The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartles

LibraryThing

January 4, 2022

Flemming Revel

352 pages

Fiction, arc, mystery, thriller, print, first reads, Michigan

ISBN: 9780800738372

 

4/6/22-5/11/22

 

Narrator tells her story through internal conversations with Cami who she hasn’t seen in years.

 

Kendra is a successful author under pressure to finish her latest book which is being translated into German. She convinces her editor, Lois, that she will be more productive if she goes off the grid. She returns to Hidden Lake, Michigan to the cabin she recently inherited from her grandfather. The return brings mixed feelings and unanswered questions as she revisits memories from her past. Lois sends German interpreter, Andreas Voelker, to assist her with the German translation of her book. The unexpected visitor throws Kendra off guard and uncomfortable since internet connection is so poor she needs to go to town for a reliable connection.

 

When Kendra arrives she anticipates meeting with her friend Cami's adopted father, Robert Rainier, a famous author and mentor. It's been about 15 years since she has been up to the cabin. Jackie, Kendra's mother, raises her alone, sending her to spend summers with her father. Kendra has conflicting memories from her summers with her grandfather where she met Robert and Beth Rainier and their 2 adopted children, Cami and Tyler. She spent most of her time with the Rainiers and wonders whatever happened to her friend Cami after they lost touch years ago. Kendra seems to be confronted with some disturbing memories of the past and seeks clarification.

 

About half way through the book, I could predict the plot and the eventual ending. This did not ruin the story but provided the answers to which you hoped Kendra would discover for herself. Many stories accepted as truth as a child prove to be anything but the reality of the situation. The story does address some potentially triggering topics regarding child abuse, drug and alcohol use and resulting tragedies. Ultimately, the book does include a side love story and the truth of Kendra's past.

 

I received a copy of this book from Library Thing in exchange for an unbiased review.

         

 

                                                                                                  

 

 

 

 https://www.librarything.com/work/26980613/reviews/215637044