In Twist, Anthony Fennell embarks on a journey to Cape Town with a singular objective: to locate and board the Georges Lecointe, a cable repair vessel captained by the enigmatic and charismatic Chief of Mission, John Conway. As the boat navigates the west coast of Africa, Fennell immerses himself in the routines and rituals of life at sea, anticipating an adventure that soon takes a dark turn.

As the mission begins to falter, it becomes evident that Conway is grappling with a personal crisis, and a tragic, violent event looms in his past on land. When Conway suddenly disappears, Fennell is propelled into a quest to find him. His search unravels the profound complexities of human nature, forcing him to confront the unsettling reality that some bonds may be better severed than preserved.

Twist is a tightly woven narrative that skillfully balances suspense with introspective prose. The author’s writing shines, revealing the emotional depth and moral contradictions that lie within the human heart. This compelling exploration of relationships and the human condition makes Twist a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

We follow an Irish journalist and writer, Anthony.
He is writing a piece on the underwater cables, and through these cables and the characters he meets, such as Conway, the chief of the cable repair ship, his love interest, and we read a meditation on life via Anthony’s words.
I found the idea of the underwater cable networks as the setting and carrier of human stories, both the physical and metaphorical aspects of them extremely intriguing.
I also enjoyed Anthony’s observations, most of his arc, and ruminations.
Prose and characterisation 3.5
Premise 3
Setting and themes 4
Certainly a worthy read.