Infinite Blue

Infinite Blue was a surprise. A good surprise, in that way that only a book that seems unassuming can sometimes be. The novel opens on one of the main characters getting caught in a rip current. It was a fitting beginning as this mirrored my experience with the book, itself. At first, I thought I knew what I was getting into, a story of teen romance, but, as the story progressed, I was swept off in a surprising new direction. The Groth brothers have somehow managed, in 178 short pages, to create a beautiful, magical story worth sharing.

This novel tells the story of Ash and Clayton. Ash is a competitive swimmer whose star is on the rise, and Clayton is an artist. You think you’ve heard this story before, but you haven’t. There are twists and turns and a healthy dose of magical realism to add intrigue to the plot. Tonally, the Groths really take their time easing into the magical realism. They only show readers a glimmer of that magic at first. Like a mirage, you might even wonder if it was there at all until everything comes to a head and you realize you’re reading a modern fairy tale of sorts. This could be a boon for readers who might not typically pick up this type of book, but it could also dissuade fans of the genre from continuing on. Infinite Blue would make a perfect beach book, but it could really be enjoyed anytime.

The writing of the novel is relatively seamless, given that there are two authors. When I received the book, I thought that perhaps it was going to be illustrated or part graphic, but rifling through the pages, I discovered no such thing. Darren and Simon Groth have clearly put a lot of effort into making their voices, and the voices of their characters, consistent. The text is very approachable. It is written at a level that could encourage a struggling or reluctant reader, or a younger teen, to pick it up. That said, the book doesn’t feel like it was written with these readers in mind, which sometimes works to a novel’s detriment. While there are a few parts that may drag a little, or that could be tightened up, it’s generally very well-written. It’s a fast read that respects the intellect of its readers. The focus is still on the story, and the language is still engaging, strong, and sometimes beautiful. This is a novel that could be enjoyed by any reader.

The reason Infinite Blue feels important is that it occupies a space in YA literature that is not replete with other options. Certainly magical realism exists in YA, but, in general, the trend leans towards hard fantasy and sci-fi. This, coupled with the approachability of the text, is where I believe Infinite Blue finds its strength. Magical realism is often seen as more “literary” than hard fantasy. While this may sometimes be the case, that can also make it feel unapproachable to some readers. This book feel literary, but accessible.

One of the topics dealt with in the novel is disability. More specifically, it deals with a new physical disability for one of the characters. I was worried that there was going to be a narrative of being “freed” from this new disability, but I should have trusted the authors. The subject is treated with dignity, and it’s framed not as “overcoming” but as having to learn who you are meant to be. There is a layer of not resigning yourself to fulfilling the expectations of others, while also learning to “go with the flow”. Infinite Blue deals with a few big topics in a few short pages. It deals with fate, love, relationships, and personal growth, and does so carefully and thoughtfully.

Is Infinite Blue a perfect book? No. Like any book there are a few hurdles to overcome, a few minor weaknesses, but these are largely overshadowed by two facts. One is that this novel occupies a space that I feel is lacking in good, quality literature. The second is that it is simply a good story. This is a good first purchase for YA collections and libraries looking to add approachable teen titles. Infinite Blue feels new and fresh. It’s like coming up for air.