The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson: Book Review

Introduction

“The Girl Who Stopped Swimming” by Joshilyn Jackson is a novel that dances on the edges of our expectations. Moreover, it dives deeply into the psyche of its central character, Laurel Gray Hawthorne. Known for her masterful storytelling, Jackson presents another intricate narrative. As a matter of fact, I think it is as impactful as “The Lion” by Nelson DeMille in its thematic explorations, if not in genre.

The Plot

In this engrossing tale, Jackson thrusts Laurel, a seemingly perfect suburban wife and mother, into an unforgiving pool of reality. In fact, she makes her confront the ghosts of her past, quite literally. This narrative decision evokes a sense of suspense similar to DeMille’s “The Lion”. In truth, the focus here is more on personal development and less on political machinations.

Joshilyn Jackson’s Evolution

Continuing in the line of other Joshilyn Jackson books, this novel shows an acute sense of character development and plot progression. Additionally, Jackson’s novels tend to have strong female protagonists facing personal crisis. In that regard, “The Girl Who Stopped Swimming” does not disappoint. Like other Jackson novels, this one too carefully uncovers layers of truth as the protagonist confronts her realities, piece by piece.

Comparison with “The Lion” by Nelson DeMille

Joshilyn Jackson books in order tend to display a gradual evolution in writing style and narrative prowess. “The Girl Who Stopped Swimming” falls right into this growth chart. And so here, Jackson’s storytelling abilities are at their finest, blending elements of Southern Gothic charm. With the nuanced narrative of a murder mystery. This places her work on par with seasoned authors like Nelson DeMille, and in this novel specifically, the allure is just as potent as the page-turning suspense in “The Lion”.

Click here to see my review of “The Lion” by Nelson Demille.

Thematic Explorations

Moreover, Jackson has a knack for presenting the human condition in all its complexities. In “The Girl Who Stopped Swimming,” she explores themes of family, guilt, and denial in a refreshingly honest manner. The characters feel real, and their interactions are tinged with genuine emotion, a quality that echoes through Jackson’s body of work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Girl Who Stopped Swimming” by Joshilyn Jackson is an immersive exploration of the complexities of the human psyche. Moreover, it’s woven into a captivating story of self-discovery and redemption. It will sit well with fans of Joshilyn Jackson books. And those new to her writing will find it a compelling entry point. This novel stands as a testament to Jackson’s growth as an author. It compares favorably to her peers like Nelson DeMille in engaging storytelling and depth of character portrayal. It’s a deep dive worth taking. Promising a swim through the layers of emotions, secrets, and ultimately, the redemption of its protagonist.