Rating: 5 stars
Headline: A deeply immersive read, exploring a troubled relationship and one man’s desperation to save it, whatever the cost
Review:
Written by Canadian author Dwayne Ulliac, Birds Beyond Reach is a contemporary fiction novel set in the Canadian cities of Thunder Bay and Ottawa. It follows themes of relationships and addiction, as explored through a turbulent relationship between two characters Peter (the protagonist) and Ruby.
The book starts with Peter consoling himself at a bar with his friends after yet another failed date. Aged 32, this is not where Peter thought he would be, not at this age. Meeting someone like Ruby was never on the cards. Ruby is bold, daring and exuberates energy in everything she does, making her the paper perfect match for Peter. However, as their relationship deepens, so too do the cracks begin to form. As time ticks on, it appears Ruby is not all she makes out to be at surface level and for Peter, his relationship with Ruby will soon either be the making or breaking of him, he just does not know it yet.
This is a brilliant book from all angles. Ulliac’s development of characters and grasp on scene-setting is excellent, with every element fully fleshed out to build a strong picture of the world Peter lives in. To this end, following Peter’s movements and actions in close third person is a great choice of point of view. The boy meets girl trope is a very well trodden path when it comes to literature, yet in choosing to see Ruby’s actions (and spiralling downfall) through the eyes of Peter gives a unique take on a story many readers will find believable. As a reader you just just as helpless and help-bound to Ruby as Peter is as the main character.
From start to finish, this book is a gripping read and very well written. When the writing quality is this good, it makes all the more impressive to discover that Birds Beyond Reach is Ulliac’s debut. Combined with a beautiful cover design, it is hard to argue that this book is anything but the full package.
Good contemporary fiction does not tell you a story, it immerses you in a whole new world. My biggest piece of advice for any reader is this, keep Dwayne Ulliac on your watchlist, because this is an author that is going to bring great things to publishing. You do not want to miss this train.
AEB Reviews
Links:
Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Birds Beyond Reach” by Dwayne Ulliac
Purchase Link: “Birds Beyond Reach” by Dwayne Ulliac (Amazon)
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