Angels Can't Swim | Novella Review

One of my goals for 2018 is to read more. My current Goodreads goal is 12 but as I keep buying more books, I'm sure I'll soon smash that and up it. I've actually been considering making my blog more book-y, and start reviewing them. So imagine how I felt when Alexandra McCann, an author, dropped me an email asking me to review her new novella. Of course I said yes, and delved straight into Angels Can't Swim.

The Synopsis

Angels Can’t Swim is an original, honest coming-of-age novella that examines what goes on behind the scenes for three college swimmers. Jenna, Maggie, and Eden are each incredibly different in their personalities and struggles, yet under pressure they must come together in this compelling story of friendship and what it means to be a good teammate. While balancing the pressures of swimming at a high level and also dealing with the realities of college life, the three young women grow immensely as individual people and in their bonds with each other. In portraying these bonds, the novella tackles important issues such as eating disorders and what it means to be an LGBTQ young person. This intense, unforgettable novella is a must-read for young adults, college students, and all people who wish to take a glimpse into a world not often seen.

My Thoughts

This novella is short, snappy and to the point. I actually managed to read the whole thing (sixteen chapters) in an hour because it was written in such a way that it seemed impossible to stop reading. There's hardly any dialogue but actually, I kinda liked it. It was almost like watching a documentary that's 90% narration rather than conversation.

I didn't expect to relate to the characters very much at all, but actually, I related to them all perhaps a little too well. There's Jenna, the girl who has a constant need for a self-esteem boost, Eden the gay one who cares deeply for someone who can't reciprocate the feelings, and dear Maggie, the sweet, responsible one.

This story may be short, but it has an important lesson. These young women all face some difficult challenges within these chapters, but get through them by being honest, open and accepting. It definitely reminded me to make sure I talk to people about difficult things in life, and that finding a support system is easier than people may initially think.

You can find Angels Can't Swim on Goodreads, and buy it via Amazon for Kindle. Come find me on Goodreads too!