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becksreading's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book was engaging, well-paced, and had a solid mystery. But, as someone working in journalism, there were several things that were very illogical from the journalist lead character, and I don’t think the trial was as realistic as it could have been. It got to the point where it was a disservice to how real trials are, portraying more of a TV version. It missed the mark for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Rape, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Suicide attempt, and Sexism
ksalquida's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Rape
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Car accident, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Terminal illness
megmermaid's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
this was really, really great on audiobook because part of it is structured as a podcast. it combines elements of serial versus cases like the people vs. brock turner.
it follows a rape case and it goes deep into that if that is something that triggers you.
it follows a rape case and it goes deep into that if that is something that triggers you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
alicialoebl's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Keeps you building towards the end reveal, I really liked the shifting perspective and original concept
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Terminal illness, Suicide, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Grief, Death of parent, Death, Child death, and Car accident
ktdakotareads's review against another edition
dark
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
Moderate: Alcoholism and Violence
Minor: Suicide and Car accident
booksof_fern's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Child death, Death, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Car accident, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Physical abuse
Minor: Suicide
starletise's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
I have quite mixed feelings about this book. I struggled with the shifts between the story being told in the first and third person, along with chapters that were podcast dialogue. Because of those shifts, I also felt there was a lot of repetitiveness of information throughout. However, the story was incredibly powerful and highlights the ‘slut-shaming’ of women and discusses the trauma associated with rape trials. I appreciated that the book didn’t try to stay impartial and almost outright stated the injustices that exist in rape trials and the reliving of trauma that victims experience. There were definitely sections of the book that were incredibly difficult to read, but I felt the author treated both the characters and the subject matter compassionately. If you’re looking for a page turning thriller, this wouldn’t be the first book I would recommend. There are also several strong trigger warnings, some of which include sexual assault, domestic violence and death.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Death, Death of parent, Bullying, Violence, Suicide, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Murder, and Car accident
bookishrealm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a powerful book and not what I would have expected out of a mystery/thriller. I was intentional about not reading reviews of this one before I finished it. As many reviewers have said before me, this is a great one to read on audio. CW: rape, sexual assault,
The Night Swim is far from what I was expecting it to be. I've seen this book get a lot of buzz, but I wasn't sure what to expect when I read it. It focuses on true crime podcaster Rachel as she follows a specific case that takes place in Neopolis, NC. While there she begins to receive weird letters that lead her to an older case involving a young girl by the name of Jenny who has mysteriously died. While I enjoyed the mysterious element of the book and thought that the author was able to write a pretty good plot twist, I think that the conversation related to rape culture was definitely what pulled me in.
This book is dark and heavy and I didn't realize the intensity of it until I began to read it. It is an intimate portrait of our understanding, perspective, and thoughts regarding rape culture. While Rachel attempts to remain neutral, it is clear that she is adament in her belief that those who come forward should always be received/believed and that the gender guidelines that society sets forth for women are grossly unfair. Goldin appears to challenge the views of her own character. Not in a way that justifies the sexual assault/rape of women, but in a "what if" the accused is innocent. How does society handle situations in which a person is accused of sexual assault/rape, but turns out to be innocent? At that point their reputation is ruined. However, it's been so difficult for women to have the opportunity to come forward and rightfully share their stories and ask for justice. Goldin reminds readers of how difficult it is for women to come forward to begin with and the brutality that they face when they are forced on the stand to recount the sexual assault/rape. It seems so difficult to find a balance between these two questions. It's almost as though she leaves it open for readers to figure out on their own (I don't actually think there is an answer).
Goldin's ability to communicate to readers in a new and inventive manner drew me in as a reader. I wasn't sure how the two story lines were going to blend together especially with Rachel being so nervous about getting involved with the older case. In joining the two cases together, there is a shock of reality in how brutalizing rape and sexual assualt is on the victims, family, friends, and communities especially those communities that choose to ignore it. And what is so unfortunate is that the uphill battles faced in the first case are reminiscent in the second case even though they are years apart. In some ways they parallel each other.
This isn't an easy read and I hope that no one goes into it lightly; however, it does provide an interesting basis for the conversation around rape culture. The podcast element really makes the book different and places it's readers in the position to make judgements of the characters. To be honest, Goldin could make this into a thriller/mystery series that focuses on different cases. I definitely would be interested in picking them up. Overall, an impactful read. It's definitely worth checking out.
Spoiler
suicideThe Night Swim is far from what I was expecting it to be. I've seen this book get a lot of buzz, but I wasn't sure what to expect when I read it. It focuses on true crime podcaster Rachel as she follows a specific case that takes place in Neopolis, NC. While there she begins to receive weird letters that lead her to an older case involving a young girl by the name of Jenny who has mysteriously died. While I enjoyed the mysterious element of the book and thought that the author was able to write a pretty good plot twist, I think that the conversation related to rape culture was definitely what pulled me in.
This book is dark and heavy and I didn't realize the intensity of it until I began to read it. It is an intimate portrait of our understanding, perspective, and thoughts regarding rape culture. While Rachel attempts to remain neutral, it is clear that she is adament in her belief that those who come forward should always be received/believed and that the gender guidelines that society sets forth for women are grossly unfair. Goldin appears to challenge the views of her own character. Not in a way that justifies the sexual assault/rape of women, but in a "what if" the accused is innocent. How does society handle situations in which a person is accused of sexual assault/rape, but turns out to be innocent? At that point their reputation is ruined. However, it's been so difficult for women to have the opportunity to come forward and rightfully share their stories and ask for justice. Goldin reminds readers of how difficult it is for women to come forward to begin with and the brutality that they face when they are forced on the stand to recount the sexual assault/rape. It seems so difficult to find a balance between these two questions. It's almost as though she leaves it open for readers to figure out on their own (I don't actually think there is an answer).
Goldin's ability to communicate to readers in a new and inventive manner drew me in as a reader. I wasn't sure how the two story lines were going to blend together especially with Rachel being so nervous about getting involved with the older case. In joining the two cases together, there is a shock of reality in how brutalizing rape and sexual assualt is on the victims, family, friends, and communities especially those communities that choose to ignore it. And what is so unfortunate is that the uphill battles faced in the first case are reminiscent in the second case even though they are years apart. In some ways they parallel each other.
This isn't an easy read and I hope that no one goes into it lightly; however, it does provide an interesting basis for the conversation around rape culture. The podcast element really makes the book different and places it's readers in the position to make judgements of the characters. To be honest, Goldin could make this into a thriller/mystery series that focuses on different cases. I definitely would be interested in picking them up. Overall, an impactful read. It's definitely worth checking out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicide
allyhoo811's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I had a very difficult time rating and reviewing this book. While reading the story, I was sure I was going to give it 4 stars, maybe 5 depending on the ending. However, when I finished and went to write a review, I realized there were a lot of little things that really bothered me about what I read -- I ultimately decided on a 3 star rating. The book is still a fast-paced and thought-provoking and definitely worth the read. I'll go into more depth about what I thought below, spoilers will be included but hidden for those who don't want to read them.
Positives:
1) The overall plot was interesting and kept me wanting to find out more. The subject matter is important and raises awareness about topics that are often not tackled in the genre.
2) This is a legal thriller and the mystery was successfully solved without major plot holes. I was able to figure out all the twists early on because of the small clues left throughout the story. I have read a lot of thrillers/mysteries, and it is hard to surprise me, so I never lower a rating because "I solved" the mystery. That's part of the fun and I applaud authors who don't stoop to shock value. They should be leading readers to the answers.
3) World Building - Neapolis is a fictional town, but it was described so well that you could actually use the references to geographical locations to help solve the crime.
4) Certain small plot points really illustrated the vulnerability many women experience in everyday life without being heavy handed about it. E.g. Rachel driving with the detective to an unknown location, the hotel receptionist trying to work with the rowdy, drunk conference guests, the nurse discusses the rape kit process, and the entire metaphor/allegory with the nightingale
Negatives:
1) Too many coincidences Pretty much everyone Rachel encountered while investigating her current case was magically connected to the past case in some way, and I figured them all out so early on and wanted to be wrong.
2) One major plot hole that didn't affect the outcome of the cases, but was still there We never get an explanation to how Hannah knew who Rachel was, and where she would be all the time to leave her the notes. The ages didn't add up, but I kept hoping Rachel was Hannah's split personality or something, so that plot hole would make sense lol
3) Preachy Podcasts -- The podcast chapters came across very preachy (they were supposed to be unbiased) and very blatantly forced the author's message on you. I agreed with the author's message prior to reading, but I felt it would have been more impactful for those on the fence if she had "shown and not told" throughout the whole story. Maybe the podcast chapters could have been more interactive with callers weighing in, for example.
4) Rachel's "show no fear" attitude -- This is a common trope in thrillers, but it seemed especially dense for a lone reporter to be meeting unarmed with potential rapists, murderers, and stalkers in super remote locations in just about every chapter. Everyone should have the right to walk alone wherever they chose, but that doesn't mean the protagonist should be constantly running into danger with very bad people who want to silence her.
5) Two problematic (for me) messages at the end of the book -- With Dan, Kelly's father, identified as the rapist/murderer it did sort of feel like there was some implication that what happened to Kelly was a sort of divine punishment for his actions. It was addressed briefly, but not really refuted outright by any characters, so it left a bad taste in my mouth. Second, when Dan kills himself, it is portrayed in the story like he did it to spare Kelly more pain. But in reality, it was just another in a long line of selfish acts on his part. How is having her father dead right after the trial sparing Kelly additional pain, plus she will still probably find out what he did and not be able to confront him about his actions. He didn't do it for her, he did it for himself. Was I supposed to feel sorry for him? I didn't.
Positives:
1) The overall plot was interesting and kept me wanting to find out more. The subject matter is important and raises awareness about topics that are often not tackled in the genre.
2) This is a legal thriller and the mystery was successfully solved without major plot holes. I was able to figure out all the twists early on because of the small clues left throughout the story. I have read a lot of thrillers/mysteries, and it is hard to surprise me, so I never lower a rating because "I solved" the mystery. That's part of the fun and I applaud authors who don't stoop to shock value. They should be leading readers to the answers.
3) World Building - Neapolis is a fictional town, but it was described so well that you could actually use the references to geographical locations to help solve the crime.
4) Certain small plot points really illustrated the vulnerability many women experience in everyday life without being heavy handed about it. E.g. Rachel driving with the detective to an unknown location, the hotel receptionist trying to work with the rowdy, drunk conference guests, the nurse discusses the rape kit process, and the entire metaphor/allegory with the nightingale
Negatives:
1) Too many coincidences Pretty much everyone Rachel encountered while investigating her current case was magically connected to the past case in some way, and I figured them all out so early on and wanted to be wrong.
2) One major plot hole that didn't affect the outcome of the cases, but was still there We never get an explanation to how Hannah knew who Rachel was, and where she would be all the time to leave her the notes. The ages didn't add up, but I kept hoping Rachel was Hannah's split personality or something, so that plot hole would make sense lol
3) Preachy Podcasts -- The podcast chapters came across very preachy (they were supposed to be unbiased) and very blatantly forced the author's message on you. I agreed with the author's message prior to reading, but I felt it would have been more impactful for those on the fence if she had "shown and not told" throughout the whole story. Maybe the podcast chapters could have been more interactive with callers weighing in, for example.
4) Rachel's "show no fear" attitude -- This is a common trope in thrillers, but it seemed especially dense for a lone reporter to be meeting unarmed with potential rapists, murderers, and stalkers in super remote locations in just about every chapter. Everyone should have the right to walk alone wherever they chose, but that doesn't mean the protagonist should be constantly running into danger with very bad people who want to silence her.
5) Two problematic (for me) messages at the end of the book -- With Dan, Kelly's father, identified as the rapist/murderer it did sort of feel like there was some implication that what happened to Kelly was a sort of divine punishment for his actions. It was addressed briefly, but not really refuted outright by any characters, so it left a bad taste in my mouth. Second, when Dan kills himself, it is portrayed in the story like he did it to spare Kelly more pain. But in reality, it was just another in a long line of selfish acts on his part. How is having her father dead right after the trial sparing Kelly additional pain, plus she will still probably find out what he did and not be able to confront him about his actions. He didn't do it for her, he did it for himself. Was I supposed to feel sorry for him? I didn't.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual violence
Minor: Suicide
plantbasedbride's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
A courtroom drama blended with a fast-paced thriller with quite a bit of graphic and dark content. Please check trigger warnings before jumping into this one!
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed the courtroom and podcast elements of the storytelling and felt that the subject matter explored is incredibly important (rape culture, victim-blaming, slut-shaming, double standards, consent, and the retraumatization involved in pursuing justice). On the other hand, the amount of detail involved in the descriptions of the repeated violence felt exploitative and too much like trauma porn for my taste.
This was an interesting read and quite well-paced, but I would recommend Know My Name by Chanel Miller for a nonfiction exploration of these same themes from someone who experienced similar trauma first hand.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed the courtroom and podcast elements of the storytelling and felt that the subject matter explored is incredibly important (rape culture, victim-blaming, slut-shaming, double standards, consent, and the retraumatization involved in pursuing justice). On the other hand, the amount of detail involved in the descriptions of the repeated violence felt exploitative and too much like trauma porn for my taste.
This was an interesting read and quite well-paced, but I would recommend Know My Name by Chanel Miller for a nonfiction exploration of these same themes from someone who experienced similar trauma first hand.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Suicide, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying and Death
slut-shaming, loss of a parent, misuse of the term schizophrenic (by a nurse, of all people)