Shark Heart: A Love Story
I have a new love in my life… and it’s this book! I know that is weird but you are about to go on a journey of weirdness. (We’ll probably have to take a tally of how many times I say ‘weird’ in this review) When I read the description of “Shark Heart: A love Story” I was totally confused. A couple (Wren & Lewis) are in their first year of marriage and it will be their last. He is diagnosed with a “terminal”(?) illness. He will change into a Shark within the next 9 months or so. His wife is trying to grapple with the logistics of this and befriends a woman pregnant with twin birds.(What?) She will have to revisit parts of her life she was keeping to herself. Would he forget her? Can she still find a way to be together after his transformation? It. sounded. WEIRD! But boy was I intrigued.
I borrowed it from the library. I was too worried it would end up being a book I put down after the first couple chapters. But now I have to get the physical copy AND the e-version so I can read it whenever the mood strikes. It’s THAT good.
I.LOVED.IT! Like LOOOVVVVEEEED it! I had no idea what to expect. I believe that books or movies or art or what have you that really resonates with us have to relate to the character. See a part of you within the pages. (or painting or movie etc) It has to speak to you. I’ve read quite a few books recently that I enjoyed but some of the characters I was ‘meh’ about. They didn’t really speak to me. I’ve moved on and don't really talk about them. They didn’t make an impression. In Shark Heart it seemed I related to all of these characters in one way or another. I do not cry while reading books. I cannot say I can recall a time… oh wait! Maybe Shiloh - you know that dog book? I read that in like 3rd grade and cried…I think…? Anyway, i can still say i didn’t cry but i sure got choked up about half way through this book. I was NOT expecting that. It was thought provoking.
I am terrified of going blind. (I know left field- hear me out) I have THE WORST eyesight ever! Ok I am exaggerating but i am pretty darn limited without my glasses/contacts. Like if I don’t have my glasses on my phone comes into focus at about 3 inches from my face! (honestly not exaggerating that. You can ask my husband and children. It is quite humorous to them) It is a small aspect that is taken for granted for most people… I feel. And when Wren and Lewis have to figure out these new limitations on their life that are far more reaching than losing one’s sight. In my case I’d have to make some changes- get a guide dog, have my husband help me with a bunch of things, learn braille etc etc. It seems manageable compared to one spouse losing their mind, changing into a carnivorous beast (have i mentioned I’m TERRIFIED of sharks? No? Well they are stuff of nightmares) while the other is left with the logistics and the loose ends. I don’t think I’d be strong enough for that. But i was so connected with both of them. Lewis feeling like a burden for Wren. I know I’d feel that way if I lost my sight. I’d have to give up some most of my independence. I’m an Artist, I don’t even know what I’d do with that. Wren tried to do anything to help Lewis, hoping beyond hope that they could stay together through Lewis’ transformation. Hoped that he would remember her. That is heartbreaking. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my husband if he were in need. It gave me all sorts of feels.
Anyway, After all this tangent. READ IT! Seriously! Choose it for book clubs, read it for classes, and give it as gifts. Go into it knowing it is going to be weird. Embrace the weirdness! It is truly a beautiful and captivating book.
(And I only said weird/weirdness 8 times)