A five-star rating on Instagram from @arizonarian_bookreviewer_u.s.a.
"Dean Backus’ The Deep End of the Pool is an evocative coming-of-age novel that weaves together themes of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery through the lens of a young swimmer, Shan Milne. The novel’s introspective and deeply personal narration pulls readers into Shan’s world, where water is both a sanctuary and a battleground. The vivid prose and raw emotional depth make this a gripping read that lingers long after the last page.

From the very first chapter, Backus immerses us in Shan’s childhood fears and struggles. The memory of flailing in a community pool as a five-year-old, fixating on the glowing ember of a cigarette for guidance, sets the tone for a story steeped in both literal and metaphorical survival. This moment encapsulates the central motif of the novel: the struggle to stay afloat, both in water and in life. The transition to Shan’s teenage years, where his swimming talent has earned him a scholarship, presents a stark contrast between outward success and internal turmoil. Despite his achievements, his past continues to haunt him, a fact underscored by his defensive and cautious interactions with new acquaintances.

One of the novel’s strengths is its complex character dynamics. Shan’s encounter with a mysterious girl, described with a mythical aura, introduces an element of intrigue, hinting at a potential romance or deeper emotional connection. Similarly, his guarded response to a stocky, overly friendly classmate reveals a past shaped by neglect and abuse. The subtle references to Frankie, a figure who appears to have been both a guardian and a source of trauma, add an unsettling layer to Shan’s story. His memories of physical punishment, juxtaposed with casual interactions in the present, underscore the lingering effects of past wounds.

Backus’ writing style is both lyrical and immersive, using sensory details to enhance the storytelling. The descriptions of water, whether in a chlorinated pool or a mountain stream, serve as powerful metaphors for Shan’s inner state.

Ultimately, The Deep End of the Pool is a beautifully crafted novel that captures the complexities of adolescence, trauma, and the search for identity."