Genre
Realistic fiction; young-adult literature.
Setting and Context
The novel is set on the island of Bruny, off the Tasmanian coast of Australia, in a small town whose economy is focused on shellfish diving.
Narrator and Point of View
The novel is narrated by an unnamed third-person narrator; the point of view shifts between Harry and Miles.
Tone and Mood
The tone is mournful; the mood is ominous.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is Miles, and to a lesser extent Harry; the antagonists are Dad and Jeff.
Major Conflict
The major conflict of the novel is that Miles must protect his brother while living with their abusive father and suppressing memories that threaten to reveal the truth of how their mother died.
Climax
The novel reaches its climax when Dad pushes Harry into the water and Miles remembers how Dad pulled Uncle Nick from Mum's car after it crashed; Miles realizes Dad murdered Uncle Nick, Harry's real father, and disposed of his body at sea.
Foreshadowing
An instance of foreshadowing occurs when Martin warns Miles to watch out for Jeff.
