Our Wives Under the Sea - Julia Armfield

Armfield’s novel, "Our Wives Under the Sea," beautifully entwines a tale of love and heartbreak, focusing on two women whose bond is tested by a deep-sea mission that profoundly alters Miri’s partner, Leah.

What unfolds when Leah descends into the ocean's depths, and how does it ripple through their lives afterward? The story intricately explores the complexities of their relationship, subtly driving them apart as life inserts a wedge between them. To discover the journey this book will take you on, I wholeheartedly recommend reading it; it’s an experience you won’t regret.

Honestly, I was left utterly speechless by this book, mainly because I was emotionally wrecked, but also because Julia Armfield’s writing style completely captivated me. Her storytelling is so seamless and elegant that each chapter effortlessly flowed into the next; the shifts in time never once disoriented me. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I was deeply moved and genuinely astonished by her incredible imagination and applied research.

Initially, I questioned why The Times described it as “Weird and Wonderful,” particularly the “weird” aspect, but after finishing the book, I completely understood their sentiment. It was indeed weird, bizarre, and uncanny, but that’s precisely what made it so compelling. It was truly exceptional, and I can’t praise it enough. I loved how it delved into every facet of these women’s lives, from their initial meeting to the events unfolding both beneath and above the water. Everything intertwined seamlessly, creating the most potent and enigmatic narrative Armfield could have crafted. I’m craving another book just like it; in fact, I’m eager to read more. I need more, even though I found the ending satisfying and there’s quite a few novels out there with endings that i’d change. The ending of “Our Wives Under the Sea” was precise yet elusive, clear yet ambiguous, all at the same time, which thrilled me. I genuinely believe Armfield knocked it out of the park with this one. I’m so impressed that I’ll be rereading it amidst all the other books on my list.

Armfield’s characters were compelling and believable, so much so that I genuinely disliked some of them; and it’s been ages since I’ve felt such animosity towards characters in a life that doesn’t truly exist. Their thoughts were realistic, their actions understandable, and at times, frustrating. I honestly struggle to find any faults. Armfield crafted a disturbing story infused with the passion of love to ease the pain. It’s a true work of art, and I’ll be recommending it to others for a long time to come.

With that said, if the ocean captivates you, and you’re drawn to queer love stories or seek validation through them, "Our Wives Under the Sea" is the perfect book for you. It’ll only disappoint if you’re not a fan of realistic fiction, romance, or the concepts surrounding deep water exploration and the marine biology that comes with it…because yes, you’ll learn a thing or two, and it’s surprisingly fascinating!

So, if you haven’t already, go grab your own copy of the book using the link below and dive right in:

https://amzn.eu/d/4R918Hx