A review by silverliningsandpages
Breathe by Elena Kravchenko

adventurous emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Breathe is a compelling novel about the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand and was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Part mystery, part drama, it follows a young, successful Swedish man who drops everything to search for his missing friends who have been caught up in the catastrophe.  Outwardly, Carl seems to have it all, but as his narrative develops, we see him reassessing priorities in life, and reaching a place of greater empathy and cultural awareness.

What I particularly appreciated was the suspense created by the author in the run-up to the ferocious tidal waves hitting land, and the sense of confusion and loss is heartfelt.  The book very rightly spotlights the humanitarian and political issues that arose from the rescue efforts, and the the privilege of Western holiday makers compared with many of the Thai people who were affected.