[Subdue] Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett ★★★★

[Tien]

From the description alone, I knew this will be a sad book. It was very grief-laden but the sense of place was absolutely amazing. Despite the slowness and heaviness of the book, I was pulled through mainly by the beautiful prose of the country, the ocean, and even surfing. I felt as if the author has lived it all and it was told in a very honest, authentic voice.

The last 20% of the novel was completely heartbreaking. Again, you'd guessed (or is this foreshadowing?) from the beginning that nothing good will come of this. My tear ducts overflowed and my heart went out to this boys. This novel & author deserves all the award wins & nominations.