Wow. Just wow. Mr Lynch is a mindblowing talent who wasn't previously on my radar, but he sure as hell is now. In essence, this is a haunting story of survival but the author also explores deeper topics associated with what it means to be human. This is a book that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride of peaks and troughs, twists and turns and is the most moving novel I've read this year so far despite having read over 1k novels as of this month.

The story follows two fishermen, Bolivar and Hector, who encounter a severe storm whilst crossing the Pacific, but the bulk of the novel focuses on the two men getting to know each other, trying to improve their strained relationship and accepting their circumstances and the very real possibility that they may die out there given that there is no help arriving. It's a sad state of affairs, but as a result, both characters worm their way into your heart.

The parts where they ruminate on their regrets and unfulfilled dreams well and truly tugged at my heartstrings. The situation is a terrifying one to contemplate and Hector and Bolivar are forced to rely on each other as there is no one else they can rely on. It is a powerful read and explores the ability of the human spirit to repeatedly bounce back and its response to both mental and physical challenges experienced under the most trying of circumstances.

As an ardent reader of philosophy, I found the metaphysical musings fascinating. The broaching of the subtopic of existentialism and a reminder that every decision one makes has a resulting consequence, the notion that our thoughts and actions are what define us as people, the difference between reality and perception and the mantras or positive affirmations we recite as a coping mechanism.

With a potent mix of exquisite writing, a heartfelt and powerful plot, and exploration of notions that all of us as humans can relate to, this is an intense, profound and fantastic novel I can see winning awards, and Paul Lynch should be on everyone's to be read list. A breathtaking and mesmerising read. I know one thing for certain: I will remember this for a long time to come. Many thanks to Oneworld Publications for an ARC.

"Beyond the Sea" introduces us to Bolivar and Hector during a punishing voyage of endurance, on which they experience an unexpected metamorphosis and extreme mindfulness that will immerse your core and wring it dry.

These two South American fishermen flounder on an endless swell of resistance and surrender, its briny depths summoning countless trials to fluster their souls.

Settling into the erratic rhythm of an unwelcome reality, their already strained relationship is further distressed by overexposure to the elements and each other’s company.

Proving to be both merciless and charitable, the ocean becomes a rolling, heaving crossing to self-illumination, with mellow narration perfectly complementing its profound undertow. I can only compare it to a veteran storyteller calmly sharing a deeply affecting account with a hopeful audience of one.

An intense story of how it is to be every kind of lost, and what it takes to find yourself again.