Duncan from Bourne, MA

Consumption of Character

Little did I know, The Running Waves would consume four days of my life in a reading and literary experience that transcended several that had come before it. But it was while reading more and more of The Running Waves that reminded me why I, and we as readers alike, truly appreciate great characters in great stories.

It is amazing how genuine and realistic each of the characters in The Running Waves come off to the reader. Ted and Seton Murphy capture the essence of their characters through the effectiveness and mastery of dialogue, revealing subtle details about their actions through spoken word and interior monologue. They portray the vernacular of multiple generations of Cape Codders, New Englanders, and Americans in general. Especially their teenage and young adult characters: Colin, Dermot, Tommy, Clay, Dwayne, Eric Chance, Kaz, the Ferguson Brothers, and even Chucky “He’s all” Dunn, we all know that guy (with the exception of Molloy, who is an amazing character unto himself). The Murphy Brother’s characters are to be recognized for their vast depth. I believe everyone can identify with and gravitate towards the witticisms, slang, ribbing, and banter that are inherently part of The Running Waves.

Continuing on this note, The Running Waves is incredibly amusing and witty. There are multiple examples of comedy within the larger plot, including: the whiffle ball game with the Ferguson Brothers, swearing their heads off and talking shit; the postcard from Pisa from Kaz; the continuous back and forth between old friends; and basically every passage with Molloy; just to name a few. There is no substitute for a novel that can make the reader laugh out loud, while simultaneously experiencing several other emotions. Humor is present throughout and makes the overall experience that much more enjoyable, even in the face of tragic overtones.

Next, in commenting on the story itself, the reader is introduced to an interconnectedness of events that drives the plot. Personally, I love the connection between the Brennan Brothers and Eric Chance. Particularly the relationship between Colin and Eric, as Colin always seems to be his best around him. The Eric Chance character certainly symbolizes a teenage innocence not yet corrupted by the world (even after the death of his father, that innocence is unwavering); and while Dermot and Colin seem to thrive off of that nostalgic of teenage optimism and endless possibilities, Colin’s character does so especially. Their relationship is best represented by the parallel of experiencing great loss in their lives. After Colin reads Eric’s poem, “The Color Red” and their subsequent discussion of how Eric has not let his father’s death define him, is such an incredible moment in the novel. Also, Colin’s pep-talk to Eric in regards to asking Natalie out, is also important, and proves to be Eric’s ultimate motivation in overcoming his fear of rejection and taking risks.

Additionally, themes of importance of family and friends are ever-present in The Running Waves. The close-knit relationship between Colin, Dermot, and Mr. Brennan; and the stress put upon that relationship is very visible to the reader. How Mr. Brennan raises his sons on classic movies, baseball, and ‘world famous’ pancakes provides a unique look into a strong father-son bond that is all too rare in today’s world. In regards to the relationship between Colin and Dermot, I couldn’t help but think of my own brother, Townsend, and how I, to this day recognize the sacrifices he made for me. I was certainly able to identify with the two brothers throughout the novel and even though Dermot isn’t able to have the face to face ‘talk’ with Colin until the very end of the novel, the article that Dermot writes for the Cape Cod Times, “Sadly the Boys of Summer have All Gone Home,” speaks volumes to Colin. This notion of words in absence, in addition to other connected events, paves the way for the brother’s reconciliation.

In closing, I cannot end without touching upon the impact and unique use of music in The Running Waves. Bands and artists like Blind Melon, Alice in Chains, Spin Doctors, U2, R.E.M., Tribe Called Quest, Soundgarden, and The Samples really brings alive the music in that time in space in 1994. I believe the entire notion of music heightening any literary experience is progressive and I look forward to the effect on how I experience The Running Waves next time. It’s fun to think how the last chapter of the novel could be represented on the big-screen with “Fell Us Shaking” in the background as the twilight of the late summer night sky fades into the end credits.