I was introduced to Waterland by Graham Swift in a Contemporary Lit class in college. I read it again a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. So, I was anxious and excited to read Swift's newest novel Wish You Were Here.
Jack and his wife Ellie own and manage a caravan park on the Isle of Wight. They've grown comfortable in their life but it will all be shaken by the news that Jack's brother, a soldier, has been killed in Iraq. Over the next few days, Jack will confront his past as a farmer, his relationships with his family and especially his marriage to Ellie.
Delving deeply into Jack's emotionally fragile state, it is an interesting and daring expose on the simple things we do or don't do to hurt and often destroy a relationship. Swift is definitely not afraid of emotion and pricking deep into the human soul. The characters are eccentric yet human and invoke sympathy and even frustration from the reader. However, I found the novel tedious and not enough to keep me from falling asleep.
Wish You Were Here was redeemed in the last few chapters that made the entire book worth reading.
** I received a complimentary copy of Wish You Were Here in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation was received. **
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