A review by juliasilge
The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer

3.0

This is actually the second time I've read this book; I first read it soon after it came out in 2002 when I was in my early 20s like the main character. My book club did this novel last month and it was pretty interesting to revisit it now in my early 30s. The protagonist Carrie is the final rocky throes of a long-term relationship that stretches back to high school when her fiance is in a catastrophic accident and is paralyzed. The bulk of the narrative shows her navigating what she is going to do, who she owes what kind of loyalty to (family, friends, lovers), and what kind of life she is going to make. I think essentially this book is about being at the brink of adulthood and deciding who you are going to be. It's dramatic but not in a trashy way, fairly contemplative and serious. Nice.