Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - The Night Swim

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Reviews tagging 'Sexual violence'

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin

210 reviews

shereadsmysteries's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

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amanda_reads13's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed reading this book! I did figure out a few things early on in the book, hence the 4 stars. I found it really interesting how the 2 seemingly unrelated storylines tied together and I enjoyed the jumping between Hannah, Rachel, and the podcast. I didn't want to put this book down!

***Please make sure to check the trigger warnings before reading!

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rachelreadsrelentlessly's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense

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

4.5

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bookswithallison's review against another edition

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4.0

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whatgraceread's review against another edition

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3.75

The Night Swim is a powerful thriller with a deeper message than just 'who did it'. It follows two main character POVs - Rachel, a true crime podcast host who travels to a small town to cover a rape trial, and Hannah, whose sister 'drowned' 25 years earlier. The two plots come together when Hannah enlists Rachel's help in proving her sister was murdered.

While both plots are harrowing and really impactful, I preferred reading about Rachel's chapters and the story of the trial. I really liked how the podcast chapters broke up the plot delivery. Towards the end the pacing felt a bit off which meant the climax of the story didn't feel as urgent as it should have.

What I appreciated most was the discussion of male privilege, sexual violence and institutional failings. I do think there was more room to discuss the legal system, class and race issues in play. These characters are real; these crimes are all around us. If you read this please go with care and do not ignore trigger warnings.

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