The deeper the water the uglier the fish by Katya Apekina reminded me of Leo Tolstoy’s famous line; “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” It tells how happy every family is apparently, but deep down we all are living a ruined family life. Reading it is like scratching your long forgotten wounds. This novel digs deep and knocks on the doors of your mind and heart that you don’t want to open. It is a story of ignored mental illness and narcissism.Besides, it is a story of two sisters’ destroyed lives at the hand of their parents. Highly realistic, the novel sometimes becomes ugly, creepy, dark, and bitter to swallow, but truth is always bitter and ugly, isn’t it? However, the author’s artistic use of humor puts everything in the right position. Relative to everyone’s life, it makes you angry and cry but also smile and laugh. Because, we all smile despite being broken and tormented from within. Similarly, set into modern society, yet constantly touching upon Greek techniques make the whole experience wholesome. It is Katya’s debut novel, nevertheless, the writer holds your finger and takes you into the reality of the characters.
Book review : Layla by Colleen Hoover
Being a bit lengthy and complex novel, it would be hard to highlight all the essentials in the review. Also, don’t worry I am not gonna spoil the story while touching upon the basic story of the novel in this review of The Deeper the Water the Uglier the Fish. The basic story, which is totally original, starts with Edie and Mae childhood memories. The story moves back and forth in time with multiple narrators. Edie and Mae’s mom dies because of suicide and they start living with their father. Both of them had a very different relation with their dad which adds to the building of conflict. Their conflicting attitudes begin to develop pressure on their relationship. However, there are many twists and turns which you will know and enjoy if you read it. Reading this novel is worth your time.
Novels like The Deeper the Water the Uglier the Truth illustrates truths of life. It makes you feel empathy for everyone around us. The relatability is one of the reasons why it has high ratings and positive reviews. From character building and plot construction to use of narratives and words everything is perfect. It is a treat because you don’t expect such awesome work from a debut novel of a writer. While reading the book and writing this review I wondered if there were any shortcomings but I couldn’t find any. I mean maybe there is but who cares when the rest of the things are so amazing.
