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lottieluff's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars This was seriously not an easy read and definitely check the trigger warnings before reading. I haven’t had a book grip me the way this has in a long time. It explores the topic of rape culture and male privilege in such a realistic way that I was so upset and angry for the characters in the book. I would highly recommend The Night Swim, all the themes are so current to things going on in the world at the moment and really do give an insight to rape victims trauma with the trial, recovery and public opinion.
Spoilers…
It is such a relevant topic in rape trials for the rapists defense to say ‘b-but no but they won’t swim at the Olympics there life is ruined only one silly mistake’ makes me sick. Not taking into account that someone’s life has actually been ruined by there ‘mistake’. Showing aswell what actually happens in a rape kit is so important as it’s sometimes just as traumatic as the rape it’s self. I think anyone who reads this book would understand why so many people don’t go to the police after, just to be violated by a rape kit? just to be cross examined in court by so many strangers? Your story picked apart? It does ask the question what truely is justice. I also found it really interesting that Kelly’s dad was the murderer and rapist from 25 years before. How he could be such an evil monster and then to have a daughter and have the same things you did to a woman happen to your daughter. I did kinda see it coming about half way into the book but it still shocked me when it was revealed. Overall absolutely loved it, I am going to need the most unserious fluffy cute book after reading this.
Spoilers…
It is such a relevant topic in rape trials for the rapists defense to say ‘b-but no but they won’t swim at the Olympics there life is ruined only one silly mistake’ makes me sick. Not taking into account that someone’s life has actually been ruined by there ‘mistake’. Showing aswell what actually happens in a rape kit is so important as it’s sometimes just as traumatic as the rape it’s self. I think anyone who reads this book would understand why so many people don’t go to the police after, just to be violated by a rape kit? just to be cross examined in court by so many strangers? Your story picked apart? It does ask the question what truely is justice. I also found it really interesting that Kelly’s dad was the murderer and rapist from 25 years before. How he could be such an evil monster and then to have a daughter and have the same things you did to a woman happen to your daughter. I did kinda see it coming about half way into the book but it still shocked me when it was revealed. Overall absolutely loved it, I am going to need the most unserious fluffy cute book after reading this.
adriannasophiabookss's review against another edition
5.0
This is an incredible thriller that highlights the corruption in our justice system when it comes to rape and how rape victims are treated. This book really illustrates why rape victims are scared to come forward and how they are violated not just while being raped but also by the gathering of evidence and the justice system which seems to be built against them. This was extremely hard to read at times and I urge you to take caution if you are triggered by rape, sexual assault, physical assault etc.
I really like how this book wrapped up with a measure of hope and I really hope the system can change to support victims rather than persecuting them.
I really like how this book wrapped up with a measure of hope and I really hope the system can change to support victims rather than persecuting them.
katherinefontan's review against another edition
4.0
Rachel Krall is a true crime podcast sensation. For her third season's case, she decides on an immensely controversial rape trial in the small town of Neapolis.
Upon her arrival to the town, she is stalked and alarmingly given letters by a woman named Hannah, who believes her sister was murdered twenty five years ago and needs Rachel's help to uncover the brutal truth.
This book- or rather, audiobook- had me so invested in both the trial plotline and Hannah's letters. Inspired by the infamous people v. turner case, this book brought to light how rape victims are treated, both by the justice system and by people. It also felt as if I was reading the testimony of what so many women go through (INCLUDING MYSELF!) with uncomfortable encounters with men. I was listening and I just kept nodding my head at these struggles that not many women talk about because it is the 'normal' but in reality is blatantly disgusting.
P.S. the audiobook was a great choice because the podcast episodes are told in that same fashion.
Upon her arrival to the town, she is stalked and alarmingly given letters by a woman named Hannah, who believes her sister was murdered twenty five years ago and needs Rachel's help to uncover the brutal truth.
This book- or rather, audiobook- had me so invested in both the trial plotline and Hannah's letters. Inspired by the infamous people v. turner case, this book brought to light how rape victims are treated, both by the justice system and by people. It also felt as if I was reading the testimony of what so many women go through (INCLUDING MYSELF!) with uncomfortable encounters with men. I was listening and I just kept nodding my head at these struggles that not many women talk about because it is the 'normal' but in reality is blatantly disgusting.
P.S. the audiobook was a great choice because the podcast episodes are told in that same fashion.
eyreibreathe's review against another edition
4.0
Rachel Krall hosts the ultra-popular true crime podcast Guilty or Not Guilty. For season three, she travels to the small coastal town of Neapolis to cover a rape trial - the town's 18-year-old star athlete has been accused of raping a high school student. After a pitstop en route, Rachel discovers a note on her windshield addressed to her. This in itself is more than a little unnerving, but even more disturbing is what she finds in the letter itself from listener Hannah. Twenty-five years ago, in the same little town of Neapolis, Hannah's older sister died a tragic and unexpected death. A drowning, it was said...but Hannah knows better, and now she's begging Rachel to solve the case of what happened all those years ago. Past and present collide as Rachel delves into the evils of Neapolis in The Night Swim.
This book took a little time for me to get into, but once I did, I was can't-put-it down fully invested. I really liked how it involved two narrators and two cases that shared parallels. Through Rachel, we experience the present-day rape trial, and through Hannah's letters, we go back in time and slowly learn what happened to her sister. For anyone who is a fellow HSP, I will say that there were times I struggled with the narrative. Hearing details of rape and brutality and seeing the effects upon their victims was heartrending. It's also the mark of a good writer that I felt these emotions so acutely. As far as the whodunnit in the book, I did figure it out pretty early on, but I don't feel like it was obvious, so it should come as a surprise for many readers. This was a gripping read. If you like podcasts, a true crime feel, courtroom dramas, and thrillers, this book should definitely be on your radar.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book took a little time for me to get into, but once I did, I was can't-put-it down fully invested. I really liked how it involved two narrators and two cases that shared parallels. Through Rachel, we experience the present-day rape trial, and through Hannah's letters, we go back in time and slowly learn what happened to her sister. For anyone who is a fellow HSP, I will say that there were times I struggled with the narrative. Hearing details of rape and brutality and seeing the effects upon their victims was heartrending. It's also the mark of a good writer that I felt these emotions so acutely. As far as the whodunnit in the book, I did figure it out pretty early on, but I don't feel like it was obvious, so it should come as a surprise for many readers. This was a gripping read. If you like podcasts, a true crime feel, courtroom dramas, and thrillers, this book should definitely be on your radar.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
kellymh's review against another edition
4.0
I’d rate it a 4.5 if possible. I Read the first part and listened to the audio the last half. The audio was great as you really experienced the podcast aspect. I’d read more by this author.
abbypark3r's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the aspect that it went through two crimes simultaneously, then they ended up intersecting at the end. I liked the narrator and choice of words. The podcast idea was an interesting way to shake up a mystery novel
pelargonia's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tracey78's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0