Originally a short story, Dunthorne posted the first chapter on ABCtales.com, a website that allows writers to share, discuss and develop their work.

The novel is a coming-of-age story narrated by fifteen-year-old Oliver Tate, who records with comedy and anguish his relationship with his girlfriend and his lop-sided view of the strains on his parents' marriage.

Although Caradog Prichard's One Moonlit Night eventually took the accolade,[2] reviewer Elin Williams argued that Submarine is "deservedly one of Wales’ best novels, simply because it just is Welsh.

The film cast Craig Roberts as Oliver Tate, with Yasmin Paige, Noah Taylor, Paddy Considine, and Sally Hawkins in supporting roles.

It premiered at the 35th Toronto International Film Festival,[4] and was shown in London, Berlin and Swansea before going on general release in March 2011.