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Betsy R. (Gig Harbor, WA)
The Swimming Pool
When I received this book, I thought it would be something I would really like-but it wasn't. Although I could appreciate the good writing at times, I didn't care about the main characters or even about the mystery embedded in the story. I am a high school librarian and am always looking for books that would interest my students, but I don't think this one would. I hate saying anything negative about a new author, but this book just didn't do it for me.
Bonnie B. (Fairbanks, AK)
Beautiful Writing, Prosaic Content
This is a story of two families, each with secrets. Callie and Jed are brother and sister who have lived with sorrow. Their mother, Betsy, was murdered and their father, Cecil, died shortly thereafter. At the time of Betsy's death, Cecil was having an affair with Marcella. When the book opens, Jed visits Marcella to ask her some questions about his parents. They end up having an affair. The book is written in beautiful language but the plot is prosaic and does not seem worthy of the 300 pages. I look forward to further books by this author because of her beautiful writing.
Jinny (Fremont, CA)
Swimming Among Genres
I wish I could give several 'number grades' to this book for various aspects; 5 for character development and dialogue, 3 for plot development, etc.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and felt the shifts among time and point of view were done well, it seemed as though some point were being missed, not the least of which was the guilty party of the seven year old murder mystery. Perhaps subtlety is wasted on me, but this missing piece was a big disappointment.
I don't think stories have to be strictly categorized, but this book seemed to waver uncertainly among psychological thriller, murder mystery,
…more romance and serious fiction.
I will still, however, look for more of this author's work. (Should probably be a 3.5) (less)This is a debut novel from Holly Lecraw. Let's hope that the next ones will get better. Tthe premise of the book revolves around two family's,the Atkinson's and the McClatchey's, with plenty of tragedy and secrets to go around, not to mention a little post-partum depression and lots of pent up anger. Sadly I really had no empathy for the characters, mostly due to the lack of development. They were either one-dimensional or lost in another dimension altogether. Also the flashbacks to the past really didn't help matters or clear up to much. This was an ARC copy and the lack of proofing and editing was noticeable.
…more I finished this novel for the review. If it wasn't for that I probably wouldn't have made it. Some may like it,not my cup of tea. (less)I am not a fan of the book. The characters were flat and one dimensional. I read much longer than I wanted to in hopes of finding a way to connect with them. Enough of the plot is revealed on the back of the novel to know that if I didn't care about these characters I didn't really want to read about what I knew was in store. The plot line wasn't gripping, the characters weren't engaging and therefore the subject matter was not one I cared enough about. Some may find this a good "summer read" but I think there are better.
Madeline M. (Sarasota, FL)
The Swimming Pool
The writing is lovely and lush, but the story itself didn't move me. I often felt like I was watching the characters through a window/pane of glass, like there was a distance between us that kept me from connecting with or liking them. I thought Callie's story/plot line was the most compelling part of the book and wished more time had been spent on that.
Denice B. (Fort Bragg, CA)
The Swimming Pool
This Pool is shallow. The story seemed contrived and implausible, the love affairs trite and also unlikely. The author doesn't much heed the writerly axiom "show, don't tell." Her language and style are pretty ordinary in the first half or so of the book, but she goes on to turn some pretty good phrases in the second half. Here too her characters have a few insightful things to say.
Vicky R. (Cumming, GA)
Nothing new at the "Pool"
I didn't dislike this book...I just thought it was a lot of the same old thing. Affairs, murder, revenge, despair...the usual suspects. I kept hoping that the plot would pick up since a couple of the characters did have some strength to them, alas, I felt I stayed with the story in search of the answer to the murder mystery (and I will give the author credit for keeping me hanging on to the end); but much to my dismay, I closed the book continuing to wonder what happened. I don't think I would recommend this book to anyone simply because the story just didn't offer any real intrigue and the plot was just
…more mediocre. It doesn't mean I wouldn't pick up another book by this same author though and give her another "spin". (less)
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