The International Writers Magazine: Review

Mean Tide by Sam North Lulu Press ISBN:  978-1-4092-0354-4 • Paul Valentine

We have a saying, “reading between the lines”. It normally means reading what is implied but not expressed, and therefore has become the current reference for political innuendo or ‘spin’. This is a shame because it should also be used in creative writing to denote writing that goes into another dimension in creating a real sense of cutting atmosphere by the addition of tension.

Sam North has a tremendous gift of creating both atmosphere and warmth in characters; particularly young boys with the world before them, who balance on a knife-edge of falling either into great danger or greater fun and experience. And it is the continual stress the reader undergoes in almost trying to shape destiny with the writer that invokes such tangible atmosphere. There is of course, great danger in this; as with all examples of stress, ‘Hookes Law’ comes into play, and the more stress – the greater atmosphere. But, take it too far and the spring breaks. Sam North is an experienced writer, and is able to take the writer virtually to the point of strain, that moment just before ‘too far’, when the spring won’t return.

Of course Dickens was a master of this art, as was Conan Doyle, and it is quite amazing how Mr North is able to muster the same kind of atmosphere that both Victorian writers used, but in a totally up to date work. The story is about Oliver, a precocious but warm-hearted twelve year old who loses touch with his father, and whose mother becomes acutely psychotic. Furthermore, the boy undergoes serious neuro-surgery to remove a tumour from his brain. But of course, as a twelve year old, his only concern is whether his hair will grow back.

He is adopted by his Dragon-like grandma Otis (who is really as soft as the best toffee) and there begins the interplay between a number of brilliantly drawn characters surrounding his new life in Greenwich. A key theme in the novel is the power of psychic mysticism, but this is dealt with, sometimes by comedy, sometimes with warmth, but always with the essential humanity that is Mr North’s trademark.

The novel ends in a scene worthy of the best revivalist theatre, and puts the finishing touch on a thoroughly good read. ‘Mean Tide’ is story telling at it’s finest, and if you like a good story, you must read this compelling book.

© Paul Valentine March 2010
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Underlying Notes by Eva Pasco
Paul Valentine review
The most infuriating aspect of the novel though, is the writing

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