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A review by whatgraceread
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Misogyny