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A review by mimsyreads
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
5.0
“how terrible, to navigate the world without a story to comfort you.” - ava reid
somehow, a study in drowning managed to sweep me off my feet, while terribly submerging me into its breathtaking prose and splintered beauty. there will always be a soft spot in my heart for novels that contemplate the act of storytelling through careful examination.
effy sayre begins the novel quietly, akin to that of a ghost with an illicit love for literature. preston héloury is introduced as unflinchingly logical and stiff. and the two in combination, coupled with a dash of intellectual banter, detective work, and shifting perceptions, work to create a partnership for the ages. the only note is that i don’t believe this can be called a complete rivals to lovers, although they do clash in the beginning as detailed by the summary. (+ the novel reads more like a cross between ya & adult fiction, rather than just ya — in my opinion)
aside from the stunning character work, the prose and imagery itself overwhelmed me with emotion. i was captivated. i felt the scenes shifting in light and motion, like a vivid video reel in my mind— this would work so beautifully as a film. but even the best adaptation couldn’t hold a candle to this reflective masterpiece.
there isn’t much more i could say without spoiling the book, so i’ll leave it there. it was a most magical journey, and an honor to follow effy and preston into the great unknowns of literature. ✩ ⊹ ࣪ ˖
somehow, a study in drowning managed to sweep me off my feet, while terribly submerging me into its breathtaking prose and splintered beauty. there will always be a soft spot in my heart for novels that contemplate the act of storytelling through careful examination.
effy sayre begins the novel quietly, akin to that of a ghost with an illicit love for literature. preston héloury is introduced as unflinchingly logical and stiff. and the two in combination, coupled with a dash of intellectual banter, detective work, and shifting perceptions, work to create a partnership for the ages. the only note is that i don’t believe this can be called a complete rivals to lovers, although they do clash in the beginning as detailed by the summary. (+ the novel reads more like a cross between ya & adult fiction, rather than just ya — in my opinion)
aside from the stunning character work, the prose and imagery itself overwhelmed me with emotion. i was captivated. i felt the scenes shifting in light and motion, like a vivid video reel in my mind— this would work so beautifully as a film. but even the best adaptation couldn’t hold a candle to this reflective masterpiece.
there isn’t much more i could say without spoiling the book, so i’ll leave it there. it was a most magical journey, and an honor to follow effy and preston into the great unknowns of literature. ✩ ⊹ ࣪ ˖