Book Review: Slanting Towards the Sea by Alek Hilje
Ah, the delightful agony of reviewing books that leave an indelible mark on your heart! With Slanting Towards the Sea by Alek Hilje, I found myself ensnared in a whirlwind of emotions, struggling to articulate the magic that unraveled over its pages. From the moment I learned about a love story set against the stunning backdrop of Croatia, I was hooked. But boy, did this book deliver more than just a pretty view!
Spanning two decades and one transformative summer, we meet Ivona, our fierce and introspective protagonist. Hilje masterfully weaves her present-day experiences with the history of her upbringing, touching on family dynamics, heartbreak, and, of course, the intense romance with Vlaho. Their connection is the kind that flares hotly, igniting a once-in-a-lifetime passion that’s nearly impossible to fathom. Hilje captures the dizzying essence of this “soulmate” love skillfully—think of love so powerful that existing without it feels absurd.
One passage that absolutely stunned me was when Ivona describes Vlaho: “His face was incandescent, as though it were lit from the inside.” This line isn’t merely a pretty metaphor; it encapsulates the almost surreal quality of true love—how it lights up our lives even in the dimmest of settings. But beware, this incandescent love isn’t without its shadows. Hilje provides no easy answers; the journey is soul-searching, laden with the highs of euphoria and the inevitable lows of heartache.
The writing style is where Hilje truly shines. His prose is rich yet accessible, painting vivid landscapes that transported me to Croatia’s sun-drenched shores, where I could almost taste the salty breeze and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. The pacing, perfectly measured, allows you to savor each moment while keeping you engaged and longing for more. It’s like a scenic road trip that has you hanging on every bend, holding your breath for what’s next.
What struck me most was the emotional depth throughout. Highs and lows coexist in a masterful balance; yearning and longing hang heavy in the air. I was both captivated and completely unmoored, feeling as if I was cut wide open and left bare. In a world filled with superficial narratives, those raw emotions are a testament to Hilje’s undeniable talent.
It’s noteworthy that Slanting Towards the Sea offers a sorrowful narrative, which may not resonate with everyone. However, those willing to journey through the emotional landscape will find themselves rewarded, captivated by the exquisite blend of love, loss, and coming-of-age.
If you’re someone who revels in poignant love stories, and enjoys a backdrop of breathtaking beauty, this debut is an experience you won’t want to miss. Personally, I emerged from this reading as if I had taken a mini-vacation—one filled with reflective moments and heartache, yes, but also with an enduring sense of beauty that lingers long after the final page.
A tremendous thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing this arc in exchange for a review. Set to be released on July 8, 2025, I can’t recommend it highly enough for readers looking for a powerful exploration of love’s transformative nature.
Discover more about Slanting Towards the Sea on GoodReads >>