation: the spitefully bitter local butcher Phillips, John's appalling girlfriend Caroline and Red Fred, Jack's Communist uncle were my favourites, but everyone is well-drawn, well-rounded.
This is, in part, a mystery tale of smuggled diamonds, derrring-do and stiff upper lips (that often made me wonder when they were going to bring out the ginger beer and sandwiches), and another, far darker tale, of growing up in a particular time and place with the threat of war and invasion hanging very low indeed over a young man's life, as he struggles to cope with growing up in a very small world and all that that entails.
War, sport, competitive chaps and Nazis... I freely admit, this is not my usual reading fodder, but I enjoyed it hugely despite, rather than because, of its subject matter. The action literally never stops and with ten books apparently in the pipeline, there's plenty more coming to enjoy.
December 13, 2012
Having spent several years in Jersey in the 1960s and 70s, I initially ordered this for a tale set in the island I love, having seen a review in the local Jersey paper. Then getting impatient for the book to arrive in Australia, I downloaded the Kindle version. From the start this was obviously going to be a really meaty story with a wealth of diverse characters that would take time to get to know. Ten books sound just about right! With the introduction in a polo pool and the characters coming at you thick and fast, I found there was not one page that I could afford to gloss over. There is no waffle, and every page a delight as the scene is meticulously set during the build up to the biggest upheaval in the history of the island. For those who know Jersey the landmarks are recognisable and authentic; for those who don't, they are not overwhelmed with blatant 'in island' knowledge.
Jack Renouf's impulsive and late teens, risk taking behaviour makes for very fast moving action. You feel every embarrassment as he deals with his emotional turmoil with the two young girls in his life, yet at the same time being surprised at how capable, daring and brave this 18 year old can be. This journey is going to be fun.
Hardly a book to get bored with and one which will be undoubtedly be read a few more times in preparation of each new book of what I hope will be the series of ten, planned by author John Hanley taking us from 1939 to the end of WW11 and beyond. I look forward to seeing how Jack Renouf copes with life and grows to adulthood in an island under the severe constrictions of German occupation. This first offering is definitely a 5 star rating book to be savoured.
Jack Renouf's impulsive and late teens, risk taking behaviour makes for very fast moving action. You feel every embarrassment as he deals with his emotional turmoil with the two young girls in his life, yet at the same time being surprised at how capable, daring and brave this 18 year old can be. This journey is going to be fun.
Hardly a book to get bored with and one which will be undoubtedly be read a few more times in preparation of each new book of what I hope will be the series of ten, planned by author John Hanley taking us from 1939 to the end of WW11 and beyond. I look forward to seeing how Jack Renouf copes with life and grows to adulthood in an island under the severe constrictions of German occupation. This first offering is definitely a 5 star rating book to be savoured.
August 9, 2013
This is not a book I would normally choose to read but I was intrigued by the setting as I live in Jersey in the Channel Islands.
It is rare to read a book set in such detail in Jersey and even rarer to find one that doesn’t focus on the German Occupation of the island during the II World War.
Against the tide is set in July 1939, a couple of months before war was declared but the effects of Hitler were already being felt in the mixed nationalities inhabiting the island.
The story is partly a coming of age story; Jack Renouf has taken his A levels and becomes torn between two girls. At the same time he is trying to discover his family’s secrets, in particular why his communist uncle is so hated by his father. The other part of the story is pure action thriller with Jack getting embroiled in a trying to stop smuggling, all of which made me feel like I was reading a grown up version of the Famous Five with boats and guns rather than secret passages and ginger beer.
The writing is great and the story moves along at quite a pace to reflect the dangers both personal and physical that Jack finds himself in although I did begin to find the endless Shakespeare references detratracted rather than added to the story at times, while I appreciated the cleverness of the links it began to feel a little like showing off (which of course was what Jack and his friend Saul were doing)
I would recommend this to anyone wanting a unique take on coming of age with well researched historical detail and writing that engages with the reader.
I received the book through Amazon Vine
It is rare to read a book set in such detail in Jersey and even rarer to find one that doesn’t focus on the German Occupation of the island during the II World War.
Against the tide is set in July 1939, a couple of months before war was declared but the effects of Hitler were already being felt in the mixed nationalities inhabiting the island.
The story is partly a coming of age story; Jack Renouf has taken his A levels and becomes torn between two girls. At the same time he is trying to discover his family’s secrets, in particular why his communist uncle is so hated by his father. The other part of the story is pure action thriller with Jack getting embroiled in a trying to stop smuggling, all of which made me feel like I was reading a grown up version of the Famous Five with boats and guns rather than secret passages and ginger beer.
The writing is great and the story moves along at quite a pace to reflect the dangers both personal and physical that Jack finds himself in although I did begin to find the endless Shakespeare references detratracted rather than added to the story at times, while I appreciated the cleverness of the links it began to feel a little like showing off (which of course was what Jack and his friend Saul were doing)
I would recommend this to anyone wanting a unique take on coming of age with well researched historical detail and writing that engages with the reader.
I received the book through Amazon Vine
November 2, 2012
From the very first words written - this book had me gripped (although thankfully not in the same sort of grip as that suffered by the main character Jack!!)I love the development of the characters - particularly for our protagonist who gets caught in a love triangle with two fantastically strong yet beguiling young women (I'm rooting for Rachel!!)... this book has got it all - love, passion, history, spies, smuggling, conspiracies, all told amidst the backdrop of the beautiful island of Jersey. I found the verbal sparring between Jack and his best friend very entertaining - the references to Shakespeare had me intrigued to the point of ordering my own copy of The Merchant of Venice!! It's been a while since A-level English so it was a pleasure to return to 'The Bard'! Following the 2012 Olympic diving with interest this summer(Tom Daley anyone??!!) I thoroughly enjoyed the diving scenes played out by the aforementioned women - factual but exhilarating to read, and whilst on the subject of exhilarating those last few chapters were thrillingly intense!! Can't recommend this book highly enough!! Desperate to start reading the next one - publish it ASAP John F Hanley!!!
June 11, 2013
Quite an enjoyable tale set in the summer of 1939 in Jersey. A backdrop of Hitler and Jews and Communists combined with teenage angst and sex and swimming. It feels like a "boys own" tale at times or an adult Enid Blyton story. Easily read but maybe not too memorable for me.
December 2, 2012
Against The Tide is a coming of age novel set in the months immediately preceding WW II, in Jersey. School is almost over for Jack Renouf, a very strong swimmer who has his sights set on qualifying for the next Olympic games. His focus is broken by a series of events which lead to his growing up and finally discovering who he is as a person, and what he stands for.
The plot is beautifully developed, and for those afraid of a potential history lesson, let me assure you that you will understand the action perfectly, without noticing the merest trace of preaching. There are secondary plots, too, masterfully blended into the main. This is a the-more-you-read-the-more-you-want-to-read kind of book.
J. F. Hanley’s descriptions paint a perfect picture. I’ve never visited Jersey, but I felt like I knew it well. Excellent account of water polo, swimming competitions and sailing. The characterization is very good. Jack, Caroline and Rachel sound exactly like any youths in 1939 should. The love triangle developing between them is built up so smoothly, and poor Jack is so clueless, it was heart-warming to read.
We are being introduced to a whole host of secondary characters, the most prominent being Uncle Fred, who is an undesirable member of Jack’s family. Often laughed at and never taken seriously, Red Fred’s words are the catalyst Jack needs in order to start behaving like an adult.
This is a work of fiction, but it could easily have been a slice out of any young man’s life. Despite the ambitious diamond deal plot, which Jack and his friends managed to foil, it seems real. There is no flaw in the logic, no hiccup in the storyline, the dialogue flows naturally and is peppered with French words and Shakespeare references – a very easy to read book.
What really did make it a lovely experience for me was the fine sense of humour the author managed to sneak even within the more tense, action-packed scenes. I loved that. Perhaps it takes being British to get some of it, but even if you’re not, you will enjoy it.
Without doubt, Against The Tide is one of the best-written books I’ve read this year. I wholeheartedly recommend it. It gets five shiny gold stars from me.
The plot is beautifully developed, and for those afraid of a potential history lesson, let me assure you that you will understand the action perfectly, without noticing the merest trace of preaching. There are secondary plots, too, masterfully blended into the main. This is a the-more-you-read-the-more-you-want-to-read kind of book.
J. F. Hanley’s descriptions paint a perfect picture. I’ve never visited Jersey, but I felt like I knew it well. Excellent account of water polo, swimming competitions and sailing. The characterization is very good. Jack, Caroline and Rachel sound exactly like any youths in 1939 should. The love triangle developing between them is built up so smoothly, and poor Jack is so clueless, it was heart-warming to read.
We are being introduced to a whole host of secondary characters, the most prominent being Uncle Fred, who is an undesirable member of Jack’s family. Often laughed at and never taken seriously, Red Fred’s words are the catalyst Jack needs in order to start behaving like an adult.
This is a work of fiction, but it could easily have been a slice out of any young man’s life. Despite the ambitious diamond deal plot, which Jack and his friends managed to foil, it seems real. There is no flaw in the logic, no hiccup in the storyline, the dialogue flows naturally and is peppered with French words and Shakespeare references – a very easy to read book.
What really did make it a lovely experience for me was the fine sense of humour the author managed to sneak even within the more tense, action-packed scenes. I loved that. Perhaps it takes being British to get some of it, but even if you’re not, you will enjoy it.
Without doubt, Against The Tide is one of the best-written books I’ve read this year. I wholeheartedly recommend it. It gets five shiny gold stars from me.
September 12, 2013
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Against the Tide, a fitting name to this well written Historical Fiction. The coming of age novel will intrigue you, provide you with lots of action, and with a good dose of an interesting love-triangle.
Young Jack was tested to the limits as he discovered secrets and spies around every bend as the plot unravels with a good support system that keeps it exciting till the end.
The Shakespearean quotes thoughtfully embedded to give you a real feel of what he is experiencing, the intellectual conversations as he learned more about life and the ugly side of it. His disconnection with his father leads him to connect with his uncle, a colorful character that would keep you guessing.
I loved the South African character Saul, with his abrupt speech so evident of the Afrikaner men in my country. The lively conversations descriptive as the story unfolds that gives you a real feeling of what the people of Jersey experienced just before the Second World War.
In between life went on as strive and competitions in and out of the pool, keep you wondering where it all would lead. The easy story telling making this book an easy fast paced book but yet filled with adventure and drama for the most avid reader. A book I can recommend since it is well researched and the author's love for swimming comes into play throughout the pages of the book.
Caroline was too arrogant and manipulative for my taste, and Jack struggled with his feelings for her as she uses him for her own schemes, and Rachel, soft spoken, pretty but with a class that sets her apart from Caroline. Drawn to each without making a decision to whom his heart belong. The rest of the supporting characters enhanced the story both in the scenes and their personas fitting to the time.
Overall a great read and I really liked the cover since it says more than just what you see with the naked eye.
Against the Tide, a fitting name to this well written Historical Fiction. The coming of age novel will intrigue you, provide you with lots of action, and with a good dose of an interesting love-triangle.
Young Jack was tested to the limits as he discovered secrets and spies around every bend as the plot unravels with a good support system that keeps it exciting till the end.
The Shakespearean quotes thoughtfully embedded to give you a real feel of what he is experiencing, the intellectual conversations as he learned more about life and the ugly side of it. His disconnection with his father leads him to connect with his uncle, a colorful character that would keep you guessing.
I loved the South African character Saul, with his abrupt speech so evident of the Afrikaner men in my country. The lively conversations descriptive as the story unfolds that gives you a real feeling of what the people of Jersey experienced just before the Second World War.
In between life went on as strive and competitions in and out of the pool, keep you wondering where it all would lead. The easy story telling making this book an easy fast paced book but yet filled with adventure and drama for the most avid reader. A book I can recommend since it is well researched and the author's love for swimming comes into play throughout the pages of the book.
Caroline was too arrogant and manipulative for my taste, and Jack struggled with his feelings for her as she uses him for her own schemes, and Rachel, soft spoken, pretty but with a class that sets her apart from Caroline. Drawn to each without making a decision to whom his heart belong. The rest of the supporting characters enhanced the story both in the scenes and their personas fitting to the time.
Overall a great read and I really liked the cover since it says more than just what you see with the naked eye.
November 26, 2012
Against the Tide - John R Hanly
Absorbing and Breath-taking; Heartily Recomended
The moment you open the book you are hooked. The story is fast paced from the start, with Jack’s immediate struggle in the pool demanding the reader’s attention and empathy. From then on the book develops into a complex and interweaved plot with many intriguing and exciting sub plots. There is depth, but also fast paced action, which John Hanley has combined well.
The looming Second World War provides a background tension throughout the novel and the secrets and personality of some characters makes the book difficult to put down. Jack’s struggle with relationship and family issues make fascinating reading, and the development of all the characters is very believable and absorbing. The competition between Caroline and Rachel for Jack’s attention is particularly entertaining as is his relationship with Rudolph, his swimming opponent. Family and other relationships are volatile, often violent and provide many interesting twists and turns, adding to the tension of the main plot.
Many aspects of life at that time are so well illustrated that parts of the book remind me of my own father and his experiences (as told to me later). I love the way the pace increases slowly but surely building up to an excellent and surprising ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of John’s work.
(5 stars)
Absorbing and Breath-taking; Heartily Recomended
The moment you open the book you are hooked. The story is fast paced from the start, with Jack’s immediate struggle in the pool demanding the reader’s attention and empathy. From then on the book develops into a complex and interweaved plot with many intriguing and exciting sub plots. There is depth, but also fast paced action, which John Hanley has combined well.
The looming Second World War provides a background tension throughout the novel and the secrets and personality of some characters makes the book difficult to put down. Jack’s struggle with relationship and family issues make fascinating reading, and the development of all the characters is very believable and absorbing. The competition between Caroline and Rachel for Jack’s attention is particularly entertaining as is his relationship with Rudolph, his swimming opponent. Family and other relationships are volatile, often violent and provide many interesting twists and turns, adding to the tension of the main plot.
Many aspects of life at that time are so well illustrated that parts of the book remind me of my own father and his experiences (as told to me later). I love the way the pace increases slowly but surely building up to an excellent and surprising ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of John’s work.
(5 stars)
May 22, 2014
In July 1939, hot-headed 18 year-old Jack Renouf is forbidden from associating with his uncle because of his Communist views. Jack is an accomplished sportsman, irritated the threat to his prowess and manhood by a visiting Dutchman. When he retaliates, the consequences have far-reaching effects for all around him.
John Hanley obviously knows his subject, and has researched it well. The life of an island community unwilling to accept the fate awaiting them is brilliantly portrayed, as is the heated relationship between Jack and the two girls who vie for his attention. It was an engaging and original story, one plot line involving the motor bike supposedly owned by Lawrence of Arabia when he died.
It's a Boy's Own novel, with chases and villains, beautiful women and peril, but so intelligently written that you are aware of the encroaching menace of war even as you are being entertained by all the shenanigans.
Jack is likeable and impulsive, just as an 18 year old should be, but the lead female character was a little repellent for my tastes and I found it hard to feel any sympathy for her when she needed it. She, like everyone else in the book, was vividly drawn, even if you didn't like her. And the ending was a little scrappy but as there is another book, I assume that is the reason why.
Despite these things, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone wanting a war story with a slightly different twist.
John Hanley obviously knows his subject, and has researched it well. The life of an island community unwilling to accept the fate awaiting them is brilliantly portrayed, as is the heated relationship between Jack and the two girls who vie for his attention. It was an engaging and original story, one plot line involving the motor bike supposedly owned by Lawrence of Arabia when he died.
It's a Boy's Own novel, with chases and villains, beautiful women and peril, but so intelligently written that you are aware of the encroaching menace of war even as you are being entertained by all the shenanigans.
Jack is likeable and impulsive, just as an 18 year old should be, but the lead female character was a little repellent for my tastes and I found it hard to feel any sympathy for her when she needed it. She, like everyone else in the book, was vividly drawn, even if you didn't like her. And the ending was a little scrappy but as there is another book, I assume that is the reason why.
Despite these things, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone wanting a war story with a slightly different twist.
February 15, 2014
Another tough novel to rate. I thought there was going to be a lot more emphasis on swimming, diving, and Olympic trials. There was some of that, but not as much as the cover leads one to expect. Then for several chapters I just didn't know where this book was going. I got a little bogged down and bored by all the political discussions. But, finally, the book takes off on this rather unbelievable (but kind of fun) adventure of espionage and diamond smuggling.
Overall, this was a nice coming-of-age story, and the tensions of the European community right before the war starts seemed realistic. There just seems to be something missing from what I expected this book to be, and unfortunately, I can't articulate exactly what that is.
Overall, this was a nice coming-of-age story, and the tensions of the European community right before the war starts seemed realistic. There just seems to be something missing from what I expected this book to be, and unfortunately, I can't articulate exactly what that is.
October 4, 2015
An action packed tale set in Jersey just prior to the outbreak of WW2. The characters are extremely well portrayed and the historical facts behind the storyline have been very thoroughly researched. Jack Renouf is a likeable eighteen year old born and raised in Jersey. Like many lads of his age his sexuality is evolving, and it seems likely that his attraction to the tempestuous Caroline will prove his undoing. To confuse matters further, he is also drawn to Rachel. Jack and several of his friends, even his Uncle Fred, become enmeshed in a situation that has wider implications given the rise of Adolf Hitler’s power in Germany. This book kept me entertained from beginning to end and I look forward to reading its two sequels which follow Jack as he progresses through the war and beyond.
May 14, 2014
To start, this book was a bit slow, however, as soon as I reached the action, it got very interesting and intriguing. Although the book is based off of a turn of events that many books are about, the plot is kind of like a side path to the big picture, making it more complex. The storyline is really the highlight of this book and what kept me going at it. I also like how the swimming and politics are completely independent to start but this changes as the book goes on. I, personally, tend to enjoy books that have to do with politics, and I thought this author took a very interesting and narrow topic and turned it into a masterpiece.
October 28, 2014
"Against the Tide" is an interesting coming of age story set within a small, idyllic community off the coast of France as World War II begins to loom. I had intended to buy the book believing it was a good old anti-Nazi action story but perhaps with a little more literary approach as opposed to a potboiler. But I found something entirely more nuanced and that caught me up nonetheless. In fact, the action sequences actually threw me a bit because they seemed to arise out of nowhere and hurtle forward at a pace very distinct from the preceding several chapters. Even so, I enjoyed the characters and setting and look forward to reading the sequel "The Last Boat" soon.
December 23, 2012
A fast paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns. Jack Renouf, a young and courageous risk taker in the year 1939. A really good read. I look forward to the sequel.
January 11, 2015
Good story, but a little slow. Each character is very interesting.
June 4, 2014
Fast-moving mystery set during WWII. Good characters and lots of interaction.
May 23, 2018
Against The Tide is a book based on Europe before the outbreak of the War. On an island named Jersey, between England and France, where lives 18 year old Jack Renauf. Battling many things in life. A crazy communist uncle, a messed up love life, his family relationships, and getting into trouble at school. This book is a very good mix between sports, emotions, politics, action, danger, and relationships. If you are looking to learn more about prewar politics, this is the book for you
January 3, 2018
An incredible read.
April 8, 2018
Excellent series in Occupied Jersey.
March 9, 2017
Quite enjoyed this. Paints a wonderful picture of Jersey prior to WW2. Good characters. Interesting plot although it got a little confusing at times. Hard to figure out the bad guys and who was screwing who.
August 4, 2016
I picked this one out as a challenge read and it turned out to be a pretty decent thriller. It certainly started out with a bang. We are immediately introduced to the main character, Jack Renouf, while he is enmeshed in a polo match which is turning very vicious. His attempts to fend off the dirty pool tactics of Kohler, a visiting Dutchman eventually lead to a bloody nose and expulsion from the game. The main characters here are all college or high school students from the isle of Jersey with the exception of Kohler who turns out to be something other than what he is pretending to be. In addition to Jack, there is Saul, his best friend, Rachael, a schoolmate and potential love interest, and Caroline, his current lover and a total "piece of work". The year is 1939 and they will all soon be drawn into a story of spying and sabotage.
There are problems with this book. These teenagers seem extremely oversexed for teenagers in 1939. At one point, Jack goes from a steamy encounter with Caroline to one with Rachael in a swimming pool a few hours later. The justification is that he and Caroline had a fight and were no longer together and really, he had always been confused about his feelings for Rachael. Hardly believable. They also all have bitter, angry fathers who take little or no interest in them and all four are comfortably well-off. Jack's uncle, a secondary character, is the prototypical Communist. Even his nickname is Red Fred.
The plot involves the secret sale of millions of industrial diamonds to the Germans, who were desperate for them. Jack and his friends are determined to stop them even though they cannot find any adult who believes them. Still, the characters are sympathetic, the violence is believable and the plot is historically based. This is the first of a series and a pleasant enough pastime read.
There are problems with this book. These teenagers seem extremely oversexed for teenagers in 1939. At one point, Jack goes from a steamy encounter with Caroline to one with Rachael in a swimming pool a few hours later. The justification is that he and Caroline had a fight and were no longer together and really, he had always been confused about his feelings for Rachael. Hardly believable. They also all have bitter, angry fathers who take little or no interest in them and all four are comfortably well-off. Jack's uncle, a secondary character, is the prototypical Communist. Even his nickname is Red Fred.
The plot involves the secret sale of millions of industrial diamonds to the Germans, who were desperate for them. Jack and his friends are determined to stop them even though they cannot find any adult who believes them. Still, the characters are sympathetic, the violence is believable and the plot is historically based. This is the first of a series and a pleasant enough pastime read.
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August 16, 2014I got 46% into this book and JUST COULDN' TAKE IT ANY MORE!!
This is the third British novel I've attempted in the last 6 months. I'm sure it must be me, but I just can't get into the style. Again, this has great reviews, but for me it never seemed to happen. Even at almost half of the book plowed through it was still mostly (90%) a coming-of-age story. Chapter after chapter of Jack trying to figure out girls, swimming, going to Latin class, riding around on his uncle's motorcycle, a total fixation on the gentry, and quote after quote from Shakespeare. The story is set in Jersey on the eve of WWII. There are undercurrents of the beginnings of Nazi unrest, but people are totally naïve about the dark days ahead.
While the book is very nicely written, it just never seems to get anywhere, which was true of the last British novel I waded through. I flipped through some further chapters and it appeared to be pretty much the same...swimming, girls, Latin class. And what little plot there was was so muted that it was lost in the verbage. There are moments when I thought, Yeah, this is going to finally get going, but then it would stutter and the "flame" would flicker out. I enjoy coming-of-age stories, however those generally use that device as a backdrop or a means of setting context rather than the "plot" itself.
So alas, I gave up. Perhaps the English equivalent of high-drama (for which this book is billed) is whether Jack comes in first or second in a swim meet.
Ah-Ha! P.S. I just did a quick survey of the reviews giving it 5 stars...a sizeable portion are from the UK. Those giving it 1 and 2 stars are from the U.S. Seems to be a regional/cultural thing.
I'll be kind and not give a rating.
This is the third British novel I've attempted in the last 6 months. I'm sure it must be me, but I just can't get into the style. Again, this has great reviews, but for me it never seemed to happen. Even at almost half of the book plowed through it was still mostly (90%) a coming-of-age story. Chapter after chapter of Jack trying to figure out girls, swimming, going to Latin class, riding around on his uncle's motorcycle, a total fixation on the gentry, and quote after quote from Shakespeare. The story is set in Jersey on the eve of WWII. There are undercurrents of the beginnings of Nazi unrest, but people are totally naïve about the dark days ahead.
While the book is very nicely written, it just never seems to get anywhere, which was true of the last British novel I waded through. I flipped through some further chapters and it appeared to be pretty much the same...swimming, girls, Latin class. And what little plot there was was so muted that it was lost in the verbage. There are moments when I thought, Yeah, this is going to finally get going, but then it would stutter and the "flame" would flicker out. I enjoy coming-of-age stories, however those generally use that device as a backdrop or a means of setting context rather than the "plot" itself.
So alas, I gave up. Perhaps the English equivalent of high-drama (for which this book is billed) is whether Jack comes in first or second in a swim meet.
Ah-Ha! P.S. I just did a quick survey of the reviews giving it 5 stars...a sizeable portion are from the UK. Those giving it 1 and 2 stars are from the U.S. Seems to be a regional/cultural thing.
I'll be kind and not give a rating.
May 23, 2013
So I was pretty intrigued reading the synopsis, but then disappointed reading the book. First of all, I must admit the editor of this novel did quite a pathetic job (unless I can confirm mine's the only anomaly, I am still rather convinced most prints are similar.) What with some unfortunate grammar hiccups (solely considering the purposeful transposition of certain dialogues by non-English speaking characters), irregular punctuation and the overuse of 'though's. Though (the irony) this novel has certain blurps, I can say that it was a decent read. The beginning was slightly irrelevant in topic-sense but it returned full circle (midway) and really got me reading faster. The story is short, but the word count might seem unjustified (?). At times Hanley does seem to repeat common phrases too often that you'll notice. I salute his Shakespearean jargon and quotes but find it too forced into context. Decent. 3 stars.
October 14, 2013
Ok. I found this a little irritating. A simple read but tried to be more sophisticated than it was. The plot was a little naff and everything just a little too neat.
July 28, 2016
Good story, a little drawn out
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