Shawn deftly handles the emotional weight of pregnancy loss, never losing sight of its impact on Paloma while utilizing tasteful restraint to avoid melodrama or cheapening the trauma felt by so many in real life. Paloma is an interesting, sympathetic character, and readers will find it easy to root for her and to remain invested in her journey. Occasional humor might have lightened up the novel’s heavy themes, but the story is engaging, the prose is polished, and Sunflower Beach makes for an intriguing setting—the result of a massive storm that “caus[ed]the edge of a sunflower farm to tumble down the bluff,” lending a mystical atmosphere to the narrative.
The story builds slowly at the start, and the plot becomes slightly convoluted towards the end, an effect compounded by the late introduction of a few characters, like Aunt Ruby. Eventually, Paloma learns that there is a mystical reason for the miscarriages, and readers may question whether her response to the revelation of the truth rings true. Still, readers looking for an accomplished novel that explores pregnancy loss with sympathy and a mystic bent will find much to enjoy here.
Takeaway: This dreamy work of magic realism abounds in rich themes and characters as it faces pregnancy loss.
Great for fans of: Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties, Glendy Vanderah’s Where the Forest Meets the Stars.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
“A mystical journey that will take its readers on a whirlwind tour of beautiful imagery and meaningful life adventures, Floating Underwater is the story about a woman named Paloma Leary who learns that she has some very special gifts to share with the world…This book is wonderfully written in a lovely beach setting…Floating Underwater is the perfect book for someone looking for a bit of fantasy thrown into a realistic setting with realistic characters. Written with special attention to little details, this book is relatable, yet very special and is a one-of-a-kind read.”
~~Reviewed by Kristi Elizabeth for Manhattan Book Review
“The writing is stunning…Paloma’s journey toward friendship, love in her marriage, and the realization that her fears have kept her eyes closed to everything happening around her is a journey worth following. This book will remind you to listen to the wind when it speaks and to look for what’s floating beneath the surface of the water.”
~~Reviewed by Jenna Swartz for San Francisco Book Review
“Mystical and magical realism permeate this women’s novel, and Amy Harmon fans would embrace Shawn’s adept storytelling. The author delivers spot-on dialogue, believable and enchanting characters, and surprising twists. It’s easy to imagine the novel as a talked-about book club selection (in fact, there’s a list of questions at the book’s conclusion). Poignant and beautiful, Floating Underwater leaves readers yearning for a sequel and another look at these captivating characters.” ~~Starred Review by Patricia Moosbrugger for BlueInk Review
