A review by hello_lovely13
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? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I unfortunately just did not click with this. The premise seemed like everything I like in a book, but I just did not feel any attachment to the characters. Also, since it was dual POV, I don’t think we spent enough time in either for me to fully sink into the atmosphere. Although, Miri’s POV did a better job than Leah’s.
For Leah’s POV, I wish we knew that hers was something she was writing down before the halfway point. Also, she didn’t really mention Miri UNTIL the halfway point, which kind of irked me. I also wish that we saw her perspective of her life and mental state AFTER she comes home, even if it was just vignettes (that would have been so good, especially since Miri believes she held on for her and there were a few moments of clarity).
I also wasn’t expecting the supernatural aspect of this novel, which if I knew if there was one going in, I might have liked it more. For Miri and Leah’s relationship, I liked hearing about how they were before; it was always so cute to hear about. However, there wasn’t enough time spent exploring their relationship in the after because of how often the perspectives are switched and Miri’s avoidant nature (which DOES explore the shift in their relationship, but nothing goes too in-depth). There are some good quotes in there, but I was unfortunately disappointed (partially by expectations, partially because of the lack of connection I felt with the characters, and partially because of the uncharted territory left by the author). 
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