The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water

Title: The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water

Author: Erin Bartels

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary

Source: Revell

My Review:

I have enjoyed Erin Bartels previous works. When I saw she had a new book coming out, I immediately requested it. However, this book should come with a trigger warning, especially for sensitive readers. This is a very heavy book dealing with sexual abuse. 

 If you can get past that it is an incredibly well-written story, which is what I have come to expect from Bartels. This is a very complex, multi-layered story, dealing with weighty issues. It is poignant, tragic, at times depressing, and very deep. It is very realistic and honest in the approach it is written. While it is published by a Christian publisher, I would not label it a Christian book. Even at the end, I felt there were a few things not quite resolved.

Thank you to Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

When 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 that's keeping her from writing her next novel as long as its claims go unanswered. The plan? To confront Tyler, her childhood best friend's brother--and the man who inspired the antagonist in her first book--in order to prove to herself that she told the truth as all good novelists should.

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

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels searches the heart with this lyrical exploration of how a friendship dies, how we can face the unforgiveable, and how even those who have been hurt can learn to love with abandon.