The Girl Who Stopped Swimming

by: Joshilyn Jackson

Published by: Grand Central Publishing (March release)

Reviewed by Leslie Granier

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming is a book that immediately captures the attention of the reader.

Laurel Hawthorne awakens to see a ghost, which leads her to her bedroom window. Upon looking out, she sees the body of teenager Molly Dufresne (whose ghost it was that led her to the window) floating in the swimming pool. As the investigation into Molly’s death unfolds, many family secrets are exposed and Laurel is forced to acknowledge the environment of poverty and hopelessness in which she grew up—an environment she has been sheltering her husband and her daughter from. Adding to her difficulties is Thalia (Laurel’s older sister), an outspoken woman who is constantly trying to convince Laurel that her life and marriage are not as happy as Laurel would like others to believe.

The author’s scenes that took place in the run-down neighborhood of DeLop were very descriptive. I could easily envision the surroundings. She created well-developed characters whose stories I could relate to—like real people who I wanted to learn more about. There were some humorous scenes, but what struck me most was the emphasis on the importance of family in good times and in bad. The author also raises the question of whether a person who has been removed from one environment can be expected to adapt to new surroundings in a short period of time.

I was somewhat disappointed in book’s plot as I was expecting it to focus more on the investigation into Molly’s death than on the difficulties of Laurel’s life. I also found it far-fetched how Laurel seemed to be able to figure out what happened with no concrete clues or evidence.

This book will appeal mainly to females. The stories of several of the characters are moving and will touch your heart. There are several twists throughout the book that will keep the reader wondering what will happen next.

Armchair Interviews says: This is an interesting story with an important social message.