13 Jul Book Review of The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water
Book Review: The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Sarah Domet
I’ve often found that a stunning book cover can pull me in as much as an intriguing plot or captivating characters can. When I stumbled upon The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, with its inviting lake-front scene that whispered secrets of summer escapes, I knew I had to dive in—especially since the story revolves around a writer on a deadline hiding away at her grandfather’s cabin. It felt like a perfect match for my literary cravings. Little did I know that when I opened the book, I was stepping into a much darker narrative than I had anticipated.
At its core, Sarah Domet’s novel tackles profoundly heavy themes, and while I appreciate a book that explores the complexities of human experience, I found this journey to be more difficult than enjoyable. The central themes of child abuse and the deeply troubling sexual tension between characters who should have remained separate made my heart ache—and not in the way I might have hoped. The protagonist’s interactions with a teenage boy blurred the lines of innocence and trust, leaving me unsettled and questioning why she would navigate a bond filled with danger and discomfort.
While the subject matter was a stark surprise given the initial allure, I do want to take a moment to commend Domet’s writing style. The novel unfolds like a letter addressed to the protagonist’s best friend, a unique narrative choice that lends an intimate, confessional tone. The seamless transitions between present moments and flashbacks are skillfully executed, immersing readers in the protagonist’s swirling thoughts and emotions. I truly wished these beautiful mechanics were applied to a cleaner narrative. I found myself captivated by Domet’s prose—lush, evocative, and incredibly well-crafted—even as I wrestled with the troubling content.
However, it was hard for me to overlook the excessive mentions of alcohol, crude sexual innuendos, and the sometimes careless treatment of serious issues. I was particularly struck by a character’s flippant joke about being allergic to peanut butter, which didn’t sit right with me given the genuine seriousness surrounding food allergies. This kind of humor felt out of place in a story already threading through heavy and painful subjects.
On a more personal note, I sincerely hope that this novel serves as a source of comfort or understanding for those grappling with their own pasts involving sexual abuse. Domet’s author note speaks directly to potential victims, offering a sense of solidarity, and while it didn’t resonate with my reading experience, I recognize its importance.
All in all, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water may encapsulate a healing narrative for some, but it simply wasn’t the right fit for me. If you’re someone who enjoys books that delve deep into the darker corners of human experience, perhaps this will be a poignant read for you. For readers seeking lighter fare or clean romance, however, I’d recommend you tread carefully around this novel.
As I closed the book, I felt a mix of gratitude for the author’s brave storytelling and a profound respect for those who battle through pain to find their voice. Each story has its purpose, and while this one was not for me, it undeniably carries weight—like the ripples of a stone cast into deep waters.
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