A review by senwithers
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield

dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

…I’m still not sure how I feel about it.

The first 65 pages had me enthralled—heartbroken and anxious. Then it got *weird*. But there was a kind of beauty in its lack of detail. Because it didn’t feel like the horrors that befell Leah were all that important anyway. It was Miri’s grief amidst her unwavering love that hooked me.

I spent 4 years caring for a loved one with dementia, who was less and less like herself as time went on. Yet we loved her fiercely anyway and did whatever we could to keep the new version of her comfortable while grieving the person she used to be.

And that’s what Miri did. Despite her fear and grief and confusion and horror, she took care of her wife.
While I don’t feel wrecked by this book, I’m left feeling a little hollow. Wanting something more, knowing it’s in there, but unable to find it.

But that seems to fit the theme.
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