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A review by whatellisreadnext
A House at the Bottom of a Lake by Josh Malerman
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was bloody lovely. I very much enjoyed this weird little book about two teens finding love in - you guessed it - a house at the bottom of a lake 💁🏻♀️
Malerman establishes James and Amelia really quickly, utilising a stream of thought narrative style. We get to hear both of their anxieties about the other as they embark on their first date on a lake.
Though it is totally different in subject matter, my mind couldn't help but think of its similarities with Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam. With the way it is written, but also how quietly weird the unknown aspects are of the narrative. Plus, don't go into this book thinking you'll get all the answers, because you won't, but I personally loveeeee a book that leaves you to your own thoughts and theories.
Even though this was mildly unnerving in parts, it was overall just really lovely. I was enamoured with this playful sense of adventure both Amelia and James found together. I could truly see myself revisiting this one just for that lil taste of childhood wonder that all our lives seem to be missing.
Malerman establishes James and Amelia really quickly, utilising a stream of thought narrative style. We get to hear both of their anxieties about the other as they embark on their first date on a lake.
Though it is totally different in subject matter, my mind couldn't help but think of its similarities with Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam. With the way it is written, but also how quietly weird the unknown aspects are of the narrative. Plus, don't go into this book thinking you'll get all the answers, because you won't, but I personally loveeeee a book that leaves you to your own thoughts and theories.
Even though this was mildly unnerving in parts, it was overall just really lovely. I was enamoured with this playful sense of adventure both Amelia and James found together. I could truly see myself revisiting this one just for that lil taste of childhood wonder that all our lives seem to be missing.