In Every Wave by Charles Quimper.
Translated by Guil Lefebvre
Earlier in the year, I read a fascinating review of “The Electric Baths” by Jean-Michel Fortier on Tony’s always interesting blog. After I commented on his post, the publisher of the book, QC Fiction, contacted me and kindly offered me a review copy. I was very keen to read the book, but when it turned up they’d actually also sent along another slim volume they publish – “In Every Wave” by Charles Quimper. To my eternal shame, it’s taken me until now to pick up one of the books, but for some reason the Quimper called recently – and what a remarkable novella it is. I say remarkable, but it’s also one of the most gut-wrenching and emotionally draining books I’ve ever read. It’s not gruesome or violent and horrific; yet if you’re a parent, I think that “In Every Wave” will tap into your worst nightmares.
The story is a first person narrative, told by a man who has lost his daughter while swimming one summer. This proposition in itself is heartbreaking enough; and as the book opens he has set sail in a boat in search of his lost child in the hope of being reunited with her. As he narrates his journey in the small craft, he looks back on the events of that fateful day. Tormented by the most unbearable guilt, he gradually reveals how his relationship with his wife Marie suffered after the accident; and as their relationship dies, his own sanity seems threatened… His daughter of course is not findable in this world; whether he will find her elsewhere is another matter.
“In Every Wave” is first and foremost a brilliant piece of writing, as Quimper portrays vividly a man on the edge; that moment of inattention which led to tragedy is played out over and over again, although each time the story changes a little so the reader is never quite sure what actually happened by the water that day. The narrator is haunted by the sound of water in his house; he sees that liquid as his way back to his lost child and the more he thinks along these lines, the less rational he seems. In the end, it’s unclear what is the truth and what imagined in his narrative; all that remains is his pain.
I am a dying star, a fading supernova, but there is strength yet in my hands and somewhere in my chest. If I search long enough I’ll find you. It’s inevitable.
I described the book in my opening paragraph in quite dramatic terms, and that’s because I write as someone who was an anxious parent of all three Offspring. I lived in terror of that moment when you took your eyes off your child for a single moment and the unthinkable happened. That this is the premise of “In Every Wave” really hit a nerve, and I found the book terrifying and moving in equal amounts. The way Quimper conveys the narrator’s despair is utterly convincing, and I felt emotionally exhausted after reading the story. It was 78 pages of pure emotion for me, and I applaud his achievement while having to take a bit of time out to recover from the story.
As far as I can tell, this is Quimper’s first and only fiction, and it’s a remarkable achievement. Reading his portrayal of a father consumed by grief is quite shattering; and it will resonate with anyone who’s ever been an anxious parent. I hadn’t intended to read this book from QC first, as it was “Electric Baths” I’d expressed interest in. But I’m so grateful to Peter McCambridge for sending this over; it’s a devastating and stunning read, and spot on in its depiction of the intensity of parental love. Quite unforgettable.
*****
Other lovely bloggers have written eloquently about the book and you can find their thoughts here:
Lisa Hill
Dec 16, 2020 @ 07:56:36
Oh yes, I remember this book vividly…
I was reminded of it just the other day actually when the ABC broadcast the adaptation of Ian McEwan’s The Child in Time with Benedict Cumberbatch as the distraught father.
Every parent’s nightmare, as you say…
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 16, 2020 @ 19:52:48
It is, and one I had at many points bringing up my kids. I think it’s a book that will definitely stay with me.
Tredynas Days
Dec 16, 2020 @ 08:23:39
I just looked up my post on this- I see I cited the McEwan, as Lisa does above. This one is perhaps even more anguished.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 16, 2020 @ 19:52:16
It is – his grief is palpable and hard to bear at times, yet easy to identify with, particularly if you’re a parent. A very powerful read.
Tony
Dec 16, 2020 @ 10:34:57
Yes, one I’d like to reread, and I was pleasantly surprised by my post, too 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 16, 2020 @ 19:51:41
I think it would definitely reveal more on a re-read – a very powerful piece of writing.
heavenali
Dec 16, 2020 @ 12:19:57
This sounds absolutely heart-rending, but brilliant. One to look out for.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 16, 2020 @ 19:51:11
It is, So clever and yet so emotionally wrecking. I do recommend it.
Julé Cunningham
Dec 16, 2020 @ 13:34:46
This sounds like an excellent book, if a devastating one. Something I’ll keep an eye out for.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 16, 2020 @ 19:50:52
It’s so well done, yet as you say devastating. You need to read it one go and it packs such an emotional punch.
Naomi
Dec 16, 2020 @ 15:19:45
This book is just so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 16, 2020 @ 19:50:22
It is. Absolutely gut wrenching yet so brilliantly done.
TravellinPenguin
Dec 16, 2020 @ 20:54:42
It is wonderful when an author can capture our joy or fears simply by sharing his/her story to make it personal and unforgettable. 🐧🌻🌻
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 17, 2020 @ 06:18:45
Very true – this is definitely a story not to be forgotten…
Janakay | YouMightAsWellRead
Dec 17, 2020 @ 20:39:37
Sounds like a totally gripping read. Isn’t it amazing, how some writers have the ability to evoke such a visceral response in their readers, to make little black squiggles printed on paper (or the digital equivalent) trigger such intense human emotions? I’ll have to consider this novella when I’m in a particularly strong, tranquil mood!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 17, 2020 @ 20:42:58
It really is, and as you say it *is* amazing how writers can convey so much in so few words – this is a really stunning and clever piece of writing and it does trigger the emotions – particularly if you have children!
cirtnecce
Dec 19, 2020 @ 13:18:45
It really seems like a powerful emotionally turbulent book and I do not think I could read it! For me , sometimes some things are just too awful to be even read as fiction and I really admire your ability to sit through and read the book despite having lived through all related parental anxiety! It does seem like a great read and maybe one day I will be able to read thus! 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 19, 2020 @ 20:30:24
It’s no easy read, and I had to be in the right frame of mind. But it’s quite brilliantly written…
Liz Dexter
Dec 22, 2020 @ 08:00:44
Oh goodness, I’m not a parent but I’ve been responsible for children on days out etc so I don’t think I could face this!
buriedinprint
Dec 28, 2020 @ 22:15:58
I absolutely loved this book, too: I think QC Fiction does their imprint a grand service by including another work when one intends to read another work, because each is so unique and striking that, in hindsight, you wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on that one either. I’m a big fan of their imprint!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 29, 2020 @ 16:37:54
It was such a powerful read, wasn’t it? Very impressed by it and so keen to read more of the books they put out!
anna amundsen
Jan 10, 2021 @ 17:44:12
Wow! This sounds like a powerful book. Wonderful post! I am noting it down on my list.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 10, 2021 @ 18:16:05
It’s remarkably powerful and very cleverly written. Conveys so much in such a short book.
“…she was in her dream but unable to escape it without screaming.” @QCfiction #theelectricbaths #ReadIndies | Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings
Mar 11, 2022 @ 07:01:08