The Boatbuilder was not my favorite of the reads assigned to us, unfortunately. The book was well-written, overall. However, I found the story to be problematic and not in the good way. For example, there were times I felt like I was being taught at. I felt that this started at the beginning of the book when the narrator was talking about opioids, rehab, etc.

The story didn’t read or feel like it was in the 21st century. It refers to the past more often and gave off a late 20th century feel. The realistic 21st century parts were partially there but it’s something that can be looked at and revisited in the future.

There are WAY too many characters, including animals. Some are forgotten and/or insignificant and others I liked and wished they would show up more often.

If someone asked me, “What the book about?” I’d have to say that I’m not sure what the main plot was. The 1st third of the book I got a feeling that I knew where the book was going but that changed after Berg met Alejandro. Too much started to happen.

What is clearly defined are the “main characters”. I know who Berg, Alejandro, Nell, etc. Berg is just a troubled soul trying to figure everything out. Alejandro plays the sort of “wise old man” role. Nell is trying to be the friendly girlfriend who wants what’s best for her boyfriend.

I like his choice of character names. They are different and memorable.

The author might want to do more resource on accidents that require opioids. I’ve had concussions from hits to the head and my doctor has never prescribed me opioids. Typically it’s just the normal everyday pain killers. (I let this one slide for suspension of disbelief’s sake.)

They say that people think Alejandro is crazy but that some neighbors respect him...I think we keep on being told something instead of shown so I don’t believe people think Alejandro is crazy since more characters (dead and alive) think highly of him.