The Diver

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

A unique novel with a real focus on character and atmosphere. It’s literary, emotionally evocative, heavy at times, and strong work.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were so well developed and the pace was perfect. I had a sense that I was in this underwater realm reading it. It felt like I was in a trance being pulled into this story and had no idea where it was going. I read a NetGalley version of this book. And highly recommend it.

Even after finishing this novel, it feels distant, or disaffected in some way. While I could tell you the plot, it is hard to say what this story is about. It explores grief and trauma, and what happens when desperate and broken people break others, without realizing it. There was a reality to our main character that I appreciated. As we learn more about him through the story my feelings towards him changed, which I thought was compelling writing. He felt lived in, but also hollow at the same time, a reflection of a person, stitched together by denial and inertia. The story was intriguing, forcing the reader to wonder what was real and who to believe, or believe in, as everything seems to fall apart. As the storyline weaves in and out of occult practices and possibilities you are left investigating what you want to be real, and that is an interesting position to put a reader in. Even as the story unravels and we get to the end there are moral questions about the nature of relationships and reality that are not tied up in a pretty bow, which I appreciate. I did finish feeling like there was more story to be told, though. Not in the ending, I thought where and how it ended was fine, but it felt like there was something missing on our way there, some more emotional catharsis or revelation or some sort of narrative tension that wasn’t quite there, but close. That said, the writing is mostly strong. Every once in a while there are some stylistic run-on sentences, mirroring a stream-of-consciousness, almost performative tone, and while these didn’t always work for me they often did, pushing us deeper into the characters’ experience, running us headlong into the same walls the characters were up against. I appreciated the overall vibe and feel of the writing, detached and yet intentional, it just felt a little loose in places, like it could use a little more editing (granted I read a pre-publish ARC). Similarly, there are some interwoven pieces, bits of articles or other ephemera, that come between chapters, and none of those felt very compelling to me at all, and they didn’t feel like they added to my experience.

Those quibbles aside, I enjoyed the novel quite a bit. The writing style matched the overall tone of the story, and it was a different portrait of grief than one often displayed. The book is a little bit of a slow burn, it takes its time and gets a little lost, here and there, so if you are hoping for quick action and clean answers you may be disappointed. There are also some brief but graphic depictions of violence that may be triggering. The scenes feel important to our character’s journey and don’t feel exploitative or like they’re there just for shock value, but some folk might want to be aware of them before jumping in. I wouldn’t say I recommend this book to everyone, it does feel a little distant and slow, and while its an engaging sort of character study I’m not sure, yet, what fruit is yielded from the discomfort of the journey. But I did enjoy it. I think if you’re interested in this character study of grief and listlessness, and how pain, not appropriately addressed, just continues to simultaneous plant deeper roots and radiate outward, if that is the kind of contemplative journey you enjoy taking, there is certainly something here for you.

(Rounded up from 3.5)

I want to thank the author, the publisher University of Iowa Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The best novel involving divers after "The Passenger." Samsun Knight has crafted something that is challenging to read and occasionally harsh on the senses, but that is not to say the writing is any less artistic because of it. I place it in the same vein as "Affliction" by Russel Banks and "Lluvia Fina" by Luis Landero. Go for it. You'll be in for a workout, but it's worth it.

I've always loved deep sea horrors and this definitely gave a little taste of that. I loved the writing style which gave a lot of suspense and the book cover is creepy and aesthetic.

The beginning of this was so intense that I had to set it down and not open it for quite some time. It was just terrifying and sad and weird and not at all something I could relate to at all.
The prose was beautiful.
I was just traumatized by the beautiful and disturbing opening. I am clearly way too sensitive because I could not handle it. I imagine this will be someone else's favorite book of all time.

Thank you to the University of Iowa Press and NetGalley.

It was apparent to me, almost immediately, that this was a product from an UI author. Knight is not afraid to push the bounds of literature in this text. The exploration between grief, trauma, and the want to get better versus the actuality of coping are examined throughout Knight's work. While this work may feel inaccessible to some, the artistry that was put into it was deeply appreciated by myself.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Diver" by Samsun Knight is a compelling exploration of grief, trauma, and the human psyche's intricate dance with the occult. The novel opens with a haunting scene that sets the tone for the rest of the narrative: Marta, the protagonist, is involved in a tragic accident that results in her husband's death at the bottom of Lake Michigan. This event plunges her into a spiral of sorrow and leads her to dabble in the occult in a desperate attempt to rectify her fatal mistake.

Knight's portrayal of Marta is nuanced and deeply human. Her journey is one of heartache and a relentless quest for closure, which resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with loss. The narrative deftly weaves Marta's personal tragedy with the broader themes of love and devotion, questioning the boundaries of our closest relationships.

Peter, a young paralegal drawn into Marta's orbit, serves as a mirror to her turmoil. His own struggles with his brother's suicide and the ensuing alienation from his world make him a sympathetic figure. His fixation on Marta and her story is both unsettling and understandable, highlighting the lengths to which people will go for connection and understanding.

The novel's genre-bending nature is one of its strengths, combining elements of noir, dark comedy, and legal intrigue. This mix creates a rich tapestry that is sometimes disturbing, sometimes humorous, but always thought-provoking. The prose is strong, and the dialogues are engaging, bringing to life the complex and often angry characters that inhabit this story.

However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the inclusion of animal cruelty and occult practices jarring, detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, the plot can feel busy at times, with subplots that may not seem to cohere fully with the main narrative thread.

In conclusion, "The Diver" is a dark and quirky tale that delves into the extremes of human emotion and the catastrophic events that can reshape lives. The story will linger with readers, challenging them to consider the catastrophic potential of love and the harrowing depths of grief. Knight has crafted a novel that is as much a portrait of intimacy as it is a commentary on the human condition. It's a worthy read for those who appreciate literary depth and are not afraid to confront the darker aspects of the soul.

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