The Polite Act of Drowning

The Polite Act of Drowning is a debut novel by Irish author Donal Ryan that explores the aftermath of a teenage girl's drowning and the secrets it uncovers in the small town of Kettle Lake. It follows Joanne Kennedy, who struggles with the trauma and the loss of her mother, and her friendship with Lucinda, a newcomer who offers her a chance of understanding and support.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd

The Polite Act of Drowning, a luminous debut novel from one of Ireland's finest storytellers, is a captivating and intricate tale that delves into the depths of family life, the challenges of emerging into adulthood, and the confronting of truths about ourselves and the people we love. Set in the picturesque town of Kettle Lake, Michigan, in 1985, the story revolves around the drowning of a teenage girl, Joanne Kennedy, which causes ripples throughout the community. However, for sixteen-year-old Joanne, the tragedy unearths untold secrets and sets her mother on a path of detachment from reality and her family.

As the summer unfolds, a troubled newcomer named Lucinda arrives in town, offering Joanne a chance at genuine friendship and a reprieve from the suffocating confines of family. Together, Joanne and Lucinda push against the boundaries of family, self-image, and sexuality, exploring the complexities of their identities and the complexities of their relationships. The tension of the long, stifling summer adds an extra layer of intensity to their journey, as they navigate the treacherous waters of past hurts and the ever-present threat of being pulled under by the undertow.

The Polite Act of Drowning is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics, the power of friendship, and the search for self-discovery. Donal Ryan's lyrical and sensuous prose brings the characters to life, capturing their joys, sorrows, and struggles with exquisite detail. The novel is also filled with vivid imagery, evoking the sights, sounds, and smells of the small town and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

This novel will appeal to fans of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen, as it shares similar themes of isolation, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. The Polite Act of Drowning is a testament to Donal Ryan's talent as a storyteller and his ability to create characters that are deeply flawed, yet relatable and compelling. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and emotionally rich novel that delves into the depths of the human experience.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804182215