A review by heidirgorecki
The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Utterly beautiful and devastating. The writing in this was phenomenal - the description and storyline, the detail and the characters. 

The story itself was so heartbreaking and raw, but so hopeful once worked thru. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea - the subject matter of abuse and betrayal and self-destructive decisions, was very difficult and so incredibly sad. But I felt like the way she unfolded it, it was real and honest. It wasn’t a cut and dry hero vs villain, black and white story. There was a lot of gray. Just like real life. 

I loved how Kendra processed thru everything, with her desire and need to be seen and believed in, and how relatable that was. The journey her character took thru her own grief and growth was captivating. 

But Ms Bartels made you think really hard, past the easy labels and boxing-up, and forces you to have compassion and empathy in really messy situations. And look at ourselves and take ownership of our own decisions. I thought it was brave, painful, and redemptive. 

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