3.5 on the Masq Scale. Swimming Upstream by @RuthMancini1 #chicklit #bookreview
Cover links to Amazon.com
Swimming Upstream
Written by
Ruth Mancini Genre: Chick Lit
Book Synopsis
On the same day that she meets an attractive lifeguard, Martin, her old friend, Catherine, re-appears. But is Martin really all he seems? And what is the secret that Catherine is hiding? As Lizzie struggles to confront the ghosts of her past, can she survive the shocking twist that will change the course of her future?
Swimming Upstream is a life-affirming and often humorous story about a young woman's pursuit of happiness. It is also a story of female friendship, love, and divided loyalties - and the moral choices that we find ourselves making when the chips are down.
Belinda F's Review
I'm not quite sure how to review this as I feel very mixed about it. On the positive side it was an extremely well written and well edited book but on the negative side I felt the plot meandered about and I didn't feel it reached any real conclusions.
The central character Lizzie is very nicely portrayed and draws you in to her story. She is layered however that isn't always true of the host of secondary characters some of whom are very black or white indeed.
The book synopsis describes the moment that Lizzie steps in front of an oncoming car as setting off 'a life changing chain of events' but I didn't really see it that way. Lizzie is knocked over by a car, picked up by someone she already knows (although hasn't seen for a while) and only finishes up with a sprained ankle. The accident causes her to miss an important appointment at work (but she's forgiven) and she and her boyfriend, Larson finish up falling out but I really felt their problems had started long before the accident.
The events that follow in Lizzie's life and the lives of those around her are a catalogue of tragedies including domestic violence, child abuse, bipolar disorder, poverty and rape. All this happens set against the backdrop of London during a series of IRA outrages. Plenty happens, all well written but for me the narrative arc was missing; I kept waiting for the action to climax but I never really felt it did.
If you enjoy a character driven read and don't mind the action wandering along then this is the book for you. I wouldn't say it wasn't a good read - just not the read for me!
Review Disclaimer: Book provided in exchange for an honest review.
Content Disclaimer: Marked mature due to an adult theme.
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