The Drowning Lesson ~ Jane Shemilt
The Drowning Lesson by Jane Shemilt was my first required read of the year from Claire’s chosen ten. Going into this book I knew very little other than that the plot revolved around a missing child case.
When I first started reading I was gripped by the story, however, was slightly put off by the jumping backwards and forwards from past to present. At first, it was quite confusing at times but as you got captivated by the plot twists and character development it became much easier to follow.
This book follows an English family, both parents work in the medical profession, they have three children Alice, Zoe and Samuel. Although, from the first few pages you get the feeling that parents are quite absent with the kids spending more time with nannies and au pairs.
The main part of the book is set in Botswana, Africa where the whole family are staying whilst the father, Adam, does some medical research. Quite early on in the plot, Samuel goes missing. The trials and tribulations that follow this devastating event make Emma, the mother, and narrator of the story question everyone they know thinking who would want to harm her baby. She begins to distrust the people working for them in Botswana, friends at home and people they’ve met along the way.
The writing is full of twists and turns, red herrings that put my suspicious mind into overdrive. Thinking I was adamant I’d figured out who the kidnapper was, only to think it was someone else entirely a few chapters later. I love the suspense that is gradually built throughout the story and learning more about the two daughters. Vacant Alice and inquisitive Zoe.
Although I felt it hard to warm to Emma, maybe the author’s intention, she was just rather cold and not as motherly as I thought she would be. The development of the eldest daughter Alice was the saviour for this book character-wise. Her story at some points was more intriguing than the main plot.
The story did highlight certain parts of African culture including witchcraft and children’s body parts being used to make medicine. I found this aspect really interesting but I just wish it was delved into a little deeper.
Overall, I gave the book 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. I was left feeling a little numb after finishing it in the early hours of this morning. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. Maybe a bit of both…
M🌸
