Breath - Tim Winton

Breath
Tim Winton
PenguinBruce

Pike (Pikelet) is a paramedic who knows only too well what it’s like to be young, arrogant and addicted to extreme sports. As a teenager, he and his best friend Looney grew up in the small sawmill town of Sawyer. They sought escape from the ‘ordinariness’ of the town’s life by flirting with death, daring one another to surf in conditions which pushed the boundaries and placed their lives in danger. As young boys Pikelet and Looney took their lead from legendary surfer and mentor, Sando. By taking them to breaks other locals find too dangerous to surf, Sando fuels the boys’ curiosity for adventure and risk. His American wife Eva, also once shared Sando’s passion for extreme sports. She was a free style ski jumper till an accident ended her career and left her bitter and lame. No longer being able to ‘fool with death’ she turned to darker habits, involving Pikelet in her dangerous games.

At once rhythmic and tender, Breath is more than just a meditation on surfing. It’s about human frailty, the blurring of escaping the ordinariness of life and taking unnecessary risks.

Breath is possible not the author's best work but the simple clarity of Winton's story telling makes for a very enjoyable read.