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Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: December 1st, 2020
208 Pages
Synopsis: Both seventeen. Both afraid. But both saying yes.
It sounded like the perfect first date: canoeing across a chain of lakes, sandwiches and beers in the cooler. But teenagers Amelia and James discover something below the water’s surface that changes their lives forever.
It’s got two stories.
It’s got a garden.
And the front door is open.
It’s a house at the bottom of a lake.
For the teens there is only one rule: no questions. And yet, how could a place so spectacular come with no price tag? While the duo play house beneath the waves, one reality remains:
Just because a house seems empty, doesn’t mean nobody’s home.
I enjoyed Malerman’s Bird Box, so even though I’ve had mixed success with novellas, I requested A House at the Bottom of a Lake on NetGalley as soon it was offered. The main issue is that contrary to what the cover and synopsis imply, it’s not horror. Maybe magical realism with a touch of eeriness, but definitely not horror. I overcame my disappointment and actually did enjoy this little tale, but I don’t think it was one of Malerman’s best works. Amelia and James are likable enough and I did find myself connecting with them, although I was puzzled over their sudden expertise in scuba diving. There are a few plot holes like this and the fact that not one person questions where these two seventeen-year-olds are disappearing to for hours every day. The ambiguous ending was also much too rushed, but it did leave me pondering the book for several hours after I finished. Overall, A House at the Bottom of a Lake is an intriguing read full of symbolism and the exploration of first love. While I was left wanting more in the end, Malerman’s deft writing still pulled me in and I finished this in less than two hours. If you’re a fan of his and haven’t read it, I’d recommend you check it out.
fragglerocking said:
3 stars from you doesn’t do it for me 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is definitely one you could skip.
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beetleypete said:
It sounds as if it needed to be a full length novel, to properly build the story. I can see it developed as a film though.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I find myself feeling the same with most novellas.
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Mae Clair said:
I generally enjoy magical realism, but given your review, I’m not sure about this one.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Some reviewers have loved it so you might want to try it Mae.
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raistlin0903 said:
Honestly I do like the plot/premise, but I’m with Fraggle…three stars from you just doesn’t do it lol 😂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If you haven’t read it yet, I’d recommend Bird Box.😊
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raistlin0903 said:
I’ve seen the movie, and I really enjoyed that one. Might check the book at some point too though😊
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robertawrites235681907 said:
I’m not sure about this one, Kim. I think I prefer supernatural or horror.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If you haven’t read Bird Box, I’d recommend that Robbie.
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robertawrites235681907 said:
I haven’t, thanks Kim
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ambroseandelsie said:
That is an amazing cover! I love the sense of depth to it.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It is a cool cover.😊
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Carla said:
The cover of this one pulled to me, but not sure if it is one I will read or not.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you can skip this one.
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