The Boatbuilder

THE BOATBUILDER

by Daniel Gumbiner

 

Nomination: National Book Longlist 2018

 

Date Read: February 21, 2021

 

Some books fall into your lap just at the right time. I am not an honest judge of whether this has exceptional literary merit, but the characters reminded me of a few things that I really needed to be reminded of right now.

 

This story takes place in the small, Northern California town of Talinas, which I swear is meant to symbolize Bolenas. Regardless, Berg arrives in this town to rebuild himself and his life after he keeps relapsing in his opioid addiction. In this town he finds friendship, mentorship, beauty, more addiction and self-reflection.

 

Although Berg has never built boats before, he immediately becomes interested in giving it a go after meeting Alejandro, an instantly likeable character that offers up wisdom and compassion like little feathers floating on the breeze. He is known by almost everyone in the town and is highly regarded for his craftsmanship, intelligence and friendliness. For a recovering opioid addict, Berg is incredibly lucky to fall into his lap.

 

This book, as another reader pointed out, is “…clean and spare,” which helps the characters to shine even more. I truly enjoyed the interactions between these mostly male characters and the forgiveness and compassion Alejandro offers to Berg. Through this compassion, Alejandro invites Berg to forgive himself and find alternative methods of overcoming his addiction and pain. If only it were so easy, we would all be doing it.

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