REVIEW: THE GIRL WHO COULD BREATHE UNDER WATER by Erin Bartels

 Hey everyone! Today I've got a review of The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels! Check out some info on the book itself before getting into my review!

BLURB
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.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

MY REVIEW

This book. Wow. It's not for the faint of heart, but for those who have suffered and come out stronger? Oh, man. Bartels very artfully weaves struggles, healing, the inability to move forward until healing occurs, and the mystery of losing who you once were and realizing what you've gained, in this book. She approaches topics of harassment/abuse and healing realistically, tastefully, and in a way that's both gentle and stark. Her prose is excellent, and I'm not sure whether to say the book is heartrending or captivating. Maybe both. If you're a fan of contemporary fiction that almost approaches a literary nature, you'll likely enjoy this book. The storyline itself is deeply compelling, and there are a few twists and turns that are very masterfully woven as well, making for an enjoyable read with a heavy impact. 
I read the author's note first and almost put the book down because I wasn't sure if I could handle the content. I'm glad I kept reading. It's easy to see the cathartic quality of this book as well, and I applaud her bravery in doing so. 


Have you read any books by Bartels? Do you plan on picking up The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water?