Sunday, July 6, 2014

Review: A Single Breath by Lucy Clarke


A Single Breath by Lucy Clarke 
Series: Standalone
Published: July 8th, 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Canada
350 pages (ARC)
Genre: Contemporary women’s fiction/mystery
Acquired this book: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Warning: May contain spoilers
{GoodReads || Buy this book: Amazon || Book Depository || Chapters/Indigo}

Eva has only been married for eight months when her husband, Jackson, is swept to his death while fishing. Weighed down by confusion and sorrow, Eva decides to take leave of her midwifery practice in London and visit Jackson’s estranged family in Tasmania with the hope of grieving together.

Instead, she discovers that the man she loved so deeply is not the man she thought she knew. Jackson’s father and brother reveal a dark past, exposing the lies her marriage was built upon. As Eva struggles to come to terms with the depth of Jackson’s deception, she must also confront her growing attraction to Jackson’s brother, Saul, who offers her intimacy, passion, and answers to her most troubling questions.

Will Eva be able to move forward in life, or will she be caught up in a romance with Saul, haunted by her husband’s past? Threading together beautiful, wild settings and suspenseful twists, A Single Breath is a gripping tale of secrets, betrayal, and new beginnings.


 

Lucy Clarke’s debut novel, Swimming at Night, was one of my favourite reads of 2013. From the moment I finished reading it, I was eager for Lucy’s next book, and I was excited when I found out about A Single Breath. Lucy has a knack for writing stories that are beautiful, haunting, and memorable.

I was a bit wary when I discovered this book was told in third person present tense, something I’m not normally a fan of at all. I usually find it jarring, and I end up feeling separate from the story, sort of like an outsider looking in. That being said, Lucy Clarke is such a fantastic storyteller, I never found myself outside the story. A Single Breath captivated me within the first page, and I felt like I was right there with Eva as she went on her emotional and physical journey.

I really liked Eva. I found it easy to relate to and sympathize with her. She loved her husband very much and was happy with her life, but when Jackson died and the truth about his past started unraveling, I really felt her confusion, hurt, and anger. It was alternately heartbreaking and inspiring watching her grieve for Jackson. With each new revelation about his past, I wished I were there to hug her. I loved the roles her best friend, Callie, and Jackson’s brother, Saul, played in the story. They were both good to and for her, and I thought they were strong secondary characters. 

A Single Breath isn’t a mystery novel, but there’s a mystery woven throughout the story. I found myself constantly wondering what was going to happen and what the next shocking revelation would be. There were little hints throughout, and even when I figured out a couple things, there was part of me that was still shocked when the truth actually came out. 

A Single Breath is another must read from Lucy Clarke. Set against a beautiful Tasmanian backdrop, this is a story with a lot of real, deep emotion, a quiet romance, and memorable characters. I’m excited to see what Lucy Clarke comes up with next. 

 


{Read my review of Swimming at Night}


 
Have you read A Single Breath? What did you think? If you haven't read it, is it on your TBR list?

1 comment:

  1. Why else does a moth fly from the surreal night to a bold, attractive candle Light? Don't let His extravagant brilliance be extinguished, girl. You're creative, yes? Then fly-away with U.S to the antidote...

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    Here's what the prolific, exquisite GODy sed: 'the more you shall honor Me, the more I shall bless you' - the Infant Jesus of Prague

    Go git'm, girl. You're incredible

    ReplyDelete

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~Marie

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