Review: The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels

About the book:

The best fiction simply tells the truth.

But the truth is never simple.

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.

My rating:
1.5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water is the first book I've read by Erin Bartels and it was not at all what I was expecting. The story was such a complex story and had me so confused at times as to what was really going on. 

The story was intriguing at first, but I struggled with the way it was written (it seemed to fluctuate between first person [Kendra] and then times where Kendra is mentally telling stories/explaining things to Cami [who isn't there, this is all in Kendra's mind]). I hope I explained that well enough.

I had a difficult time finishing this book - partly because of the POV struggles and partly because I felt like some of the content went too far. I understand that the storyline needed to include certain things, but it wasn't something that I wanted to read. I also felt like there needed to be more about God's grace and redemption. I don't remember that being a part of the story. 

So while I don't have many positive things to say about this book, I did think it was intriguing at times and it did keep me wondering what was going on. I don't recommend the book, but that is mainly because of a lot of content issues I had and just personal preference. Mature readers only.

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Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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