Submarine

More about the book

The dryly precocious, soon-to-be-fifteen-year-old hero of this engaging debut novel, Oliver Tate, lives in Swansea, Wales. As a self-styled social scientist and a budding emotional explorer, he navigates the murky waters of adolescence. His goals include uncovering the secrets of his parents' troubled marriage, deciphering the enigmatic Jordana Bevan, and finding his place among the diverse personalities around him. When he learns that his father is struggling with depression, Oliver employs his limited pop-psychology knowledge and imagination to try to mend the situation. However, delving into the complexities of middle-aged malaise proves challenging for a teenager still learning about life's agonies and ecstasies. His awkward yet passionate relationship with Jordana is racing toward a pivotal moment, while his detective-like pursuits lead him to confront his mother’s resurfaced old flame, who threatens to disrupt their family dynamics. As Oliver grapples with the desire to stabilize his parents' marriage, lose his virginity, and understand the depths of human emotion, he finds himself precariously balanced between innocence and experience. With a mix of determination and youthful naivety, Oliver Tate is set to take the plunge into the unpredictable waters of growing up.