The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels

 

Review: This is a heavy book and perhaps one of the bravest books I've ever read. I felt a bit blindsided by the content and the obvious purpose of this novel until I was about half way through. I went into it expecting a frivolous, entertaining read. The back cover certainly didn't clue me in as to what this book actually was.

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water is a raw examination of a woman and those near her as they have to deal with childhood rape and molestation. Kendra, the main protagonist, wrote about her experiences as a way of dealing with the pain of what happened to her as a teenager. As it turns out, she ends back out at the lake where all of it happened - as does the young man who did it to her. The book, spoken through Kendra's eyes, explores that summer through her perspective, the background of the purprotrator, as well as her best friend. It is a tangled story and a messy, sad read that somehow ends on a note of hope..... but it is a heavy story nonetheless. I feel like the purpose this 'novel' was to educate the reader and bring awareness to events that could be happening to someone you know as well as a note of warning to parents everywhere. 

Over the last few years the "Me Too" movement has gained a lot of publicity. Something that I never totally understood was the reason why vicitims failed to speak up - sometimes until decades later. I also couldn't understand their guilt - they are the victims, why are they feeling guilty for a crime inflicted on them? Reading this book gave me a lot more understanding that I previously had.

This is certainly an adult book and would not recommend it to a teenage audience unless their is a very specific reason to do so.

 Back Cover: When novelist Kendra Brennan moves into her grandfather's old cabin on Hidden Lake, she has a problem and a plan. The problem? An inflammatory letter from A Very Disappointed Reader. The plan? To confront Tyler, her childhood best friend's brother--and the man who inspired the antagonist in her first book. If she can prove that she told the truth about what happened during those long-ago summers, perhaps she can put the letter's claims to rest and meet the swiftly approaching deadline for her next book.

But what she discovers as she delves into the murky past is not what she expected. While facing Tyler isn't easy, facing the consequences of her failed friendship with his sister, Cami, may be the hardest thing she's ever had to do.

Plumb the depths of the human heart with this emotional exploration of how a friendship dies, how we can face the unforgivable, and how even those who have been hurt can learn to love with abandon.

Review: 

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications for a copy of this book in exchange for my review.