What happens when the summer ends? With beautifully drawn characters, lyrical depictions of the natural landscape, brotherly love, family loyalty – and surfing. A powerful and thought-provoking summer read.
Rhys lives in a small town on the Devon coast, where seasonal work dries up as winter storms hit, housing is hard to come by and livelihoods are threatened by distant bureaucrats. Life is much harder for Rhys and his two younger brothers than tourists can possibly know.
It is only when surfing that Rhys finds solace in the beauty around him: the crashing waves, towering cliffs and sandy beaches. But when that solace is taken, his tinder-dry rage is soon ignited. Determined to defend his family from a life blighted by social neglect and poverty, Rhys is drawn to Dodo, a radical political activist. Before long, Rhys’ actions spiral out of control, with dire consequences for himself and those he loves.
Nicola Garrard is a poet, and author of the critically-acclaimed novels 29 Locks and 21 Miles. She grew up on the Devon coast, growing vegetables and fishing to eke out her family’s earnings. Nicola has been a teacher in Inner London for over 20 years and now lives in West Sussex with her wife, three children and dog.
Old Barn Books are an independent publisher with a great collection of books for all ages of children. On the Edge is in their YA / crossover novel in August 2025. Nicola Garrard’s writing is beautiful and she has a keen ear for teen language and concerns. You really won’t be able to put this one down!
Amazingly for me, I read to the end in two sessions, the first time for ages that I have become so entranced with a book. A must read for the summer holidays.
Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist
