Seascraper
About the book
Author: Benjamin Wood
Publisher: Penguin
More info:
The StoryGraph | Goodreads
Note: Content and trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the review.
Buy and support indie bookstores (+ I earn a small commission):
Bookshop.org (print or ebook) | Libro.fm (audio)
My review
Seascraper was one of last year’s Booker Prize nominees that I was most excited to read because so many people seemed to have loved it (and were disappointed that it hadn’t been shortlisted). Plus, I’d heard that the audiobook was not to be missed (and can now confirm).
I’m always a bit skeptical about books that take place over the course of a day or two, because that’s not a lot of time for a character to experience much growth. But Wood really nailed this one. It’s about a man named Thomas who makes a grueling, harsh living as a seascraper, collecting shrimp at low tide and selling them to local restaurants. But then an American movie producer shows up, and Thomas’ life really does get turned upside down, and you really can feel the future trajectory of his life has altered.
The writing here is superb; I really did feel like I was in Thomas’ shoes, and the pivotal scene (IYKYK had me at the edge of my seat in a way I rarely experience with literary fiction. The foreshadowing, atmosphere, language — it all came together masterfully.
Last but not least, you must do this book on audio. People told me “the author sings” — that doesn’t do this performance justice. Wood puts his whole heart into several performances of a heartfelt song (vocals + guitar) that’s clearly just as important to him as it is to Thomas. It was beautiful. (If you missed it or can’t get it on audio, you can also listen here.)
I liked this so much more than I was expecting to. You should read it too!
Content and trigger warnings
Drug abuse
Death of a parent
Adult/minor relationship (in the past/discussed, secondary character)
