book review: The Drowning Woman

The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding

Rating: 5 out of 5

Book Club Rating: Unanimously 5 out of 5 - most frequent comment -WOW!

Who would like it?

Anyone who has gotten in over their head until they were drowning in their decisions. 

Who would I advise to read it?

Anyone who likes a read likes theme park rides: a wild ride with unexpected spins that, before you can get settled, another unexpected move has you quickly trying to process where you are and what the heck is happening. When the ride is over you have been preoccupied, thrilled, shocked and entertained.

Would I give it as a gift?

YES, but only if you want to talk about it after :)

Our book club discussion centred around shock.  The Drowning Woman kept us on our toes, and we did not see any of the plot twists coming. We all are looking into reading more by this author.

The Drowning Woman; The Story:

After a series of bad decisions, deep debt, a failed restaurant, and cut-off friendships and family ties, Lee Gulliver finds herself in Seattle, living in her car on the streets.

Finding work from those who don’t ask questions, hiding from her past, and parking her Toyota in a safe place to sleep, Lee finds a sheltered area in an exclusive neighbourhood with an ocean view.

The area is not as private as Lee had hoped when she witnesses a distraught woman plunge herself into the ocean. When Lee jumps into the frigid waters to pull the drowning woman, Hazel, to shore, she quickly learns not everyone wants to be rescued.  Hazel confides she is a trophy wife trapped in a toxic and abusive marriage who would do anything to escape her current reality.

Hazel, while having all the privileges of living with money, finds in Lee an unlikely friendship based on despair and longing.  Hazel, desperate for a second chance to escape her circumstances, devises a plan to have Lee help her disappear.  Hazel is convinced her plan will be successful and really, what does Lee have to lose? 

But Lee quickly realizes she might have no idea who she has gotten involved with.