I tried hard to get into this book but it just didn’t interest me. If you like a slower pace of storytelling and a narrative rich in description then this is for you.

This is an outstanding novella centered around the lonesome Tom and his small world. It is incredibly engaging from the outset. The mist, the sea, the drudgery; all weigh heavy and amplify an atmosphere of constraint.

Born from a teenage pregnancy, Tom is raised by his young mother and his grandfather, who taught him to scrape the sea for shrimp. Tom is of a soft nature, and he loves books and music, but finds himself confined within the framework of the life he inherited.

He encounters Edgar, a glamorous stranger and is strongly inspired by how another man uses his talent for work. For a solitary guy, he makes a beautiful connection with Edgar who represents a world of possibilities for Tom.

It is a beautiful story, so heartwarming, so humane and so hopeful.

I really enjoyed this, the writing and the flow are enchanting.

Let me start off by proclaiming, what a talented writer! Benjamin Wood has a way with words to where you feel every facet of the character's surroundings and emotions. In the case of Seascraper, the overwhelming feelings elicited are that of longing, dreariness, routine, melancholy and an unfulfilled life. You get a sense of long days of labor, where every fibre of your being is tired. In fact, I had to remind myself that the characters were much younger than I imagined. The main character, Tom, is only twenty years of age, but it felt as if he was more like forty years of age. His place of joy is holding a guitar in his hands and singing. As a reader, you hope he gets the opportunity to follow his passion.

This is by no means a joyful read, but the crafting of the writing is magical. It's atmospheric. I wanted more. This story was much shorter than I anticipated. When I reached the last page, I felt like I must be missing something. Is this where it ends? Perhaps. Perhaps it is a short story meant to stimulate discussion and urge the reader to pursue his/her passion(s). I'm not sure, but I have been thinking about this book quite a bit, especially when it comes to monotony. Monotony can be predictable but paralysing.

Thank you to Penguin General UK for the opportunity to read this advanced copy via NetGalley. These thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. My feelings are currently hovering around a 3.5 star rating.

Seascraper by Benjamin Wood

Tom lives a slow, deliberate life with his mother in Longferry, working his grandfather’s trade as a shanker. His heart is in his music, but these ambitions seem far away from the dreary town around him. Instead he rises early to take his horse and cart to the grey gloomy beach and scrape for shrimp, spending the rest of his time selling his wares, looking after his Ma, and daydreaming about Joan Wyath down the street.

Wow , a brilliant , and short book that's not like anything I've ever read .
Ethereal , and at times, almost dreamlike in quality .
Once read your mind will wander back to it . Amazing.

An enthralling novella right from the start. There is something deeply moving, something profound, something that touches on what it means to be alive, in this novel that makes it extremely special.

Utterly original, it follows Thomas Flett who spends his days on the shore of an isolated beach. An American director requires his help and in 24 hours everything has changed.

A story about the limitations of being born into a particular class and the expectations that come with it. It is a story about unlikely friendships. It is beautifully, vividly written and is a novel to be savoured. There is something really special here.

Once I finished reading Seascraper, I listened to the song written by Thomas Flett - it gave me goosebumps!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Benjamin Wood’s Seascraper is a haunting and beautifully crafted novella that immerses readers in the bleak yet mesmerizing world of Thomas Flett, a young shanker scraping out a meagre existence on the shores of Longferry. Set against the backdrop of a cold, misty Northern England coastline, the story is a poignant exploration of hardship, hope, and the human spirit’s resilience.

Thomas, only twenty but aged by the gruelling demands of his work, is the last of the shankers—those who eke out a living from what the sea washes ashore. But the tides now bring more than salvage; they carry strange chemicals and debris, a grim reminder of a changing world. Thomas dreams of more: of love for Joan Wyeth, his best friend’s sister, and of a life beyond Longferry as a musician. When Edgar Acheson, a charismatic American claiming to be a Hollywood filmmaker, arrives with promises of money and opportunity, Thomas is faced with a choice that could change his life—or lead him into danger.

Wood’s writing is vivid and evocative, painting a stark yet stunning portrait of a coastal town shrouded in winter’s gloom. The descriptions are so rich and visual that readers can almost feel the biting cold and hear the crash of the waves. The atmosphere shifts masterfully throughout the story, from the sombre grind of Thomas’s daily routine to moments of warmth and optimism brought by Joan’s presence and the allure of Edgar’s promises. The novella captures a sense of claustrophobia, both in the physical mist that envelops the shoreline and in the emotional confines of Thomas’s life.

At its core, Seascraper is a character study of Thomas, whose growth and inner strength shine through over the course of two transformative days. Wood’s portrayal of his struggles, aspirations, and moral dilemmas is deeply human and relatable. The story is punctuated by moments of tension and danger, particularly in the dramatic shoreline scenes, which add a thrilling edge to the narrative.

This is a quiet yet powerful story, filled with moments of surreal beauty and unexpected depth. Wood’s ability to make readers feel as though they are standing alongside Thomas, observing the world of Longferry, is a testament to his skill as a writer. Seascraper is a memorable and thought-provoking read, perfect for fans of literary fiction that blends atmosphere, character, and emotion.

A great read for people who enjoy atmospheric literary fiction with rich descriptions and strong character development.

Tom spends his days grafting at dawn and dusk in the shallow tides, netting shrimp with his horse and cart. It is a hard, anachronistic life inherited from his grandfather and he and his mother struggle to make ends meet.

When an American movie director arrives in town and decides Tom is exactly what he needs as a guide for location shooting, Tom is dazzled by the possibility and the money he is being offered. Can it be too good to be true?

A strange and unique novella of drudgery and fantasy.

Seascraper is a captivating portrait of a young man constrained by his class and his family's past, while harbouring dreams of artistic fulfilment. Tom, a Shanker in the small town of Longferry, leads a slow and deliberate life, catching shrimp and caring for his mother. His ambitions seem distant, but when an American film director named Mr Acheson arrives, offering money in exchange for local knowledge of the beach, Tom begins to see a glimpse of a life beyond his small world.

The first part of the book beautifully captures the monotony and routine of seaside life, evoking a timeless sense of place. As Edgar, the film director, befriends Tom, their relationship grows, and the quiet rhythm of the town is disrupted by the promise of something more. The novel is set in the 1960s, and Tom's suppressed dream of becoming a folk singer adds depth to his yearning for a different life.

Seascraper doesn't rely on traditional conflict or betrayal, but instead unfolds with a gentle, almost wistful tone. It ends on a quietly hopeful note, leaving readers with a sense of what could have been. This is a unique and introspective book, showcasing Benjamin Wood’s exceptional talent in British literature.

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I actually enjoyed this so much more that I thought I would. Thomas despite being in his 20s feels like an old man, he lives this slow life; he’s trapped in this life that’s weighing him down but meeting Mr Acheson, who claims to be in the film industry gives him the space to want something more.

The novella is a truly brilliant depiction of the constraints of social class and familial duties/expectations. Truly did enjoy it.

"Seascraper" by Benjamin Wood is a poignant and haunting novel that follows Tom, a young man trapped in a life of routine in the quaint town of Longferry. Tom's days are filled with scraping for shrimp on the grey, gloomy beach and selling his catch, while his true passion lies in music. His life takes an intriguing turn with the arrival of Mr. Acheson, an American with a glamorous aura, who claims to be in the movie business. As Tom navigates this new relationship, he begins to question the reality of Mr. Acheson's stories and the possibilities they offer for escaping his mundane life.

Tom's journey is deeply personal as he grapples with his family's past and his own desires for artistic fulfillment. His character is richly nuanced, reflecting a struggle between the comfort of familiarity and the allure of the unknown. Supporting characters like his mother and Joan Wyath add depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of relationships and community ties.

The novel masterfully explores themes of identity, ambition, and the constraints of social class. These themes invite readers to reflect on their own experiences with feeling trapped or seeking broader horizons.

Benjamin Wood's writing style is exceptional, with a sensitive and evocative language that paints a vivid picture of Longferry's misty coast. The narrative structure is concise yet powerful, making the book a quick yet impactful read. The atmosphere is melancholic and introspective, drawing readers into Tom's world of daydreams and reality.

I found the book emotionally resonant, evoking a sense of longing and empathy for Tom's plight. While the story is hauntingly beautiful, some readers might find the pace a bit slow, which could be seen as a minor drawback.

What makes "Seascraper" special is its ability to capture the essence of small-town life and the universal desire for something more. It fits well within the literary fiction genre, offering a unique perspective on themes that are both timeless and timely. Compared to other works by Benjamin Wood, "Seascraper" continues his tradition of crafting compelling narratives that explore human complexities with depth and sensitivity.

Overall, it's a compelling read that encourages readers to ponder their own aspirations and the boundaries that define them.

A vivid and atmospheric portrayal of a young man who feels slightly trapped working as a shrim fisherman continuing on his family traditions. as he yearns for more from life he meets a mysterious man from Hollywood who seems to promise him an escape from the life he currently leads. Is the man all he claims to be? Can he help Thomas achieve more from the life he currently leads?

I really enjoyed this, the sense of place is brilliantly and I read it feeling as though I was walking on a misty beach watching the tale unfold. It draws you in like the tide and refuses to let go until the end.

4+
Thomas Flett is a shanker, scraping a living from what the sea brings in on the tide but he knows the end is near because the waters now bring in strange chemicals and other disgusting detritus. Although he’s only 20 he feels like an old man as this living is hard. Once there were many shankers but now he’s the last one in Longferry. It’s cold and lonely, the only company is the placid draught horse pulling his cart. Thomas wants more. He’s in love with Joan Wyeth, his best friend’s sister and he has aspirations to be a musician. When American Edgar Acheson swings into town claiming to be a Hollywood filmmaker and offering him money in return for his help with shoreline locations, is this his get out of Longferry free card or something else? Can Acheson be trusted, is he credible?

This novella has vivid and beautiful writing, the descriptions are so visual and it’s abundant in the grey, cold misty atmosphere of winter by the sea in, I assume, Northern England. The mood does change but it starts very sombrely with the hardship and grind of Thomas’s routine being palpable as he moves back-and-forth trying to scrape a living. At times it has a claustrophobic feel especially as the mist closes in on the shoreline but it’s not just that, Thomas‘s life has strong elements of claustrophobia. The mood changes with music and when Joan Wyeth is on the page, then there’s some optimism. in addition, there’s hope that perhaps Edgar is offering him a chance and a change. Thomas seems to grow as a person throughout this two day period and you can see clearly what he is made of at the end. The story has some very dramatic moments especially of danger at the shoreline.

I’ve not read Benjamin Wood before but I wouldn’t hesitate to read his work again as he makes me feel as if I’m there in Longferry as an observer. The descriptions are rich yet quiet, their vibrant and real with a moment of surreal, it’s surprising as well as engrossing with excellent characterisation into the bargain. This is a memorable read and that cover is just stunning perfectly summing the novel up.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated Epub in return for an honest review.

The story of Thomas and his horse really draws you into this book. It is harsh at times for Thomas to keep going to provide for his mother. He then thinks that all will change when a so called film producer offers him money to just show him the location for a film he wants to make. Offer too good to be true?

Lovely well written book.

Thank you netgalley for letting me read this book.

The ‘seacraper’ of the title is Thomas Flett and, sometime in the early 1960s, he makes a living collecting brown shrimp from the mudflats of a Northern estuary. Following on in this work from his father, he is one of the last of the horse-drawn scrapers in an area of work which is becoming increasingly mechanised. It is hard, poorly paid work without much future, and a poor life at home with only his mother for company offers little compensation.

Then, he meets Edgar Acheson from ‘Hollywood’ who is keen to use the beach as a setting for a film and needs Tom’s help. Their relationship develops, although the plans come to nothing in strangely unexpected ways – yet Thomas benefits.

It’s a short book, a novella really, and gives an extended elegiac account of a type of fishing set in the past with no future, and set against an impoverished location which is oddly beautiful. It is the slow evocation of a lifestyle, atmospherically described which gives the book its strength.

Thomas never knew his father but there are strange glimpses of him throughout the novel and even an almost ghostly encounter. It is all quite extraordinary but it leaves Thomas with a love of guitar playing and folk music.

It’s a wonderful read and highly recommended!

The cover alone was enough to draw my attention to this book. It’s quietly striking; introspective, mysterious and slightly haunting. I wanted to know how it related to the story. Benjamin Wood’s writing is lyrical. There’s barely a spare word and I was immediately hooked into this very unusual take. Set in the 1969s, Thomas lives with his mother and ekes out a living by trawling for shrimp. He goes to the beach every day with his horse and nets, a cold, lonely and bleak job with scant returns. He dreams of a life as a musician. His world and routine are interrupted by the arrival of an American looking for film locations. Could this present Thomas with the opportunity a lifetime? Thomas has loyalty and integrity isn’t the fool that he may seem. He has hidden depths and this is predominantly his story. I loved it. It’s refreshing and just so beautifully written, sharply observed and truly wonderful. What a talent.

I really loved this. Thomas is a great, noble, character, he wants more from his life, but not at the cost of his integrity. He prizes loyalty, and for him family (including his unnamed horse) is all - although he was not able to finish his education, he has an innate wisdom and sense of honour which guide him well. Though he soon warms to the visitor, he is not dazzled into giddiness. He has an appreciation of the realities of his life, and when he does chance to let his guard down and go against his better instinct, he begins to learn a valuable lesson which empowers him to make changes.

Wood’s writing is so effective and efficient, able to evoke the bleak hardship of Thomas’ life and environment, such richness of interiority and depth of scene, delivered in simple, yet graceful, prose.

The grey indistinct sea dripped icily from every page, notwithstanding the heartwarming glow of Thomas’ burgeoning discovery of himself.

Wonderful

If you've ever lived by the sea -especially in the winter- when the days are grey, damp and full of an engulfing mist, then the scene is set in Seascraper in atmosphere and climate..

Thomas Flett works as a shanker- he drags a net through the sandy wet coastline channels of Longferry beach led by his horse to catch shrimp. This is the occupation that he inherited from his grandfather- a tireless, exhausting occupation that pays little and stretches Thomas to his physical limit .

It is the 1960s and Thomas lives with his mother- who having raised Thomas without a father places a continual pressure upon him to earn a living for them both. His only escape is his love of books and to secretly play the guitar and attend a music night at a local bar whilst contemplating who is father was.

Life changes with the unexpected arrival Edgar Acheson who charms his way into their home and requests( for a fee) that Thomas shows him the area and how he carries out his occupation with the goal that the information can be used towards a film he intends to produce. Could this be a life changing moment for Thomas- a chance to break the monotony and hardship?

The story takes place over a two day period and the pervading sense of melancholy, routine and hardship is palpable- rather like the grim weather. The conflicted emotions of Thomas are palpable- his desire for change permeates off the page.... is this the time for change ?

Poetic, brooding and charged with sense of claustrophobia from the encroaching mist, Benjamin Wood has written a novel that will linger with you long after completion.

I dont know what to say except brilliant, this is one of the best novels i have read. Its exciting, thrilling and rich in imagination. Something so ordinary that has never a dull moment or lagging in the tale. I loved this 5 stars.

Seascraper follows Thomas Flett, a young man who lives at home with his mum and whose job it is to go to the beach with his horse every day and catch shrimp to sell. It’s the early 1960s, some other shrimpers are starting to use mechanised rigs/trucks, but he doesn’t have the money to do that. Secretly, he dreams of being a musician and practises guitar in private. One day, an American film director turns up, talking of setting his next movie around the beach, and suddenly Thomas sees the opportunity to change his life. Of course, not everything is as it seems.

This is a quiet, gorgeously written novel that I absolutely loved. The character development of Thomas is wonderful, but so too is that of his mother and Edgar the director. The landscape is beautifully drawn too and I could almost smell the sea in the pages. I will be recommending this book a lot this year, I think.

Set sometime in the 1950s, Seascraper takes place over a single day which sees Thomas Flett lifted out of his hardscrabble life for a few brief hours.
Almost twenty, Thomas lives with his mother in a ramshackle shack he has neither the time nor inclination to repair. One spring morning, he gets up well before dawn to accommodate the tides, heading home once the day’s catch has been sold, where he finds his mother with an American man who has the oddest proposition for him. Edgar is a movie director, intent on filming a novel for which Thomas’s stretch of beach offers the perfect location. He needs Thomas’s help negotiating the treacherous waters along a coastline peppered with sinkholes and offers a princely sum for doing so. Their recce of the beach that night ends with an epiphany for Thomas.
Wood’s descriptions of the bleak landscape and the difficulties Thomas endures are vividly cinematic and arresting. He and his mother lead a hand-to-mouth life with little hope of change, but he dreams of becoming a musician and catching the eye of his best friend’s sister. The arrival of Edgar with his tales of Hollywood and glamour are met with scepticism by Thomas, overcome by the hope of a friendship and a future. Things may not quite turn out the way he expected but there’s hope for Thomas at the end of this atmospheric, dreamlike novella.