Julia Armfield

Wow, the writing in this book is beautiful. It’s very heavy with the metaphors, but done in such a perfect way. This horror book (which is what it is although I never really felt that was the focus) is a sapphic romance about connection, loss, and acceptance. With alternating perspectives, I really felt I understood the depth of their relationship from both sides. The story was truly heartbreaking and although I knew it was headed in the direction that it went, I stayed completely engrossed in their narratives.

ALMOST a five star…there is a fine line between leaving some parts up to the imagination and leaving too much unanswered that the reader is left confused and frustrated…I felt this book leaned too much toward the latter. I would have liked just a few more answers, even though I understand their relationship was supposed to be the focus and not as much what happened in the end. Great book, highly recommend!… (mehr)

this was such a stunning exploration of love and loss and grief and mourning someone who is right in front of you with a bit of (lovecraft, annihilation, the shape of water- i've seen all these associations and agree) horror. julia's writing is gorgeous, she gives you the kind of sentences you just have to sit with, read over and over and appreciate. the story is a slow wade, and once you start receiving answers it's going to be just enough to infer and imagine but that's all you're going to get. AND I LOVE THAT SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this is for the ambiguous plot lovers, hill house enjoyers, and horror fans that love to leave feeling completely emotionally wrung out rather than with a racing heart.… (mehr)

Very slow paced and very strange…like I can’t think of a single other book like this one. People keep comparing it to “Annihilation” and while I understand the comparison I disagree; “Our Wives Under the Sea” is much more introspective and tender, and overall I think the characters are much more likable. Those prose here is really lovely and evocative, and it fits the story wonderfully. Although I’m not sure who exactly I’d recommend this to, I’m so glad I read it!! A definite standout, if only for how unique it is.… (mehr)