The dilapidated remains of a shipwreck, stranded and decaying on the shore, serve as a poignant metaphor in Susannah Dickey’s third novel, *Into the Wreck*. This acclaimed poet and author explores the grief experienced by five family members following the passing of a gentle yet emotionally distant father, a man rendered silent by the Troubles. His absence compels each character to grapple with a family truth that remained unspoken throughout his life.
Set in a contemporary coastal town in County Donegal, the narrative unfolds through the perspectives of five distinct voices. Gemma, the middle child, is preoccupied with her A-level studies and a newfound infatuation with boys, feeling a self-imposed duty to sustain the delicate balance within the family. Meanwhile, Anna, the eldest sibling, left for London at the age of 16 to escape her tumultuous relationship with their mother, only to return for their father’s funeral. The youngest, Matthew, bears the heavy burden of the family’s troubles at just 15 years old, silently absorbing the emotional weight of their collective loss.
Alongside the three siblings, their mother Yvonne plays a significant role, adhering to the emotional script she has crafted over the years, struggling to articulate her feelings as a widowed ex-wife. Additionally, Aunt Amy, a poet known for her vibrant personality, steps into the family dynamic when humor or mediation is needed. Though she has often lingered on the outskirts, her unique perspective and hidden truths threaten to further fracture an already strained family.
Dickey’s poetic background is evident in her poignant exploration of grief. The prose is concise yet profoundly resonant, with each character’s voice distinct and crucial for understanding the fragile dynamics at play. The narrative is devoid of superfluous language, and the humor is sharp and insightful. Even Aunt Amy’s musings about the peculiar significance humans place on words do not detract from the central narrative.
The interconnectedness of the five narratives enhances reader engagement, as they not only share the experience of loss but also face a shared anxiety regarding the upcoming funeral and Yvonne’s insistence on a family meal after the service, centered around a roast chicken that foreshadows impending disaster. Crucially, each character finds themselves drawn to the beach, circling the symbolic shipwreck, held back by fear yet compelled by curiosity. In confronting their limitations, they must navigate both the wreck and the grief it signifies.
*Into the Wreck* does not offer tidy conclusions but instead provides a fragile glimmer of hope. In a narrative that probes the limits of language, Dickey’s evocative writing invites readers to confront their own hidden tragedies and unvoiced truths. By the end of the novel, one may feel more equipped to cautiously explore their own personal shipwrecks.
*Into the Wreck* is available from Bloomsbury Circus for £16.99. To support the Guardian, you can order a copy at guardianbookshop.com, though delivery fees may apply.
