First published: 21/04/2013
Submarine is a coming of age novel that could be compared to “The Catcher in the Rye.” Oliver Tate is a 15 year old boy who is eager to lose his virginity before he is legal. He finds love in the form of Jordana Bevan- a mysterious girl with a love of setting things on fire. In the meantime, Oliver needs to save his parent’s marriage, survive his GCSEs and decode the intentions of his mother’s capoeira teacher who is “a hippy-looking twonk.” Embark on an adventure with Oliver and his extended vocabulary.
Dunthorne has created a light-hearted, laugh out loud novel that also touches on a few serious matters. You will laugh and cringe over the things Oliver Tate thinks and says and you will learn to love him. I read this book last year on holiday and it is the funniest thing I’ve ever read.
In 2010, Richard Ayoade (I.T Crowd) directed the film adaptation of the novel. It is not a disappointment and is hilarious. Craig Roberts stars as Oliver Tate and does a perfect job of doing so. Personally I think nothing can beat the book, but the film is still amazing and has an incredible soundtrack created by Arctic Monkey’s front-man Alex Turner.
If you haven’t read the book, read it now. Yes, now. You will not regret it.
behindthecritic 