Reviews

Summerwater by Sarah Moss

lucyscanlon's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

sardinetin's review against another edition

4.0

A masterclass in building tension. Sarah Moss manages to make the "boring" rainy summer's day at a remote holiday park in Scotland ratchet up to something unexpected.

My only criticism is that the sheer number of different characters does make things slightly difficult to follow on occasion and does not really give them the chance to fully develop. However, in the end that does not really matter too much on the overall arc of the book.

girlglitch's review against another edition

5.0

Summerwater is an evocative series of vignettes, taking place over the course of one rainy day at a holiday camp in the Trossachs.

It's claustrophic and immersive, with each character's stream of consciousness narration blending seamlessly into the next. But Moss still manages to retain their distinctive voices, and the changes in perceptions allow for some sharp, emotionally-intelligent insights. There is not much of a conventional plot, but the story is cleverly structured, the underlying tension building with every chapter. You get the sense that each line is perfectly weighted.

This is undoubtedly a novella that hits a bit different during lockdown, and reading it while stuck at home on a grey day was an entirely immersive experience. Summerwater is intense and atmospheric, the perfect book for a rainy day.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*

athena33's review against another edition

funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

chillcox15's review against another edition

4.0

Moss definitely nails the weird malfeasance of people on cabin vacation here. 4.5 stars.

vgk's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

2.25

This was nicely written, but ultimately pointless. Despite being a reasonably short book, it seemed too long.

paulsnelling's review against another edition

3.0

The stream-of- consciousness episodes combine to create an oppressive atmosphere in a wet Scottish holiday park. We know that something lies ahead at the end of the long day. Beautifully written 3.5 stars

georgieholmes's review against another edition

3.0

some bits were beautifully written, but i just didn’t get it at all - maybe i missed the point?

zoehop's review

emotional funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

krobart's review against another edition

3.0

See my review here:

https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2023/03/14/review-2137-summerwater/