The Breaking Wave (Vintage International)

A little too much detail about technical issues during the war at first, but someone with that background would enjoy it. A sad story of two people that couldn’t quite get together. An engaging tale that explores the lives of veterans and their world view.

I have been a Nevil Shute fan for a long time and this is a re-read for me. I get so hungry for well written books so to satisfy myself I occasionally go back to a Shute book. He is a master story teller in every way. His books are pure pleasure to read. They hold your interest to the very end and you will often find yourself lamenting that you have come to the end. I had read this one so long ago that the story seemed very fresh. Nevil Shute is an English author who wrote around the late 30's and 40's. His stories naturally often take place in war torn England. This is the book for you (and any of his others ) if good writing and story telling is calling you. As in many well written books, the characters are beautifully defined and you slowly get drawn into their lives. This story centers on a young women who joins the navy and learns to do very un-lady like tasks such as inspect and clean the large anti aircraft guns aboard the destroyers waiting to return to the front. There is a love interest, suspense, humor and a surprise ending. Enjoy and if this is your first Shute book, I envy you !

So subtle. Such beautiful prose. Shute deserves a place in great literature. I also recommend "On The Beach" for a different view of post-nuclear war life. Stick to the Vintage editions of Shute's works. I understand there are a few poorly abridged editions that will disappoint.

This is a lovely, graceful book with a compelling story of love, loss, and duty. I could not put it down and needed to grab tissues in a few places. Like all of Shute's books, the characters are strong and decent, even when they are not. Quite a contrast to modern writing. I think he s my new favorite author and looking forward to reading his other works. I agree with the other reviewer that this would make a lovely film if done right, along the lines of the English patient.

Neville Shuts doesn't disappoint. The story written way over 60 years ago still holds the reader. A good story with good characters, nothing is better.

The Breaking Wave is as good a read in 2020 as it was when it was first published some fifty years ago. It’s a touching, elegant love story that transcend time.

Nevil Shute (one of my favorite British authors; I have many) tells great stories of the World War II era, and this is no exception. Using the backdrops of wartime England, postwar London, and postwar Australia, he tells a poignant tale of the loss of a brother and the search for the brother's fiancée, as well as the narrator's own journey.

Another good novel by Shute, but unlike many of his books this is rather sad. The principal female character is very attractive but her service in the second world war has undeserved but devastating consequences. The original title Requiem for a Wren was better. Many of Shute's books written after the war have a very positive undertone but this one is more like On the Beach.

Shute is such a great storyteller.....he needs a comeback!

Great read. Nevil Shute is my man.

Came as promised.

excellent

A book I have read before by one of my favourite authors, during my younger days. Still a very good read.