Wow. I mean this was one of those surprising, holy-crap kinda novels that just sneaks up on ya, grabs on, and doesn't let go until the very last page. And I read the whole thing in just a few sittings over the last 24 hours. I feel a little guilty that it took me more than twenty years to 'discover' it. It's called THE ODD SEA (1998), and it was a first novel, by Frederick Reiken. I found it at a library sale last week, and I bought it because it had a couple very laudatory blurbs on the back cover from two of my favorite writers, Frederick Busch and Hilma Wolitzer.

It's actually a rather quiet family drama, about a Massachusetts family, the Shumways, with five kids, whose older son Ethan suddenly goes missing without a trace. It's narrated by his younger brother Philip, who is just thirteen when Ethan disappears, and takes us through the next five years, with plenty of backstory about Ethan, Philip, their three sisters and parents. And every one of the characters is pretty damn interesting. Philip is center stage, of course, and gives us as moving and touching a coming-of-age story as you will ever find, with early tentative sexual awakening, and of course the mystery of what happened to Ethan, who was an extremely talented young musician and athlete. A local arts academy is also important to the story, as is its mysterious director, who has a "dark angel" side which gradually reveals itself in her relationship to Ethan.

But hey, maybe everyone else has already heard about and READ this compelling first novel, and I'm just late to the party yet again. But if, by chance, you have NOT read it, and you enjoy a beautifully written, artfully constructed novel, READ this book! It's THE ODD SEA (a child's mis-hearing of THE ODYSSEY), by Frederick Reiken. My apologies to Mr Reiken for taking so long to read it, and my belated thanks to Hilma W and the 'other' Frederick, the late Mr Busch for praising it those many years ago. My very highest recommendation.

- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER ( )

I was very interested in this story since I grew up in the area it took place, and in the same time frame that this story talks about. The writer brought forth some good characters, the thoughts and feelings of those touched by the loss and/or the abduction of his brother. No one knows of course how they will react when we lose a loved one, but the most frustrating aspect of the entire cast of characters was their inability to understand and make peace with 'not knowing' what happened. The artists to some may seem bizarre, but truly these types do wander about the hills in Massachusetts, trying to find their muse. I liked the story - and the fresh way it was told. ( )

I found myself compelled to read this novel, and enjoyed the story of it. After I read a book, I usually know who to recommend it to, and pass it on to the next reader. After reading the Odd Sea, I did not who to recommend the book to. It was so personal a story, it felt either deceptive or rude to pass it on. It lead to a complete confliction, because I liked the book, but I did not know who else would. ( )

http://gr4c5.wordpress.com/2007/09/04/the-odd-sea-with-spoiler/ ( )

family "not finds" Ethan who disappears at age 16;
teen appeal

2.00 ( )