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deborahbabin's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! Lots of great twists in this book! Once I got started it was difficult to put down. Great translation into English from Spanish. The last 4 chapters were meh and felt rushed. The daughter is incredibly annoying! But overall a great read! Looking forward to reading more by this author.
feline_spo0ky's review against another edition
3.0
The shower scene had me squirming, I almost had to stop reading because of the anxiety the author created.
amandadinga's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lackof_shelf_control's review against another edition
4.0
So I added this to my library forever ago from KU and I just opened it out of the blue this week not knowing anything about the plot. I assumed it was thriller- ish because that’s my go-to genre. The first 25% of the novel - I thought something else was happening and I was intrigued. Then the next 50% I was thinking - okay now I know what this is about and could go run of the mill route. Was afraid it would be typical tropes unfolding like they always do( I’m being vague because i think going in blind is good). Then the last 25% I was like woah 🤯 loved how this wasn’t generic and left me surprised. I could have done without the sex scenes- but I’m a prude when it comes to books 🤣 they weren’t that graphic, but i just don’t like them!
maeclair's review against another edition
3.0
Paul Pen is a Spanish author whose work is routinely translated into English. My first experience reading one of his novels was Desert Flowers, a highly unique, haunting, yet disturbing story. It’s one that remains with me to this day despite the fact I read it in early 2018. A book like that sets a high bar for anything that follows. When I saw Under the Water, I couldn’t wait to download it.
The story started off with a bang—a family of four moving from Seattle to Boston, traveling across country in an RV, planning to sightsee along the way. We get the idea they are hoping for a new start after a series of misfortunes. The ten-year old son lost his eye in an accident, the teenage daughter’s two pet ferrets disappeared, the mother’s hair is now healthy again after falling out in clumps. Weird, huh? This is when the book is good, offering sketchy details that are never quite filled in.
Then, while night-driving in a secluded area, the husband clips a woman who leaps onto the road. Here, things started to sour instead of kicking into high gear. My first problem was accepting that a family of four traveling across country wouldn’t pack a single flashlight in their RV. An RV! Instead, they rely on their cell phones for flashlights—and, of course, those end up missing.
After that, the story degenerates into a hot mess, especially when the woman’s reasons for being on the road are revealed. It requires a stretch of the imagination and dedication to stay with the book. Had it been any author other than Paul Pen, I would have probably stopped reading. I wanted mystery. A haunting, disturbing plot like Desert Flowers. Instead I got infidelity and revenge. I’ve read plenty of books with unlikable characters that I found enthralling, but this one fell short. Toss in the fact the opening chapter seems gimmicky and unnecessary after you know the ending, and I can’t give this book more than 3 stars.
The story started off with a bang—a family of four moving from Seattle to Boston, traveling across country in an RV, planning to sightsee along the way. We get the idea they are hoping for a new start after a series of misfortunes. The ten-year old son lost his eye in an accident, the teenage daughter’s two pet ferrets disappeared, the mother’s hair is now healthy again after falling out in clumps. Weird, huh? This is when the book is good, offering sketchy details that are never quite filled in.
Then, while night-driving in a secluded area, the husband clips a woman who leaps onto the road. Here, things started to sour instead of kicking into high gear. My first problem was accepting that a family of four traveling across country wouldn’t pack a single flashlight in their RV. An RV! Instead, they rely on their cell phones for flashlights—and, of course, those end up missing.
After that, the story degenerates into a hot mess, especially when the woman’s reasons for being on the road are revealed. It requires a stretch of the imagination and dedication to stay with the book. Had it been any author other than Paul Pen, I would have probably stopped reading. I wanted mystery. A haunting, disturbing plot like Desert Flowers. Instead I got infidelity and revenge. I’ve read plenty of books with unlikable characters that I found enthralling, but this one fell short. Toss in the fact the opening chapter seems gimmicky and unnecessary after you know the ending, and I can’t give this book more than 3 stars.
lovleephtogrl's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
shelleyann01's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
The good thing about problems is, there’s always a solution. If there isn’t one, it’s called death.
Secrets, secrets, lies, lies. This family’s dramatic story is well told with Paul Pen's beautiful writing, which really helps the reader to understand what each character is feeling and experiencing. The character development was superb. It was an emotional read, inducing contrary pangs of empathy and apathy for the characters, specifically Frank. What he appeared to be—a cold and heartless cad—masked what he truly was: a very flawed man. Grace and Mara were admirable women.
Under the Water is pretty remarkable. I can not only say that I liked it, but I can also say it evoked emotions in me. I felt sad for Grace and Mara, and for the things they went through and Frank was a real son of a bitch. I wish that I could say that whole scenario was unrealistic, but it's not. It's a reality that many women face on a daily basis.
I did think the book started out kind of slow, but the more I read the more I was invested in the characters and wanting to know what happened. I think part of this was in regards to the relationship between Frank and Grace. It just rubbed me the wrong way at the beginning of the story. I thought it was well-written and an evocative story that left its imprint. An easy read that all comes together in the end with a few surprises along the way.
Thank you NetGalley, Paul Pen and AmazonCrossing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.
#UnderTheWater #NetGalley
cass_savage's review against another edition
3.0
Without spoiling the book, this is a basic thriller plot I typically avoid because it’s so over done. It has interesting twists at a fast paced to keep you reading. However it’s just not my brand of thrill, as soon as it was revealed I was disappointed.
yetanothersusan's review against another edition
4.0
Let's see: Frank is a horrible person and no amount of justification would redeem him. I don't feel like we really got to know Grace. Like her YouTube channel, she remains superficial through the entire book. And overall, I was unhappy that the book focused on the crazy woman seeking revenge for being wronged. Doesn't the man get some of that blame? I think the case for that was very obviously made in this book. But yet, still the woman is shown to be the unhinged one. Maybe the response was a bit extreme, but it was much more justified than Frank's actions. Saying anything more regarding all that might constitute a spoiler so I will stop. I also really loved the social justice warrior daughter. She was a great comedic (sometimes) break from the tension of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
inkishkingdoms's review against another edition
5.0
Visit me at: Book Blog / Instagram
I am extremely honored to be the first one to review this title! I received this ARC from the author himself. However, my review is a 100% unbiased and honest.
Paul Pen has this incredible style and his writing is unique. This book starts a bit different from his other titles, but it has the same hooking ability to intrigue the reader. He plays incredibly good with anti-heroes and the antagonists. We usually root and read stories from the perspective of the victims and the good characters. We read stories and we pick a side; however, Pen's books are not at all conventional, and it is impossible for you to take a side. I, at least, was struggling so much. You are at the edge of your sit, you cannot stop reading because you need to know what happens. This book has some Gone Girl vibes and crazy enough it is so different.
The character development is so good! They are dynamic and round. The characters changed throughout the story to the point of being unrecognizable. The characters are modern and relatable. One character in specific stressed me to the limit... but I think that is good for how good that character was created.
I can see this book becoming a movie. I wish it becomes a movie! This story is like watching Perfect Stranger with Halle Berry and Bruce Willis. This story is dark, mysterious, intriguing, well written, and if you love this story, it makes you wonder if you are sane or insane for being so excited with the reading.
I recommend this book fully! Stay tuned for my full blog review!
I am extremely honored to be the first one to review this title! I received this ARC from the author himself. However, my review is a 100% unbiased and honest.
Paul Pen has this incredible style and his writing is unique. This book starts a bit different from his other titles, but it has the same hooking ability to intrigue the reader. He plays incredibly good with anti-heroes and the antagonists. We usually root and read stories from the perspective of the victims and the good characters. We read stories and we pick a side; however, Pen's books are not at all conventional, and it is impossible for you to take a side. I, at least, was struggling so much. You are at the edge of your sit, you cannot stop reading because you need to know what happens. This book has some Gone Girl vibes and crazy enough it is so different.
The character development is so good! They are dynamic and round. The characters changed throughout the story to the point of being unrecognizable. The characters are modern and relatable. One character in specific stressed me to the limit... but I think that is good for how good that character was created.
I can see this book becoming a movie. I wish it becomes a movie! This story is like watching Perfect Stranger with Halle Berry and Bruce Willis. This story is dark, mysterious, intriguing, well written, and if you love this story, it makes you wonder if you are sane or insane for being so excited with the reading.
I recommend this book fully! Stay tuned for my full blog review!
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