This reader’s impression, in the form of a letter to the author, was written at the writer’s own initiative.
Title: Treading water
Author: Kay Brown
Available on Kobo; click here for more information.
I read Treading water a week after the launch – in one sitting, almost – and have been meaning to tell you that I thought it was brilliant: an engrossing, entertaining, authentic and wonderful read. I love “small” stories and admire the way you unpacked the relationship between the sisters with such tight control over the character development arc.
I found the emotional tension engrossing and the ending very satisfying. I also liked the subtle way (envy underplayed) you dealt with the death of the brother. I would have been tempted to sensationalise it, treating it as “the wound” or a mystery to be solved, but you showed remarkable maturity, or insight, not to elevate this subplot. It would have robbed the impact of the main storyline, I think.
As always, your dialogue pops. I’m inspired.
Best
Catharine
