Book Review: Peter Geye captures hearts with father-son novel

A touching story about a father-son relationship, Peter Geye’s novel “Safe from the Sea” grips the heart. Set in northern Minnesota, “Safe from the Sea” captured the atmosphere of the Northland and the unique qualities of the people residing here.

When Noah receives a phone call from his ill father, he rushes to Olaf’s isolated cabin from Boston. A retired Lake Superior shipping captain, his father won’t tell Noah what is plaguing him.

Bitter and resentful, Noah wants to learn why Olaf changed and turned distant after the sinking of his ship, the Ragnarok, so many years ago — but Olaf has more than one secret to share with his son before he dies.

With characters that engendered passion and interest, “Safe from the Sea” couldn’t go wrong. Olaf, a Lake Superior shipper for most of his life, knew boats, and, whenever he spoke, you knew he lived a sailor’s life. The short, snappy dialogue between father and son belied the tension and unspoken thoughts between them.

One of my favorite snippets of the book was when Olaf and Noah were talking and Olaf stopped to take out his dentures. Surprised, Noah asks his father how long he’s had them, and Olaf tells him six years. Noah says, “I didn’t know you had them.”

“I guess you wouldn’t.”

“I guess not.”

For me, this short exchange poignantly portrayed the distance between father and son. Geye, a Minneapolis native, crafted a beautiful novel with relatable characters and a tear-stained ending.

My suggestion to you? Read it, read it, read it. Grab a blanket and a comfy chair and turn in for an early night filled with vibrant people and an intriguing story. You won’t want to miss this one.

Twin Ports book reviewer Elizabeth Reichert can be reached via budgeteer@duluthbudgeteer.com.

NEWS TO USE
Peter Geye will sign “Safe from the Sea” from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 13 at Northern Lights Books & Gifts in Canal Park. To listen to an excerpt from his new book, visit http://unbridledbooks.com/our_books/book/safe_from_the_sea/.

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