On Midnight Beach by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Challenge #38 ~ “A book related to a word given by a random word generator: “DOLPHIN”.”

onmidnightbeach

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

For a book that’s technically well-written, On Midnight Beach fell rather flat on the enjoyment front. Fitzpatrick has a well-developed and paced plot, supported by an incredible sense of atmosphere, but the way in which the story is told has a very monotonous feel. Plus, the choice of perspective to tell the tale meant that several side elements to the plot translated with more intrigue than the main elements themselves – I mean, the connection I had was much more with Emer’s home situation than anything related to the dolphin!

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Fitzpatrick creates a really strong sense of setting in On Midnight Beach. Whether it’s the hot and stuffy weather or the uncertainty and anxiety as tensions bubble among the main characters, the atmosphere translates extremely well from the page to be almost tangible. It really added to the strength of the book, and evoked a sense of something in an otherwise rather bland read.

A warning for the book:

Technically, the book is really well written, but as an enjoyable read, it falls a little short. There’s a plot, which develops well, and I can’t really fault the characterisation, but the writing style gives the whole book a monotonous feel. I am of the belief that the book would be stronger told from a different perspective, though which character’s I’m undecided, as I found the way it’s currently told lacked any up-and-downs that give a book it’s energy.

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