When the Night Comes - by Favel Parrett (Paperback)

About the Book

Isla is a lonely girl who moves to Hobart with her mother and brother to try and better their lives. It's not really working until they meet Bo, a crewman on an Antarctic supply ship, the Nella Dan, who shares stories about his adventures with them--his travels, bird watching, home in Denmark, and life on board the ship. Isla is struggling to learn what truly matters and who to trust; and this modern Viking is searching to understand his past and find a place in this world for himself. Though their time together is short, it's enough to change the course of both their lives. And what they give each other might mean they can both eventually find their way home.

Book Synopsis

Longlisted for the prestigious Miles Franklin Award, this "moving account of the depth of ordinary lives" (Library Journal, starred review) tells the story of a young Tasmanian girl and a Danish sailor and the brief encounter that leaves a lasting impact on both.

Isla is a lonely girl who moves to Hobart with her mother and brother to try to better their lives. It's not really working until they meet Bo, a crewman on an Antarctic supply ship, the Nella Dan, who shares stories about his adventures with them--his travels, bird watching, his home in Denmark, and life on board the ship.

Isla is struggling to learn what truly matters and who to trust, while this modern Viking is searching to understand his past and to find a place in this world for himself. Though their time together is short, it is enough to change the course of both their lives.

Praised for writing that is "vivid and distinct" (Library Journal, starred review) and "exquisite in its simplicity and eloquence" (Kirkus Reviews), Favel Parrett delivers a stunningly beautiful novel--"spare but memorable" (Booklist)--about the remarkable and unexpected bond forged between strangers.

Review Quotes

Praise for Past the Shallows:

"Compulsively readable...the simple, unaffected tone of Parrett's writing makes this a poignant read--but it's the story of how these two emotionally distant brothers help each other that makes the novel so moving."-- "Oprah.com"

Praise for When the Night Comes:

"Parrett's sometimes melancholy, always heartfelt novel is written in clean, straightforward prose that, in its understated way, successfully captures the moments and moods that constitute her spare but memorable story."-- "Booklist"

"[A]n understated and beautifully penned story... Parrett's writing is exquisite in its simplicity and eloquence, and her narrative is heart-rending. This poignant story resonates."-- "Kirkus"

"A finely crafted literary novel that is genuinely moving and full of heart."-- "The Age"

"A soulful, fictional homage...An accretion of exquisite moments."-- "Kirkus Review"

"A work by a new master...Parrett's debut is an uncompromising and memorable tale."-- "Sunday Tasmanian (Australia)"

"Breathtaking, poignant, hauntingly beautiful."--Rachel Joyce "bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry"

"If you read only one book this year, make sure it's this."-- "The Sunday Times (UK)"

"Parrett deservedly received critical claim in Australia for this haunting fiction debut. Her writing is vivid and distinct...Parrett's novel sings with an emotional power that marks her as a writer to watch."-- "Library Journal, starred review"

"Parrett's debut marks the addition of a strong voice to the chorus of Australian literature."-- "The Canberra Times (Australia)"

"Parrett's remarkable debut examines the bleak life of a broken family in Tasmania, in spare, unflinching prose."-- "Publishers Weekly, starred review"

"So real, so true--this novel sweeps you away in its tide."--Robert Drewe "author of The Shark Net"

"The skill and insight that earned Parrett's debut novel, Past the Shallows, critical acclaim have created another moving account of the depth of ordinary lives... A powerful work that is sure to stay with readers long after the last page."-- "Library Journal (starred review)"

"Vibrant and intensely moving, this story about three boys in thrall to their angry father sucked me instantly into its emotional currents. Favel Parrett has created a novel as lovely, mysterious, powerful and entrancing as the capricious ocean around which her characters' lives revolve."--Christina Schwarz "#1 New York Times bestselling author of Drowning Ruth"

"Wintonesque."-- "The Herald Sun (Australia)"