What do you think?
Rate this book
The Polite Act of Drowning
The luminous debut novel from one of Ireland's finest storytellers 'The Polite Act of Drowning is a beautiful and captivating novel, lyrical and sensuous, a precise and faithful evocation of the tumult and trauma of family life, and of emergence into adulthood, and the confrontation of truths about ourselves and the people we love' - Donal Ryan Michigan, 1985. The drowning of a teenage girl causes ripples in the small town of Kettle Lake, though for most the waters settle quickly. For sixteen year old Joanne Kennedy, however, the tragedy dredges up untold secrets and causes her mother to drift farther from reality and her family. When troubled newcomer Lucinda arrives in town, she offers Joanne a chance of real friendship, and together the teenagers push against the boundaries of family, self-image, and their sexuality during the tension of a long, stifling summer. But the undercurrents of past harms continuously threaten to drag Joanne and those around her under...
288 pages, Hardcover
Published April 6, 2023
17 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Charleen Hurtubise
2 books58 followersCharleen is a novelist and artist. Her first novel, The Polite Act of Drowning, was published in Ireland and the UK in 2023. SAOIRSE is her US debut. She lives in Dublin, Ireland with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 17, 2023
This book was recommended to me by one of my followers and, honestly, she couldn't have picked a better book for me. If there is one kind of book I like, it's a coming of age tale written for adults. Throw in a small-town setting and a story about family, and I am sold.
In 1985, the accidental drowning of a teenage girl in the small, fictional town of Kettle Lake, Michigan, sends ripples through the community. Sixteen-year-old Joanna Kennedy, lonely and isolated from her peers, was one of the last people to see the girl alive, and struggles to understand her fascination with the tragedy. When newcomer Lucinda arrives in town, Joanne begins to push against the boundaries of family and explore self-identity and her own sexuality. But in the course of a stifling summer, the threads of her family's life begins to unravel, when the undercurrents of past trauma threatens to drag them under.
The Polite Act of Drowning is a captivating and lyrical novel about family life, mental health, secrets, growing up, and discovering that those you know as family, are people too. The story is told with compassion and humanity, and it is brimming with emotion. The characters are really well brought to life, and the insular, claustrophobic setting is not unlike that of Where the Crawdads Sing. This is a beautifully written book that will stay with me for a long time.
In 1985, the accidental drowning of a teenage girl in the small, fictional town of Kettle Lake, Michigan, sends ripples through the community. Sixteen-year-old Joanna Kennedy, lonely and isolated from her peers, was one of the last people to see the girl alive, and struggles to understand her fascination with the tragedy. When newcomer Lucinda arrives in town, Joanne begins to push against the boundaries of family and explore self-identity and her own sexuality. But in the course of a stifling summer, the threads of her family's life begins to unravel, when the undercurrents of past trauma threatens to drag them under.
The Polite Act of Drowning is a captivating and lyrical novel about family life, mental health, secrets, growing up, and discovering that those you know as family, are people too. The story is told with compassion and humanity, and it is brimming with emotion. The characters are really well brought to life, and the insular, claustrophobic setting is not unlike that of Where the Crawdads Sing. This is a beautifully written book that will stay with me for a long time.
July 30, 2023
Kettle Lake, Michigan, 1985. Where 16-year-old Joanne Kennedy witnesses a teenage girl drowning. The tragedy marks the town and sends ripples of unease and guilt through Joanne. But she has her own issues to contend with; the underlying tension and unpredictability constantly emanating from her own mother is something she finds hard to understand and navigate.
Luckily, to distract her, along comes Lucinda. She is new to the town; confident, brash and bold, and Joanne is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. But as the long hot summer continues the tension within Joanne’s own family escalates. As long ago secrets are revealed it soon becomes apparent that a huge storm is brewing.
This book captured me from the very start. I’m an absolute sucker for a American small town coming-of-age story and this ticked all the boxes. Kick starting dramatically with a tragic drowning, the book then settles into an intense slow burn as the reader slowly starts to fully immerse themselves into the world of Kettle Lake.
The characters in this story are exceptional. Each one of them plays a part and my feelings grew for them all. Joanne’s mother is a tormented soul and her troubled battle with mental health tore at my heartstrings, while in contrast the wonderful Aunt Rita made my heart sing. I loved Joanne, the entire book is written from her perspective, in a linear style, which made me empathise hugely with her and remember vividly what it was like to be that young.
There is so much to see in this novel; to observe this small town summer, to wonder at the enormity of these beautiful silent dark lakes, to feel the sun on your face and the contrasting iciness of the cool dark water. Caressing, hypnotic, captivating, it’s a story that will brought me to tears and will stay with me a long, long time.
Luckily, to distract her, along comes Lucinda. She is new to the town; confident, brash and bold, and Joanne is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. But as the long hot summer continues the tension within Joanne’s own family escalates. As long ago secrets are revealed it soon becomes apparent that a huge storm is brewing.
This book captured me from the very start. I’m an absolute sucker for a American small town coming-of-age story and this ticked all the boxes. Kick starting dramatically with a tragic drowning, the book then settles into an intense slow burn as the reader slowly starts to fully immerse themselves into the world of Kettle Lake.
The characters in this story are exceptional. Each one of them plays a part and my feelings grew for them all. Joanne’s mother is a tormented soul and her troubled battle with mental health tore at my heartstrings, while in contrast the wonderful Aunt Rita made my heart sing. I loved Joanne, the entire book is written from her perspective, in a linear style, which made me empathise hugely with her and remember vividly what it was like to be that young.
There is so much to see in this novel; to observe this small town summer, to wonder at the enormity of these beautiful silent dark lakes, to feel the sun on your face and the contrasting iciness of the cool dark water. Caressing, hypnotic, captivating, it’s a story that will brought me to tears and will stay with me a long, long time.
March 6, 2023
Joanne Kennedy is a 16-year-old girl in the Michigan summer of 1985 when she meets Lucinda, a foster kid in Kettle Lake. While Joanne herself has her own problems to face - her sexuality, friends, and her Mothers haunting past, Lucinda eases that. However, Lucinda is a hellraiser for her family, a habitual liar, and a troublemaker. During this summer, Joanne and Lucinda become friends - occasionally more, and she is brought into the chaotic world Lucinda lives in.
"There is, of course, a rumour that they are lesbians, which is what everyone says about girls who spend too much time together."
I really wanted to love this book. Some of the topics discussed were very uncomfortable, but were also more typical of the time, albeit less accepted. But some of the descriptions made my skin crawl, knowing the difference between right and wrong.
"...You don't have to take on another person's trauma. You either pick it up and carry it, or you put it down."
Regardless, I enjoyed the topics surrounding women's mental health and how it can be dismissed as "simply being overwhelmed," or "needing a break from the kids". Rosemary, Joanne's mother was portrayed very well in this aspect. Hare, Joanne's sister may have well been the equivalent of Satan's spawn with how much of an absolute brat she was. More than once I felt utter sympathy for Rosemary and wanted to scream in frustration at how little Hare understood. The topics of marriage and the struggles many couples face and how it affects the surrounding people - friends, family, and especially the kids were wonderfully portrayed. It hit a little close to home but was interesting to see regardless.
"...Hurt doesn't lessen. Its rot spreads and grows, hidden, but not dormant: woodworm tunneling through the timber, eating out the joists. By the time it is noticed, it is too late. The pain is already bringing down the house."
In terms of pacing, everything felt slightly slow. While stuff happens, it doesn't feel like a "big event," or something to truly catch your attention. However, that does change in the last 20 or so pages and brings a form of absolvement and comfort. Regardless, a big part of what made me deeply unsettled besides some of the themes discussed was the slightly disjointed writing. It's not that it wasn't well written, but rather it didn't seem to flow well.
Overall, while I was really on the rocks about this book, and at times I wanted to put it down, it wasn't the worst book that I've read. It had some extremely insightful moments, regarding sexuality, coming-of-age, mental health, and marital issues. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a harrowing, coming-of-age story.
*I received a ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.*
"There is, of course, a rumour that they are lesbians, which is what everyone says about girls who spend too much time together."
I really wanted to love this book. Some of the topics discussed were very uncomfortable, but were also more typical of the time, albeit less accepted. But some of the descriptions made my skin crawl, knowing the difference between right and wrong.
"...You don't have to take on another person's trauma. You either pick it up and carry it, or you put it down."
Regardless, I enjoyed the topics surrounding women's mental health and how it can be dismissed as "simply being overwhelmed," or "needing a break from the kids". Rosemary, Joanne's mother was portrayed very well in this aspect. Hare, Joanne's sister may have well been the equivalent of Satan's spawn with how much of an absolute brat she was. More than once I felt utter sympathy for Rosemary and wanted to scream in frustration at how little Hare understood. The topics of marriage and the struggles many couples face and how it affects the surrounding people - friends, family, and especially the kids were wonderfully portrayed. It hit a little close to home but was interesting to see regardless.
"...Hurt doesn't lessen. Its rot spreads and grows, hidden, but not dormant: woodworm tunneling through the timber, eating out the joists. By the time it is noticed, it is too late. The pain is already bringing down the house."
In terms of pacing, everything felt slightly slow. While stuff happens, it doesn't feel like a "big event," or something to truly catch your attention. However, that does change in the last 20 or so pages and brings a form of absolvement and comfort. Regardless, a big part of what made me deeply unsettled besides some of the themes discussed was the slightly disjointed writing. It's not that it wasn't well written, but rather it didn't seem to flow well.
Overall, while I was really on the rocks about this book, and at times I wanted to put it down, it wasn't the worst book that I've read. It had some extremely insightful moments, regarding sexuality, coming-of-age, mental health, and marital issues. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a harrowing, coming-of-age story.
*I received a ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.*
April 5, 2023
This debut novel by Irish-based American author Hurtubise is an evocative coming of age story with some dark themes. The book opens with the drowning of a teenage girl in the small town of Kettle Lake, Michigan in 1985 and is set over the course of one long, hot summer.
Joanne Kennedy witnesses the girl's drowning and struggles to process it, whilst simultaneously trying to manage a difficult home life, with a mentally ill mother and a father who drinks too much. When Joanne is befriended by troubled newcomer Lucinda, she suddenly appears to have an ally but the path to friendship is beset with obstacles that threaten to drag Joanne and those around her under.
This slow-paced drama perfectly captures the claustrophobia of small-town life where everyone knows your business and past transgressions are never forgotten. The writing is lyrical and polished, although I struggled at times to penetrate the veil of the writing to feel the heart of the story beneath.
The novel is linear in time and written entirely in the first person present tense. While this creates a sense of immediacy, I find sometimes when used in isolation, it can become monotonous and doesn't allow for reflection on the part of the narrator (this is a personal preference of mine - I had the same issue with The Paper Palace). I found Rosemary, Joanne's mother, an interesting character and would have enjoyed her perspective.
The theme of swimming comes to the fore in the latter part of the book and the story really finds its stride. You really feel that Joanne is coming of age and finding her niche and it was at this point in the book that I felt it really flowed.
Overall this was a well-written, enjoyable debut and I look forward to reading what Charleen Hurtubise writes next. If you enjoyed Una Mannion's A Crooked Tree, I think you'd enjoy this one too. 3/5 ⭐️
*Many thanks to @gillhessltd @bonnierbooksuk @eriubooks for the advance copy. The Polite Act of Drowning will be published on 6 April.
Joanne Kennedy witnesses the girl's drowning and struggles to process it, whilst simultaneously trying to manage a difficult home life, with a mentally ill mother and a father who drinks too much. When Joanne is befriended by troubled newcomer Lucinda, she suddenly appears to have an ally but the path to friendship is beset with obstacles that threaten to drag Joanne and those around her under.
This slow-paced drama perfectly captures the claustrophobia of small-town life where everyone knows your business and past transgressions are never forgotten. The writing is lyrical and polished, although I struggled at times to penetrate the veil of the writing to feel the heart of the story beneath.
The novel is linear in time and written entirely in the first person present tense. While this creates a sense of immediacy, I find sometimes when used in isolation, it can become monotonous and doesn't allow for reflection on the part of the narrator (this is a personal preference of mine - I had the same issue with The Paper Palace). I found Rosemary, Joanne's mother, an interesting character and would have enjoyed her perspective.
The theme of swimming comes to the fore in the latter part of the book and the story really finds its stride. You really feel that Joanne is coming of age and finding her niche and it was at this point in the book that I felt it really flowed.
Overall this was a well-written, enjoyable debut and I look forward to reading what Charleen Hurtubise writes next. If you enjoyed Una Mannion's A Crooked Tree, I think you'd enjoy this one too. 3/5 ⭐️
*Many thanks to @gillhessltd @bonnierbooksuk @eriubooks for the advance copy. The Polite Act of Drowning will be published on 6 April.
March 15, 2023
This book made me laugh, cry and underline nearly every page. I could write so much about it. Her depiction of mental health was perfect. I immediately miss reading it.
September 18, 2025
One hot summer in 1985. Joanne Kennedy is sixteen. She was born into a dysfunctional family - her mother, ridden with guilt, is suffering from depression. When Joanne witnesses another teenage girl's drowning, Joanne's mother is reminded yet again of the part she played in her younger brother's drowning many years ago...
Joanne is just discovering life. When a troubled teen is fostered in their small Michigan town, the two become friends. Then, more than friends. Lucinda has had a traumatic childhood and as a result she is very damaged and lashes out at almost everyone. A mean girl that Joanne is not prepared for.
To me, this felt like a YA novel. With the teen protagonist metamorphosing from child to adult - her coming of age is fraught with trouble. Some of her challenges turn out to be more than most teens have to endure. Meanwhile, she is anxious, trying to discover herself, be accepted by others, and like everyone, she wants to be loved.
The story is told over one formative summer in Joanne's life. She is vulnerable, awkward, with little in the way of self-confidence, and living in the shadow of her pretty older sister.
This coming-of-age novel was not entirely to my taste. I found it exceedingly slow in parts, and the narrative did not flow smoothly. The descriptive passages were well done, yet as much as I wanted to bond with Joanne, she just left me feeling blah...
This book has been compared to Delia Owens' "Where The Crawdads Sing" and to be honest that is what enticed me to read it. I LOVED that book so much. However, other than the fact that there was a young female protagonist and some scenes on a marsh, there was little else to compare the two novels.
A claustrophobic tale with a young adult vibe, this one didn't strike any chords with me.
Joanne is just discovering life. When a troubled teen is fostered in their small Michigan town, the two become friends. Then, more than friends. Lucinda has had a traumatic childhood and as a result she is very damaged and lashes out at almost everyone. A mean girl that Joanne is not prepared for.
To me, this felt like a YA novel. With the teen protagonist metamorphosing from child to adult - her coming of age is fraught with trouble. Some of her challenges turn out to be more than most teens have to endure. Meanwhile, she is anxious, trying to discover herself, be accepted by others, and like everyone, she wants to be loved.
The story is told over one formative summer in Joanne's life. She is vulnerable, awkward, with little in the way of self-confidence, and living in the shadow of her pretty older sister.
This coming-of-age novel was not entirely to my taste. I found it exceedingly slow in parts, and the narrative did not flow smoothly. The descriptive passages were well done, yet as much as I wanted to bond with Joanne, she just left me feeling blah...
This book has been compared to Delia Owens' "Where The Crawdads Sing" and to be honest that is what enticed me to read it. I LOVED that book so much. However, other than the fact that there was a young female protagonist and some scenes on a marsh, there was little else to compare the two novels.
A claustrophobic tale with a young adult vibe, this one didn't strike any chords with me.
April 27, 2025
Beautifully upsetting
March 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. If you like Carson McCullers or Jean Rhys then this is the book for you. The sense of loneliness of a teenage girl growing up in a small Lakeside town was painful at times and so beautifully written. I found the characters relatable and the small town attitudes familiar. As the story unfolds old family secrets are revealed and the past intertwines with the tragic events of the summer. It's hard to believe this is a debit novel. I'll be waiting for more from this author.
July 31, 2023
Set in the small town of Lake Kettle, Michigan in the summer of 1985 and told entirely through the eyes of 16 year old Joanne, this absolutely stunning novel will rip your heart out before putting it back together.
When Joanne witnesses a drowning in the Lake old family wounds are reopened, causing her mother to spiral further from reality as the ripples of intergenerational trauma grow wider and wider. Joanne finds solace in a new friendship with Lucinda, a troubled teen from out of town who encourages Joanne to push her boundaries. At first this feels exciting and new but there is a dark side to Lucinda which leaves Joanne confused about their relationship and her own place in Kettle Lake.
The characters in this book are so well-crafted and authentic, they really bring the story to life. Joanne’s character brought back so many memories of teenage angst and uncertainty but it was her mum, Rosemary, who had the biggest impact on me. The portrayal of her emotional unraveling following the drowning was so visceral and heartbreaking that I know it will stay with me for a long time.
I really loved this small-town, coming-of-age story that deals with so many issues within a relatively short number of pages - grief, love, loss, complex family dynamics, sexual awakening, toxic relationships and finding out what you need in life to survive. I’m not someone who often cries whilst reading a book but this one had me sobbing at one point as we see the culmination of the impact of past trauma on the family.
I saw someone else compare the novel to Where The Crawdads Sing and The Paper Palace and they are spot on, particularly in terms of the feel of the story and the depiction of the town, albeit the storyline is somewhat different. Just read it, you won’t regret it!
Huge thanks to the publisher for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Joanne witnesses a drowning in the Lake old family wounds are reopened, causing her mother to spiral further from reality as the ripples of intergenerational trauma grow wider and wider. Joanne finds solace in a new friendship with Lucinda, a troubled teen from out of town who encourages Joanne to push her boundaries. At first this feels exciting and new but there is a dark side to Lucinda which leaves Joanne confused about their relationship and her own place in Kettle Lake.
The characters in this book are so well-crafted and authentic, they really bring the story to life. Joanne’s character brought back so many memories of teenage angst and uncertainty but it was her mum, Rosemary, who had the biggest impact on me. The portrayal of her emotional unraveling following the drowning was so visceral and heartbreaking that I know it will stay with me for a long time.
I really loved this small-town, coming-of-age story that deals with so many issues within a relatively short number of pages - grief, love, loss, complex family dynamics, sexual awakening, toxic relationships and finding out what you need in life to survive. I’m not someone who often cries whilst reading a book but this one had me sobbing at one point as we see the culmination of the impact of past trauma on the family.
I saw someone else compare the novel to Where The Crawdads Sing and The Paper Palace and they are spot on, particularly in terms of the feel of the story and the depiction of the town, albeit the storyline is somewhat different. Just read it, you won’t regret it!
Huge thanks to the publisher for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2023
This book was exceedingly well portrayed with a vivid, lyrical and poetic narrative. Although this intelligent style of writing may not be for everyone, to the more discerning reader this is a dream come true and deserves the respect the emotional theme warrants.
As a coming of age story set in a small American town you’d be hard pushed to find a more atmospheric setting and the differing characters were well thought out and portrayed, fitting the theme perfectly. I was immersed in the people and area of Kettle Lake and the author did a fantastic job of conveying this to the reader in an interesting and sentimental story.
As the premise states this is a very emotionally charged story, so it will pull on the heartstrings if you’re that way inclined (as I am) but I enjoyed reading the young people’s emotions and in general this made for a very decent overall read.
As a coming of age story set in a small American town you’d be hard pushed to find a more atmospheric setting and the differing characters were well thought out and portrayed, fitting the theme perfectly. I was immersed in the people and area of Kettle Lake and the author did a fantastic job of conveying this to the reader in an interesting and sentimental story.
As the premise states this is a very emotionally charged story, so it will pull on the heartstrings if you’re that way inclined (as I am) but I enjoyed reading the young people’s emotions and in general this made for a very decent overall read.
September 22, 2024
Beginning was bad, middle was good, ending was super.
The euphemism and analogy between water and mental illness is really well done. In particular the use of the word ‘polite’ was suspect. Why use that word?The more you read the better you understand what it is you’re looking for.
I could write a book on how it’s a fairly simple concept laced with intricate nuances. It all ties up really nicely!
The euphemism and analogy between water and mental illness is really well done. In particular the use of the word ‘polite’ was suspect. Why use that word?The more you read the better you understand what it is you’re looking for.
I could write a book on how it’s a fairly simple concept laced with intricate nuances. It all ties up really nicely!
January 15, 2024
Beautiful - that is all.
Read
November 28, 2023I left it to long and couldn’t get back into it
DNF @60%
DNF @60%
March 15, 2023
I really struggled to finish this book. I found that the storyline wandered, the characters lacked depth and the ending was unsatisfying
April 25, 2023
My Rating - 4.5*
The Polite Act of Drowning by Charleen Hurtubise published April 6th with Eriu and is described as 'a coming-of-age story with themes of family trauma, mental health and emerging sexuality set against the backdrop of 1980s Michigan.'
Although living in Dublin for more than twenty years, Charleen Hurtubise is originally from Michigan. Her ability to authentically conjure up the landscape surrounding the small town of Kettle Lake adds a very strong sense of place to this novel. The sweltering summer heat shimmers off the pages as sixteen-year-old Joanne Kennedy tries to navigate through the teenage years. Joanne is constantly comparing herself to others. She feels awkward and less developed than other girls her age, dwelling a lot on her insecurities and her inability to fit in.
At a packed beach one day, Joanne watches the city girls flirting with some boys before she heads home with her aunt, cousins and siblings. She had been aware of one of the city girls back-floating out in the water but paid no heed at the time. It was only later, when the news arrived of a drowning that Joanne realises it is the girl that she saw. Riddled with guilt, she repeatedly asks herself if she missed something. Could she have saved the poor girl? Was she the last person to see her before she got caught up in a riptide & drowned?
The Kennedy family live a life of walking on eggshells with their mother, Rosemary, who is a sensitive soul. Joanne accepted her mother's behaviour early in life but now, as she gets nearer to adulthood, she is searching for answers. What event in her mother's past triggered this strange behaviour and why do all the adults tip-toe around her?
Frustrated and despondent with her homelife, and in her inability to develop any close friendships, Joanne meets Lucinda, the troubled foster-child of a close neighbour. Joanne sees a kindred spirit in Lucinda and, although a damaged teenager with a dubious past, she is the first person to give Joanne the attention she craves. Joanne rebels in the company of Lucinda and the excitement that follows leads to her exploring her sexuality and her own sense of self.
The Polite Act of Drowning provokes the reader into considering the different types of drowning that exist in both the physical and metaphysical sense. Most of the characters in this claustrophobic tale are all struggling to stay afloat in life. In this small lakeside town, there can be few secrets, with any lapse of judgement forever imprinted in the memories of all the community.
The Polite Act of Drowning slowly develops into an all-encompassing story of The Kennedy family and the close-knit community of Kettle Lake over one hot, sultry summer. A very evocative and melancholy tale, Charleen Hurtubise has written a layered story that disconcerts and elicits many emotions. An intense debut highlighting many difficult themes, The Polite Act of Drowning comes alive with strong descriptions and wonderful characters, all beautifully portrayed with a sensitive hand.
Perfect for any reader who enjoyed The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller and The Crawdad Sings by Delia Owens.
"I worked on this novel during a time when it was impossible to make the journey home to familiar landscapes. Creating the town of Kettle Lake became a way to visit the quietness of a marsh, the particular smell of a forest walk, the beauty along the shoreline of any of the Great Lakes. I hope this novel will allow readers to visit these places I have loved."
- Charleen Hurtubise
The Polite Act of Drowning by Charleen Hurtubise published April 6th with Eriu and is described as 'a coming-of-age story with themes of family trauma, mental health and emerging sexuality set against the backdrop of 1980s Michigan.'
Although living in Dublin for more than twenty years, Charleen Hurtubise is originally from Michigan. Her ability to authentically conjure up the landscape surrounding the small town of Kettle Lake adds a very strong sense of place to this novel. The sweltering summer heat shimmers off the pages as sixteen-year-old Joanne Kennedy tries to navigate through the teenage years. Joanne is constantly comparing herself to others. She feels awkward and less developed than other girls her age, dwelling a lot on her insecurities and her inability to fit in.
At a packed beach one day, Joanne watches the city girls flirting with some boys before she heads home with her aunt, cousins and siblings. She had been aware of one of the city girls back-floating out in the water but paid no heed at the time. It was only later, when the news arrived of a drowning that Joanne realises it is the girl that she saw. Riddled with guilt, she repeatedly asks herself if she missed something. Could she have saved the poor girl? Was she the last person to see her before she got caught up in a riptide & drowned?
The Kennedy family live a life of walking on eggshells with their mother, Rosemary, who is a sensitive soul. Joanne accepted her mother's behaviour early in life but now, as she gets nearer to adulthood, she is searching for answers. What event in her mother's past triggered this strange behaviour and why do all the adults tip-toe around her?
Frustrated and despondent with her homelife, and in her inability to develop any close friendships, Joanne meets Lucinda, the troubled foster-child of a close neighbour. Joanne sees a kindred spirit in Lucinda and, although a damaged teenager with a dubious past, she is the first person to give Joanne the attention she craves. Joanne rebels in the company of Lucinda and the excitement that follows leads to her exploring her sexuality and her own sense of self.
The Polite Act of Drowning provokes the reader into considering the different types of drowning that exist in both the physical and metaphysical sense. Most of the characters in this claustrophobic tale are all struggling to stay afloat in life. In this small lakeside town, there can be few secrets, with any lapse of judgement forever imprinted in the memories of all the community.
The Polite Act of Drowning slowly develops into an all-encompassing story of The Kennedy family and the close-knit community of Kettle Lake over one hot, sultry summer. A very evocative and melancholy tale, Charleen Hurtubise has written a layered story that disconcerts and elicits many emotions. An intense debut highlighting many difficult themes, The Polite Act of Drowning comes alive with strong descriptions and wonderful characters, all beautifully portrayed with a sensitive hand.
Perfect for any reader who enjoyed The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller and The Crawdad Sings by Delia Owens.
"I worked on this novel during a time when it was impossible to make the journey home to familiar landscapes. Creating the town of Kettle Lake became a way to visit the quietness of a marsh, the particular smell of a forest walk, the beauty along the shoreline of any of the Great Lakes. I hope this novel will allow readers to visit these places I have loved."
- Charleen Hurtubise
October 8, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
“The Polite Act of Drowning” by Charleen Hurtubise is a luminous debut novel that intricately weaves together themes of family, mental health, and the tumultuous journey of adolescence. Set in the small, fictional town of Kettle Lake, Michigan, in 1985, this novel captures the essence of a community grappling with the aftermath of a tragic drowning and the secrets it unearths.
The story centers around sixteen-year-old Joanne Kennedy, whose life is irrevocably changed when a teenage girl drowns in Kettle Lake. Joanne, one of the last people to see the girl alive, becomes obsessed with the tragedy, which dredges up long-buried family secrets and exacerbates her mother’s fragile mental state. As the summer heat intensifies, Joanne forms a bond with Lucinda, a troubled newcomer, and together they navigate complexities of family, identity, and sexuality.
Hurtubise excels in creating deeply human and relatable characters. Joanne is a compelling protagonist, her journey from isolation to self-discovery is both poignant and powerful. Her relationship with her mother, who is drifting further from reality, adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Lucinda, with her own set of troubles, serves as both a catalyst and a mirror for Joanne’s transformation. The supporting characters, including Joanne’s family and the townspeople, are vividly portrayed, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story.
Hurtubise’s writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the oppressive heat of a Michigan summer and the claustrophobic atmosphere of small-town life. Her prose is both beautiful and haunting, drawing readers into Joanne’s world with a delicate yet powerful touch. The narrative is well-paced, balancing moments of introspection with the unfolding mystery, keeping readers engaged throughout.
“The Polite Act of Drowning” explores profound themes, including the impact of trauma on mental health, the complexities of family dynamics, and the search for identity during adolescence. The novel also delves into the darker aspects of small-town life, where secrets are often hidden beneath a veneer of politeness.
Hurtubise handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, making the novel both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
Note: Some readers may find the pacing slow in parts. The heavy themes may be intense for some.
Ultimately, “The Polite Act of Drowning” is a captivating and emotionally charged debut that will linger in readers’ minds long after the final page. Charleen Hurtubise has crafted a story that is both intimate and universal, exploring the depths of human emotion and the resilience of the human spirit.
This novel is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and coming-of-age stories, offering a poignant and beautifully written exploration of family, identity, and the secrets that bind us.
“The Polite Act of Drowning” by Charleen Hurtubise is a luminous debut novel that intricately weaves together themes of family, mental health, and the tumultuous journey of adolescence. Set in the small, fictional town of Kettle Lake, Michigan, in 1985, this novel captures the essence of a community grappling with the aftermath of a tragic drowning and the secrets it unearths.
The story centers around sixteen-year-old Joanne Kennedy, whose life is irrevocably changed when a teenage girl drowns in Kettle Lake. Joanne, one of the last people to see the girl alive, becomes obsessed with the tragedy, which dredges up long-buried family secrets and exacerbates her mother’s fragile mental state. As the summer heat intensifies, Joanne forms a bond with Lucinda, a troubled newcomer, and together they navigate complexities of family, identity, and sexuality.
Hurtubise excels in creating deeply human and relatable characters. Joanne is a compelling protagonist, her journey from isolation to self-discovery is both poignant and powerful. Her relationship with her mother, who is drifting further from reality, adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Lucinda, with her own set of troubles, serves as both a catalyst and a mirror for Joanne’s transformation. The supporting characters, including Joanne’s family and the townspeople, are vividly portrayed, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story.
Hurtubise’s writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the oppressive heat of a Michigan summer and the claustrophobic atmosphere of small-town life. Her prose is both beautiful and haunting, drawing readers into Joanne’s world with a delicate yet powerful touch. The narrative is well-paced, balancing moments of introspection with the unfolding mystery, keeping readers engaged throughout.
“The Polite Act of Drowning” explores profound themes, including the impact of trauma on mental health, the complexities of family dynamics, and the search for identity during adolescence. The novel also delves into the darker aspects of small-town life, where secrets are often hidden beneath a veneer of politeness.
Hurtubise handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, making the novel both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
Note: Some readers may find the pacing slow in parts. The heavy themes may be intense for some.
Ultimately, “The Polite Act of Drowning” is a captivating and emotionally charged debut that will linger in readers’ minds long after the final page. Charleen Hurtubise has crafted a story that is both intimate and universal, exploring the depths of human emotion and the resilience of the human spirit.
This novel is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and coming-of-age stories, offering a poignant and beautifully written exploration of family, identity, and the secrets that bind us.
June 7, 2023
Novel set in a fictional village in MICHIGAN
The Polite Act of Drowning opens with a description of the death by drowning of a beautiful young woman, Cathy. She is visiting Kettle Lake, Michigan from the city, goes swimming on the beach and never returns. There seems a certain resigned sadness among the locals about her death, almost as though it was inevitable. Sixteen-year-old Joanne Kennedy is on the beach that day and witnesses the tragedy. The whole community is affected but for Joanne’s family the event is more than just poignant; it reawakens raw emotions from the past, associated with the drowning of little Billy Kennedy and Joanne’s mother’s role in his death.
Author Charleen Hurtubise evokes a wonderful sense of place in this beautifully paced novel. Her familiarity with its location in rural Michigan is evident. It’s easy to picture the scattered lakeside community, and its natural surroundings as the story unfolds during the heat and the oppressive atmosphere of summer. This is one of those lovely books where learning about the setting is part of the joy of reading.
It is the characters that really make this book though; from the naïve teenage Joanne, who seems powerless to control any aspect of her life, to the newcomer — the energetic and rule-breaking Lucinda — who offers friendship, only to snatch it away again. Joanne is drawn to Lucinda’s vitality and the possibility of intimacy, which she craves. The catty ‘friends’ from school, the drunken and intimidating ex-soldier and the warm hug that is Marylou all jump off the page, they are so real.
Joanne’s family is somewhat dysfunctional, even before Cathy’s death. Her mother has never been accepted by the Kennedy family and there are undercurrents that parallel the unpredictable waters of the Great Lake. It is apparent that, while struggling with grief and guilt, many people will struggle to keep their heads above water. But these are not just personal struggles; they affect everyone in the community and the Kennedy family’s future is in jeopardy. Joanne feels guilty because she didn’t recognise that Cathy was drowning and act to help her. Is this what has caused her mother’s emotional instability or is there an even worse secret that she has been hiding all these years?
The Polite Act of Drowning is a wonderfully engaging book, with a satisfying ending – and it’s worth the wait to discover why the enigmatic title is so appropriate.
The Polite Act of Drowning opens with a description of the death by drowning of a beautiful young woman, Cathy. She is visiting Kettle Lake, Michigan from the city, goes swimming on the beach and never returns. There seems a certain resigned sadness among the locals about her death, almost as though it was inevitable. Sixteen-year-old Joanne Kennedy is on the beach that day and witnesses the tragedy. The whole community is affected but for Joanne’s family the event is more than just poignant; it reawakens raw emotions from the past, associated with the drowning of little Billy Kennedy and Joanne’s mother’s role in his death.
Author Charleen Hurtubise evokes a wonderful sense of place in this beautifully paced novel. Her familiarity with its location in rural Michigan is evident. It’s easy to picture the scattered lakeside community, and its natural surroundings as the story unfolds during the heat and the oppressive atmosphere of summer. This is one of those lovely books where learning about the setting is part of the joy of reading.
It is the characters that really make this book though; from the naïve teenage Joanne, who seems powerless to control any aspect of her life, to the newcomer — the energetic and rule-breaking Lucinda — who offers friendship, only to snatch it away again. Joanne is drawn to Lucinda’s vitality and the possibility of intimacy, which she craves. The catty ‘friends’ from school, the drunken and intimidating ex-soldier and the warm hug that is Marylou all jump off the page, they are so real.
Joanne’s family is somewhat dysfunctional, even before Cathy’s death. Her mother has never been accepted by the Kennedy family and there are undercurrents that parallel the unpredictable waters of the Great Lake. It is apparent that, while struggling with grief and guilt, many people will struggle to keep their heads above water. But these are not just personal struggles; they affect everyone in the community and the Kennedy family’s future is in jeopardy. Joanne feels guilty because she didn’t recognise that Cathy was drowning and act to help her. Is this what has caused her mother’s emotional instability or is there an even worse secret that she has been hiding all these years?
The Polite Act of Drowning is a wonderfully engaging book, with a satisfying ending – and it’s worth the wait to discover why the enigmatic title is so appropriate.
August 4, 2023
Joanne, a young woman on the cusp of adulthood and in the midst of discovery of self. Her coming-of-age journey isn’t just identifying her sexuality, to whom she may or may not be attracted – it’s also about redefining the nature of all her relationships.
When sibling rivalry takes on a secondary role as the loyalty towards her parents is questioned, as generational family disputes and trauma threaten to sever loosely threaded ties. The way Joanne moves from child to more mature thinking and engagement becomes more evident as the story evolves, whether that is via the painful teenage moments of humiliation or those moments of clarity when the adults in her life are seen as more than the position they retain in the family dynamic.
Simple mistruths and facts are re-evaluated as buried secrets give better insight into the people she calls parents. Mother is suddenly seen as traumatised child, the guilt-laden sister, the scarred young woman and then the fragile adult who is barely holding on to life. Father is seen as the young man torn between warring families, and the man who is helpless when it comes to comprehending his wife and her struggles.
It’s a siren’s song of sisterhood in the form of a mother and daughter, sister and sister, girl and female friendship, and it even reflects the more damaging aspects of women’s relationships with each other. Nothing is quite so sharp as the knife wielded by the person who should be able to understand you the most.
I absolutely loved it. It’s an intricately woven web of emotional despair and yet it simultaneously echoes how small a drop of water we are in the ocean, and how often it’s also just that tiny drop that weighs us down and pulls us under.
In the right hands with enough vision this has the potential to be award-winning screen material. It’s a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story that takes place in the midst of family dysfunction and generational trauma. Hopefully this will be recognised for the gem it is.
When sibling rivalry takes on a secondary role as the loyalty towards her parents is questioned, as generational family disputes and trauma threaten to sever loosely threaded ties. The way Joanne moves from child to more mature thinking and engagement becomes more evident as the story evolves, whether that is via the painful teenage moments of humiliation or those moments of clarity when the adults in her life are seen as more than the position they retain in the family dynamic.
Simple mistruths and facts are re-evaluated as buried secrets give better insight into the people she calls parents. Mother is suddenly seen as traumatised child, the guilt-laden sister, the scarred young woman and then the fragile adult who is barely holding on to life. Father is seen as the young man torn between warring families, and the man who is helpless when it comes to comprehending his wife and her struggles.
It’s a siren’s song of sisterhood in the form of a mother and daughter, sister and sister, girl and female friendship, and it even reflects the more damaging aspects of women’s relationships with each other. Nothing is quite so sharp as the knife wielded by the person who should be able to understand you the most.
I absolutely loved it. It’s an intricately woven web of emotional despair and yet it simultaneously echoes how small a drop of water we are in the ocean, and how often it’s also just that tiny drop that weighs us down and pulls us under.
In the right hands with enough vision this has the potential to be award-winning screen material. It’s a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story that takes place in the midst of family dysfunction and generational trauma. Hopefully this will be recognised for the gem it is.
October 29, 2024
“You are not looking for splashing, floundering or spastic movements of any kind. Drowning, shall I say, is far more polite than this.”
There is quite some drowning in this debut coming-of-age novel, actual and almost drowning. Drowning adds drama and untold secrets to the story arc. But drowning must also be taken as a metaphor for the detachment that Joanna, the sixteen-year-old heroine, experiences in her life. She is not drowning. In fact, she is an exceptional swimmer. But with respect to most things in her life, she is a passive observer, almost as if she has let go of the world around her. As if she sees everything under water. Her family with the possibly adulterous and mentally instable mother, the helpless father, and the older sister and younger brother are quite distant, despite the outwardly tumultuous family life. She feels different without knowing why.
Things in Joanna’s world come into motion with the simultaneous appearance of Lucinda, a troubled foster child, and the drowning of an unknown girl at their beach (that she later understands she has witnessed without understanding what happened). What she loves about Lucinda, “isn’t the boots but how she fills them.” Triggered by this insight, she articulates her disconnection for the first time: “In comparison, I feel so utterly lacking – in detail, in personality; [...] I am filling in the space that isn’t them.”
At the end she will understand much more about herself, and she will start to take things into her own hands. This is all written in beautiful, poetic language, moving along a skillfully spanned story arc.
This 2024 edition is the unchanged paperback re-run of the original edition from 2023. I picked the book up then, but read it only now. All I can say is—I should not have waited more than a year. Absolutely beautiful and rewarding. Strongly recommended!
(based on an ARC from NetGalley)
There is quite some drowning in this debut coming-of-age novel, actual and almost drowning. Drowning adds drama and untold secrets to the story arc. But drowning must also be taken as a metaphor for the detachment that Joanna, the sixteen-year-old heroine, experiences in her life. She is not drowning. In fact, she is an exceptional swimmer. But with respect to most things in her life, she is a passive observer, almost as if she has let go of the world around her. As if she sees everything under water. Her family with the possibly adulterous and mentally instable mother, the helpless father, and the older sister and younger brother are quite distant, despite the outwardly tumultuous family life. She feels different without knowing why.
Things in Joanna’s world come into motion with the simultaneous appearance of Lucinda, a troubled foster child, and the drowning of an unknown girl at their beach (that she later understands she has witnessed without understanding what happened). What she loves about Lucinda, “isn’t the boots but how she fills them.” Triggered by this insight, she articulates her disconnection for the first time: “In comparison, I feel so utterly lacking – in detail, in personality; [...] I am filling in the space that isn’t them.”
At the end she will understand much more about herself, and she will start to take things into her own hands. This is all written in beautiful, poetic language, moving along a skillfully spanned story arc.
This 2024 edition is the unchanged paperback re-run of the original edition from 2023. I picked the book up then, but read it only now. All I can say is—I should not have waited more than a year. Absolutely beautiful and rewarding. Strongly recommended!
(based on an ARC from NetGalley)
March 20, 2023
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙿𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝙰𝚌𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝙳𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 (𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹) - 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝙷𝚞𝚛𝚝𝚞𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚎
To be published on 6 April.
This is Irish writer, Charleen Hurtubise’s debut novel. I was anticipating an Irish setting but this heartbreaking coming-of-age novel is set in the small Michigan town, Kettle Lake. It is the summer of 1985 and
16 year old Joanne Kennedy is discovering her sexuality and sense of self, while navigating feelings of loneliness and confusion alongside a tumultuous family life marred by trauma and mental health.
'𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗'𝚜 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚝 𝚞𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚝, 𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚙𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗.'
It is a slow start but Hurtubise’s writing gives a sensitive and moving story, with beautiful imagery that places the reader right alongside Joanne as she finds a friend in the equally troubled but cruel Lucinda and wanting to save her mother. It’s a story that gently hooks you in, at times a little too slowly, but just when I thought perhaps this is not really going anywhere, I was hooked. The pace is reflective of the closed, small town feel. On the surface not much seems to be happening but the reality is quite different.
⚠️Trigger warning for themes of suicidal ideation and sexual assault.
This is a harrowing story at times and as to be expected given the themes, there are some disturbing and sometimes confronting scenes.
There are equally some moving and heartwarming, glimmer of hope scenes, with kind, compassionate strong women guiding Joanne as she comes to terms with her mother’s deteriorating mental health weighed down by grief and small town attitudes.
This truly did make my heart ache and brought me to tears. As one reviewer on @goodreads wrote, if you like Carson McCullers, who wrote of lost souls and misfits, then you will enjoy this. 4⭐️
Thanks to #NetGalley and @blackandwhitepublishing for the e-ARC in return for an honest review.
To be published on 6 April.
This is Irish writer, Charleen Hurtubise’s debut novel. I was anticipating an Irish setting but this heartbreaking coming-of-age novel is set in the small Michigan town, Kettle Lake. It is the summer of 1985 and
16 year old Joanne Kennedy is discovering her sexuality and sense of self, while navigating feelings of loneliness and confusion alongside a tumultuous family life marred by trauma and mental health.
'𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗'𝚜 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚝 𝚞𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚝, 𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚙𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗.'
It is a slow start but Hurtubise’s writing gives a sensitive and moving story, with beautiful imagery that places the reader right alongside Joanne as she finds a friend in the equally troubled but cruel Lucinda and wanting to save her mother. It’s a story that gently hooks you in, at times a little too slowly, but just when I thought perhaps this is not really going anywhere, I was hooked. The pace is reflective of the closed, small town feel. On the surface not much seems to be happening but the reality is quite different.
⚠️Trigger warning for themes of suicidal ideation and sexual assault.
This is a harrowing story at times and as to be expected given the themes, there are some disturbing and sometimes confronting scenes.
There are equally some moving and heartwarming, glimmer of hope scenes, with kind, compassionate strong women guiding Joanne as she comes to terms with her mother’s deteriorating mental health weighed down by grief and small town attitudes.
This truly did make my heart ache and brought me to tears. As one reviewer on @goodreads wrote, if you like Carson McCullers, who wrote of lost souls and misfits, then you will enjoy this. 4⭐️
Thanks to #NetGalley and @blackandwhitepublishing for the e-ARC in return for an honest review.
October 15, 2024
The Polite Act of Drowning" is one of those novels that slowly sink into your subconscious without an effort. You may not realise it as you're reading - how much this book is going to stay with you - but it will.
I have read this weeks ago, and I still think about its characters, its setting. Hurtubise's novel is one of those that belong to the genre of "quiet novels", if you enjoy Clare Chambers, Claire Lombardo, and Miranda Cowley Heller, this is another perfect read.
Joanne, the young woman at the centre of this novel, is desperately lonely in her small town on the coast of Kettle Lake. Generations upon generations of families surround her, looking at each other and knowing their every secret, but divulging nothing if not judgement. It's a humid summer, and Joanne realises she's the last one who saw the girl who drowned. It is this drowning that will shake the town, that will send ripple effects into her family, a family that is already keeping so many secrets from the outside world, and from each other.
This is a novel about untold trauma, how it seeps into your bones and lies there until it's unearthed. Leaving it buried might seem a good idea, or the only option, but it will eventually resurface and someone will have to pay the consequences. Joanne's own life is changing drastically in the course of a summer, where she learns new aspects of herself that she hadn't known before, and she realises where her humanity lies. Her desperate need for connection leads her down a harmful path, but regardless, it is still a path that allows her to explore and come to terms with who she is in relation to herself. Not to her mother, her father, her siblings or the community around her.
I have read this weeks ago, and I still think about its characters, its setting. Hurtubise's novel is one of those that belong to the genre of "quiet novels", if you enjoy Clare Chambers, Claire Lombardo, and Miranda Cowley Heller, this is another perfect read.
Joanne, the young woman at the centre of this novel, is desperately lonely in her small town on the coast of Kettle Lake. Generations upon generations of families surround her, looking at each other and knowing their every secret, but divulging nothing if not judgement. It's a humid summer, and Joanne realises she's the last one who saw the girl who drowned. It is this drowning that will shake the town, that will send ripple effects into her family, a family that is already keeping so many secrets from the outside world, and from each other.
This is a novel about untold trauma, how it seeps into your bones and lies there until it's unearthed. Leaving it buried might seem a good idea, or the only option, but it will eventually resurface and someone will have to pay the consequences. Joanne's own life is changing drastically in the course of a summer, where she learns new aspects of herself that she hadn't known before, and she realises where her humanity lies. Her desperate need for connection leads her down a harmful path, but regardless, it is still a path that allows her to explore and come to terms with who she is in relation to herself. Not to her mother, her father, her siblings or the community around her.
March 15, 2023
I received a free ARC ebook of The Polite Act of Drowning from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I rarely use the word "heart-wrenching" but it certainly applies to this novel. All of the characters are wounded with their bruises not quite healing. (Years ago, my elderly father fell and cut his shin to the bone. He needed long-term wound care for a sore that never really went away. His shin was always bruised and scabbed with a dull, throbbing pain. It made my strong and brave dad feel vulnerable - just like the characters in this novel.)
Joanne is an awkward, ungainly teen living in a family surrounded by secrets and pain. She just doesn't fit anywhere - mostly because she feels so alone and friendless. The appearance of Lucinda, a troubled foster child with pain and secrets of her own, seems to offer the possibility of a friend. Joanne lets her guard down and is soon betrayed. Her loneliness increases like a weight on her soul. Early in the novel a young girl drowns in the lake and Joanne had seen her swimming alone. Joanne's uncertainty about everything increases.
Joanne's mother has secrets as well. A tragedy from her childhood still colors her days, affecting her mental health. Although Joanne and her siblings know little of the tragedy, they sense the presence of all the secrets and the burden that is omnipresent. The drowning of the young girl only increases her mother's desperation.
The meaning of the title isn't clear until near the end; then it's distressing in its quietness and it is oh so perfect for this novel.
I rarely use the word "heart-wrenching" but it certainly applies to this novel. All of the characters are wounded with their bruises not quite healing. (Years ago, my elderly father fell and cut his shin to the bone. He needed long-term wound care for a sore that never really went away. His shin was always bruised and scabbed with a dull, throbbing pain. It made my strong and brave dad feel vulnerable - just like the characters in this novel.)
Joanne is an awkward, ungainly teen living in a family surrounded by secrets and pain. She just doesn't fit anywhere - mostly because she feels so alone and friendless. The appearance of Lucinda, a troubled foster child with pain and secrets of her own, seems to offer the possibility of a friend. Joanne lets her guard down and is soon betrayed. Her loneliness increases like a weight on her soul. Early in the novel a young girl drowns in the lake and Joanne had seen her swimming alone. Joanne's uncertainty about everything increases.
Joanne's mother has secrets as well. A tragedy from her childhood still colors her days, affecting her mental health. Although Joanne and her siblings know little of the tragedy, they sense the presence of all the secrets and the burden that is omnipresent. The drowning of the young girl only increases her mother's desperation.
The meaning of the title isn't clear until near the end; then it's distressing in its quietness and it is oh so perfect for this novel.
July 25, 2023
It took me a little while to get into this but if you find the same keep going. Set in Kettle Lake, Michigan in the summer of 1985 this is classed as a coming of age tale but it was so much more. It was a wonderfully immersive read with some great characters and emotional depth and beautifully descriptive. I haven’t read this author before but her writing is sublime. I was completely invested in 16 year old Joanne’s story.
Briefly, Joanne sees a girl in the lake and later discovers she has drowned and feels responsible, as if she should have been able to prevent it. A lonely girl, with a difficult home life, she is excited when she meets Lucinda. Lucinda is much more forward than her and brings excitement into her life but she soon finds that her new friend is not to be trusted.
There are so many issues raised during this book and almost every character seems to be broken in some way. Joanne’s family is fragmented; her father seems to love her mother but her mother, Rosemary, is clearly mentally disturbed and struggling with family life. Her younger brother lives with relatives and her sister is hard and unkind. It’s easy to see why she grabbed at the lifeline she thought Lucinda would be. There are issues raised that could be upsetting for some but I felt they were dealt with sympathetically. Despite her awful treatment of Joanne I felt so sorry for Lucinda who was probably the most damaged of all. A glorious tale of burgeoning sexuality, teenage angst and family drama and a great read.
Briefly, Joanne sees a girl in the lake and later discovers she has drowned and feels responsible, as if she should have been able to prevent it. A lonely girl, with a difficult home life, she is excited when she meets Lucinda. Lucinda is much more forward than her and brings excitement into her life but she soon finds that her new friend is not to be trusted.
There are so many issues raised during this book and almost every character seems to be broken in some way. Joanne’s family is fragmented; her father seems to love her mother but her mother, Rosemary, is clearly mentally disturbed and struggling with family life. Her younger brother lives with relatives and her sister is hard and unkind. It’s easy to see why she grabbed at the lifeline she thought Lucinda would be. There are issues raised that could be upsetting for some but I felt they were dealt with sympathetically. Despite her awful treatment of Joanne I felt so sorry for Lucinda who was probably the most damaged of all. A glorious tale of burgeoning sexuality, teenage angst and family drama and a great read.
December 27, 2023
It's 1985 in the town of Kettle Lake, Michigan. Sixteen-year-old Joanne, her sister Hare and brother Sammy live with their parents in a large house on the lake. The drowning of a teenage girl causes unexpected havoc in Joanne's family. Her mother begins to lose her grip on reality as she recalls her past, and a visiting professor may play a role in her healing or her downfall. Thankfully, Joanne can rely on her new friend Lucinda who faces her own issues and invites Joanne to explore her sexuality. And Aunt Rita steps up to reveal secrets and support the family. In the end, each family member is left to manage their own emotions and find healing. Joanne has to decide if she'll carry her mother's trauma as she turns to swimming as a coping skill.
I like the way the author invites the characters and readers to handle trauma. We get to choose if we confront our truths or run, and we get to heal in meaningful ways.
I don't like how the mom "magically" gets better as she moves into her own place. She doesn't need therapy or anything? Hmm. Maybe that's a sign of the time - 1985 instead of 2023.
The sexuality aspect of the story is not "in your face" but definitely present. Several couples are gay, one character is bi and other characters explore their sexuality.
Several characters are mentioned but not explored. I'd like to know what happens to Hare and Sammy, for example.
I like the way the author invites the characters and readers to handle trauma. We get to choose if we confront our truths or run, and we get to heal in meaningful ways.
I don't like how the mom "magically" gets better as she moves into her own place. She doesn't need therapy or anything? Hmm. Maybe that's a sign of the time - 1985 instead of 2023.
The sexuality aspect of the story is not "in your face" but definitely present. Several couples are gay, one character is bi and other characters explore their sexuality.
Several characters are mentioned but not explored. I'd like to know what happens to Hare and Sammy, for example.
October 15, 2024
“𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩, 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘮 – 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘸, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴; 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦.”
"The Polite Act of Drowning” introduces sixteen-year-old Joanne Kennedy, who brings a heavy narrative of watching her mother spiral through her bipolar disorder as she also figures out her own sexuality.
Overall Impact: This is the sort of story you read for the writing as well as the story itself. There were many moments where I would force myself to read slower, so I could savor the image being presented.
It was a hard read – not because the writing wasn’t good (quite the opposite, really), but because the topics brought up were gritty and resonated hard. We haven’t all had been a child with PTSD, but we’ve all been a child who’s been abandoned in some way, and it’s impossible not to remember those times as this book progresses. It took me over a month, because I needed to read a few chapters, then set it down and process them before I went back. Make the time to read it, it's beautifully written and you'll want to soak in the imagery.
Thanks to @netgalley for the copy!
"The Polite Act of Drowning” introduces sixteen-year-old Joanne Kennedy, who brings a heavy narrative of watching her mother spiral through her bipolar disorder as she also figures out her own sexuality.
Overall Impact: This is the sort of story you read for the writing as well as the story itself. There were many moments where I would force myself to read slower, so I could savor the image being presented.
It was a hard read – not because the writing wasn’t good (quite the opposite, really), but because the topics brought up were gritty and resonated hard. We haven’t all had been a child with PTSD, but we’ve all been a child who’s been abandoned in some way, and it’s impossible not to remember those times as this book progresses. It took me over a month, because I needed to read a few chapters, then set it down and process them before I went back. Make the time to read it, it's beautifully written and you'll want to soak in the imagery.
Thanks to @netgalley for the copy!
August 6, 2023
In The Polite Act of Drowning, by Charleen Hurtubise, we follow teenager Joanne Kennedy over the course of one formative summer in Kettle Lake, Michigan, where she lives with her parents, older sister Hare, and younger brother Sammy, with other relatives close by.
The summer begins with a teenage girl from another town drowning in the nearby Great Lake, which seems to kick-start a number of rites of passage for Joanne: making a new friend who threatens to lead her astray; exploring her sexuality; discovering family secrets and that her parents are complicated humans with emotional lives of their own; and finding alternative adults who can guide her.
Gawky, under-confident, and accustomed to being in the shadow of her popular and conventionally pretty older sister, will Joanne sink amidst all these churning currents, or emerge with a stronger sense of who she is and what makes her unique?
I found The Polite Act of Drowning absorbing and intoxicating, reading it all in about 24 hours as I dived back into it whenever I got the chance.
Hurtubise’s descriptions of the wetlands of Michigan are so detailed and beautiful, it really was like being transported there. The progressive revelation of the tragic past of Joanne’s mum, and the build-up to a comparable event at the climax of the story, also kept me intrigued and turning the pages.
The author faithfully captures what it’s like to be an ugly ducking of a teenager, surrounded by swans who look upon you with disdain. I could totally empathise with Joanne’s solitary summer existence, as well as the hopes raised in her by the possibility of friendship with Lucinda, a troubled girl fostered by a family friend.
Lucinda is also realistically drawn as a young woman who’s been through some things and learned to present herself as battle-hardened, indifferent, and older than she really is, yet is highly damaged, as well as vulnerable, due to her tender age and the lack of love in her life to date.
It was gratifying to watch Joanne find ways to deal with what was going on around her, and even bloom. Like Min in Salt & Skin, by Eliza Henry-Jones, swimming helps her cope with her problems, and she’s hella good at it. Both books have made me wish I was less hopeless at swimming myself!
I additionally felt moved by Joanne’s interactions with sympathetic adults, particularly Marylou – a particularly warm-hearted character I couldn’t get enough of – and, later on, Aunt Rita.
The Polite Act of Drowning is an immersive, heady, and satisfying coming-of-age novel.
The summer begins with a teenage girl from another town drowning in the nearby Great Lake, which seems to kick-start a number of rites of passage for Joanne: making a new friend who threatens to lead her astray; exploring her sexuality; discovering family secrets and that her parents are complicated humans with emotional lives of their own; and finding alternative adults who can guide her.
Gawky, under-confident, and accustomed to being in the shadow of her popular and conventionally pretty older sister, will Joanne sink amidst all these churning currents, or emerge with a stronger sense of who she is and what makes her unique?
I found The Polite Act of Drowning absorbing and intoxicating, reading it all in about 24 hours as I dived back into it whenever I got the chance.
Hurtubise’s descriptions of the wetlands of Michigan are so detailed and beautiful, it really was like being transported there. The progressive revelation of the tragic past of Joanne’s mum, and the build-up to a comparable event at the climax of the story, also kept me intrigued and turning the pages.
The author faithfully captures what it’s like to be an ugly ducking of a teenager, surrounded by swans who look upon you with disdain. I could totally empathise with Joanne’s solitary summer existence, as well as the hopes raised in her by the possibility of friendship with Lucinda, a troubled girl fostered by a family friend.
Lucinda is also realistically drawn as a young woman who’s been through some things and learned to present herself as battle-hardened, indifferent, and older than she really is, yet is highly damaged, as well as vulnerable, due to her tender age and the lack of love in her life to date.
It was gratifying to watch Joanne find ways to deal with what was going on around her, and even bloom. Like Min in Salt & Skin, by Eliza Henry-Jones, swimming helps her cope with her problems, and she’s hella good at it. Both books have made me wish I was less hopeless at swimming myself!
I additionally felt moved by Joanne’s interactions with sympathetic adults, particularly Marylou – a particularly warm-hearted character I couldn’t get enough of – and, later on, Aunt Rita.
The Polite Act of Drowning is an immersive, heady, and satisfying coming-of-age novel.
June 27, 2024
At first you might expect this to be a conventional coming-of-age tale, but it soon becomes apparent that it is a far from ordinary story, a dark and disturbing exploration of trauma, remorse, betrayal and mental illness. Sixteen year old Joanne lives with her family in a small lakeside community in Michigan. Set over one hot summer in 1985, we watch as her world starts to crumble. A teenage holiday maker drowns and this tragic event has unexpected consequences for Joanne ad her family. With expert pacing, the characters’ backstories are gradually revealed. The adults as well as the children have major issues that they have to try and come to terms with. Joanne’s mother is bi-polar and her children naturally find this bewildering. Other family members try to help but a long-running feud exacerbates the situation. Joanne has a new friendship that seems to offer so much but soon finds herself betrayed. There’s a lot going on behind the daily scenes of small-town life and the novel is an insightful and compassionate account of growing up amidst past events that cannot be changed and a present that is so painful. I found this a moving and gripping read, beautifully written, with well-rounded and relatable characters, with empathy and understanding shown to them all. A great read.
May 1, 2023
The Polite Act of Drowning by Charleen Hurtubise is a luminous and emotional work of literary fiction. The story is set in Michigan, 1985, after the drowning of a teenage girl. The loss creates pain, sadness and tension in the town of Kettle Lake in particular for our protagonist Joanne Kennedy whose own family secrets are unearthed. Joanne finds a friend in the newly arrived Lucinda and together they push against the boundaries of their freedom, family and sexuality. However, Lucinda is a girl changed and affected by the traumas of her own past and Joanne begins to question the trust and confidence of their friendship. It is a powerful story with poetic pose and beautiful, natural imagery that really captivated me as a reader. Joanne is a young woman trying to navigate a difficult reality and from her perspective we navigate themes of trauma, grief, identity, mental health, and growing up. The lake and water become integral to the story in many different ways with key scenes unfolding within its cold, powerful currents that speak of survival, exploration and endurance. The book is a stunning debut and perfect for fans of enchanting and engaging literary fiction 4.5 Stars ✨.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
August 3, 2023
The Kennedy family live in a small town in Kettle Lake. Joanne Kennedy is sixteen years old, always comparing herself to other, she doesn't feel as developed as much as girls her age. Joanne's family isn't like most families, it her home everyone, especially adults tip toes around Rosemary, her mother because of her strange behaviour. Joanne puts it down to something that must of happened when her mother was younger, but nobody talks about it. Joanne is at the beach with her aunt, cousin and siblings, watching other teenagers around her, especially some girls that are flirting with the boys. Later on as she watches the news at home, she realises that the girl they are talking about drowning, is the girl she was watching at the beach flirting with the boys. Grace starts to wonder if she could of done anything, was she the last person to see the girl. Joanne starts a friendship with the Lucinda the foster girl that has arrived next door. As the friendship between Joanne and Lucinda grows, so does their attitude towards everything and everyone. Joanne starts exploring her own self
August 10, 2024
This book is beautifully written and deals with such delicate subjects such as mental health, & coming of age.
I found it very captivating and was constantly engaged throughout. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it, and what would happen next.
The characters I felt were all very well written and each person played a huge part of the book. The character I really empathised with was Rosie, the mother. I felt she was a poor soul who struggled with her mental health and knew herself she wasn’t well. My heart ached for Joanne as all she wanted was her mother to be better and to have a normal family and to fit in with people.
I genuinely loved every single thing about this book, I found that I was so engaged in the story that I didn’t realise how many pages I had read through and to me I love that because that to me is always a sign of a fantastic book!
I was kindly gifted this book for an honest review and I can honestly say hand on my heart this book is exceptional!
I was a massive fan of where the crawdads sing and this reminded me of that book
I found it very captivating and was constantly engaged throughout. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it, and what would happen next.
The characters I felt were all very well written and each person played a huge part of the book. The character I really empathised with was Rosie, the mother. I felt she was a poor soul who struggled with her mental health and knew herself she wasn’t well. My heart ached for Joanne as all she wanted was her mother to be better and to have a normal family and to fit in with people.
I genuinely loved every single thing about this book, I found that I was so engaged in the story that I didn’t realise how many pages I had read through and to me I love that because that to me is always a sign of a fantastic book!
I was kindly gifted this book for an honest review and I can honestly say hand on my heart this book is exceptional!
I was a massive fan of where the crawdads sing and this reminded me of that book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews