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The Drowners
For Aaron, this world is an unfathomable puzzle. Haunted by disturbing dreams, he drifts through empty days, shielding himself behind sarcasm and cynical wit. After being expelled, he sees an opportunity to rewrite his future at a new school. Connecting over a shared love for De Niro films with Robbie, an aspiring actor of Jamaican descent, he unexpectedly finds his companion piece, one person who truly understands him. Together, they navigate the chaotic waters of adolescence, from dramatic first dates to sociopathic bullies, iconic concerts, drugs, and a dead body.
With adulthood fast approaching, can their unique bond survive the crushing weight of societal pressures and devastating revelations? Confronted by the ghosts of his past, Aaron must choose whether to blaze bright or fade away.
A funny and poignant meditation on the forces that shape us, The Drowners transports us back to a time when our tolerance for hypocrisy was zero and life seemed infinite.
An early draft of this novel won a 2021 YA Watty award.
With adulthood fast approaching, can their unique bond survive the crushing weight of societal pressures and devastating revelations? Confronted by the ghosts of his past, Aaron must choose whether to blaze bright or fade away.
A funny and poignant meditation on the forces that shape us, The Drowners transports us back to a time when our tolerance for hypocrisy was zero and life seemed infinite.
An early draft of this novel won a 2021 YA Watty award.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2025
3 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
David A. Anderson
1 book5 followersAward-winning author of The Drowners, David Anderson hails from the cold, wet streets of Dublin. Like a Hummingbird, after college, he migrated south to warmer climes. Namely, sunny Spain, where he teaches students who are bemused by hearing the Queen's English delivered in an Irish brogue. In his early thirties, he caught the writing bug. In 2021, he won a YA Watty award.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 22, 2025
Early on this novel, the author mentions Radiohead and their iconic song Creep which more or less sets off the melancholic mood of our protagonist. He prefers to be anonymous in the crowd and gets annoyed by the predestined path of his own life envisioned by his parents. He is smart enough to excel at school but not smarter to outshine himself in front of his peers.
Read the entire review here: https://charantiandchai.com/the-drown...
Read the entire review here: https://charantiandchai.com/the-drown...
March 17, 2025
Never say never! Generally, I steer clear of coming-of-age stories, but when I received a query email so beautifully written, I couldn’t resist. Most query emails are straightforward, providing a simple description and a link to the book. However, David A. Anderson’s email was different—it was crafted as a temptation, compelling me to read and review THE DROWNERS.
Aaron Anderson is not just a character in a book; he is the embodiment of young men everywhere. While his story unfolds in Dublin, it could easily be transplanted to London, New York, or Paris. The dialogue might shift slightly, but the universal essence of growing up, feeling like an outsider, and searching for identity remains the same. Teenagers, regardless of gender, grapple with the age-old lament of "no one understands me," closely followed by "I don’t know who I am." Add in raging hormones, and you have a tale as timeless as humankind itself.
As someone who typically avoids books centered on teenage angst, I was especially grateful for the musical references throughout. While some of the band names were unfamiliar to me, they served as emotional anchors, no different than the music that shaped my own teenage years.
I imagine David A. Anderson as a silver-tongued devil who knows exactly what to say in any circumstance. THE DROWNERS flows effortlessly from crisis to crisis as Aaron navigates rowdy friends, romantic entanglements, and his best friend Robbie. Despite reading every word, it only dawned on me afterward that Aaron shares a surname with the author. Could this subtle detail hint at deeper layers of meaning within the story?
Aaron’s journey is raw and realistic. He experiments with alcohol and drugs, and though he’s attracted to other boys, he has a girlfriend for a time. When he hits rock bottom, he takes the brave step of seeking help from a mental health professional. This aspect of the story might stand out to American readers. In Ireland, as in the UK more broadly, public health services are accessible to everyone. In the United States, however, healthcare is often a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. If Aaron’s story were set in the U.S., his path to recovery might have been far more fraught—or even unreachable.
THE DROWNERS fully lived up to my expectations with its beautiful prose interspersed with the authentic language of today’s teens. The story delivers lessons that resonate across ages and circumstances. When you reach the final page, I can almost guarantee you’ll find an emotional tear forming in the corner of your eye.
THE DROWNERS is scheduled for release on March 18, 2025.
Aaron Anderson is not just a character in a book; he is the embodiment of young men everywhere. While his story unfolds in Dublin, it could easily be transplanted to London, New York, or Paris. The dialogue might shift slightly, but the universal essence of growing up, feeling like an outsider, and searching for identity remains the same. Teenagers, regardless of gender, grapple with the age-old lament of "no one understands me," closely followed by "I don’t know who I am." Add in raging hormones, and you have a tale as timeless as humankind itself.
As someone who typically avoids books centered on teenage angst, I was especially grateful for the musical references throughout. While some of the band names were unfamiliar to me, they served as emotional anchors, no different than the music that shaped my own teenage years.
I imagine David A. Anderson as a silver-tongued devil who knows exactly what to say in any circumstance. THE DROWNERS flows effortlessly from crisis to crisis as Aaron navigates rowdy friends, romantic entanglements, and his best friend Robbie. Despite reading every word, it only dawned on me afterward that Aaron shares a surname with the author. Could this subtle detail hint at deeper layers of meaning within the story?
Aaron’s journey is raw and realistic. He experiments with alcohol and drugs, and though he’s attracted to other boys, he has a girlfriend for a time. When he hits rock bottom, he takes the brave step of seeking help from a mental health professional. This aspect of the story might stand out to American readers. In Ireland, as in the UK more broadly, public health services are accessible to everyone. In the United States, however, healthcare is often a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. If Aaron’s story were set in the U.S., his path to recovery might have been far more fraught—or even unreachable.
THE DROWNERS fully lived up to my expectations with its beautiful prose interspersed with the authentic language of today’s teens. The story delivers lessons that resonate across ages and circumstances. When you reach the final page, I can almost guarantee you’ll find an emotional tear forming in the corner of your eye.
THE DROWNERS is scheduled for release on March 18, 2025.
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March 17, 2025*I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*
I finished this book several days ago, but I kept sitting here thinking how I would review this story. For me, this is one of those I don't like to review - not because it's good or bad, but because it's largely focused on issues I've never - will never - face or have little knowledge about. And it's a story that I can't relate to on an emotional level despite it being so full of a mix of emotions. And while I genuinely enjoy reading such stories and exploring how other people view the world, that doesn't make it any easier to review.
Our story follows Aaron, a teenager in Dublin, Ireland during the 1990s who has just switched to a new school and has the opportunity for a fresh start. We get to see a group of friends as they grow up and are slowly starting to transition into adulthood, as they discover themselves, go through school, take on jobs, fight and make up, fall in love, go to parties, get into trouble and get out of it again, and do things they shouldn't simply because they know they can.
The story is constantly flowing, much like real life, jumping from topic to topic and often making it difficult to follow along if you zone out momentarily. I wasn't entirely sure who was who in some parts, and the names get all jumbled, although I think I was able to keep up well enough with the main ones. Of course, our MC Aaron who we follow from his point of view. Then there was Robbie, Aaron's best friend and the guy he starts to have feelings for... although I was expecting him to show up more in the story. Then there's Connor, who despite everything had such a fleshed out character arc, and then there was one of my favorites, Niamh, one of Aaron's coworkers and good friends. This is just a few characters we see.
There was a lot of reference to pop culture (unfortunately a lot of which went over my head), and the dialogue took awhile getting used to as it uses local slang. Despite the warning ahead of time, I found myself cringing at the constant use of language in this one, but I was kinda prepared for that going in considering the serious topics and grittiness that this book was said to focus on.
I felt like the end of the story wrapped up well, and I was definitely rooting for Aaron with everything going on near the end. I also appreciated the family aspects - especially the sibling bond - that show up throughout the entirety of the story and came full circle by the end as well. This story really is just as real and raw as real life.
I finished this book several days ago, but I kept sitting here thinking how I would review this story. For me, this is one of those I don't like to review - not because it's good or bad, but because it's largely focused on issues I've never - will never - face or have little knowledge about. And it's a story that I can't relate to on an emotional level despite it being so full of a mix of emotions. And while I genuinely enjoy reading such stories and exploring how other people view the world, that doesn't make it any easier to review.
Our story follows Aaron, a teenager in Dublin, Ireland during the 1990s who has just switched to a new school and has the opportunity for a fresh start. We get to see a group of friends as they grow up and are slowly starting to transition into adulthood, as they discover themselves, go through school, take on jobs, fight and make up, fall in love, go to parties, get into trouble and get out of it again, and do things they shouldn't simply because they know they can.
The story is constantly flowing, much like real life, jumping from topic to topic and often making it difficult to follow along if you zone out momentarily. I wasn't entirely sure who was who in some parts, and the names get all jumbled, although I think I was able to keep up well enough with the main ones. Of course, our MC Aaron who we follow from his point of view. Then there was Robbie, Aaron's best friend and the guy he starts to have feelings for... although I was expecting him to show up more in the story. Then there's Connor, who despite everything had such a fleshed out character arc, and then there was one of my favorites, Niamh, one of Aaron's coworkers and good friends. This is just a few characters we see.
There was a lot of reference to pop culture (unfortunately a lot of which went over my head), and the dialogue took awhile getting used to as it uses local slang. Despite the warning ahead of time, I found myself cringing at the constant use of language in this one, but I was kinda prepared for that going in considering the serious topics and grittiness that this book was said to focus on.
I felt like the end of the story wrapped up well, and I was definitely rooting for Aaron with everything going on near the end. I also appreciated the family aspects - especially the sibling bond - that show up throughout the entirety of the story and came full circle by the end as well. This story really is just as real and raw as real life.
June 13, 2025
In 90's Dublin, around the early days of the Celtic Tiger, 15-year-old Aaron Anderson, who is dissatisfied with his life but feels unable to change it, joins Mary's College. Disaffected and intelligent, he wrangles with worrisome parents who fear he will follow his older brother Johnboy into further disappointment or worse. He crushes on Niamh, who works part-time with him at the local supermarket. She thinks he is queer and is a lot more accepting of the idea than he is.
But he is only fooling himself, and not for long. His friend Andy from his old school is rarely far from his mind. Reading William Burroughs makes him dwell on certain feelings without guilt, as do magazine photos of male models. At least he fools his sexist boss, Frank, who delights in trying to rate girls with him while making him do menial labor, which does not do any favors for his relationship with Niamh, though a later crisis brings them together. However, we shouldn't discount the complexity of sexuality. He is as aroused by Kate Moss as he is by other stimuli. His smartassness also does him no favors with his new teacher, Brother Kelly, but it does get him closer to the Raging Bull-worshipping actor Robbie Kennedy after Aaron defends him against the pedagogical sadist.
Notwithstanding magazine models, popular media is little to no help in helping him sort things out. It doesn't always tell the truth, and that leaves Aaron and his friends to figure out things for themselves, the adults in their lives are not always helpful. A near-miss with him having to explain away a nude male model photo makes this clear. If you don't swim, you drown. Much like Niamh's advice to him before going to a party, he must make himself stand out without being too flashy. Mostly he succeeds. Like many smart teenagers, he's not nearly as far behind the curveball as he thinks he is, but part of his journey (like many smart teenagers) is coming to realize that.
When he comes out to himself, he is still cognizant of the Catholic morals his world is immersed in. Now he has to watch every word he says, even to his friend Robbie, though an intimate trip to the countryside indicates that maybe he doesn't. However, he soon discovers the homophobia he has always been surrounded by, the casual jokes of people who would reject him if they knew, just like his schoolmates at his previous school. It takes a family heart-to-heart prompted by a medical crisis to show Aaron that people can also surprise you in the best ways.
But he is only fooling himself, and not for long. His friend Andy from his old school is rarely far from his mind. Reading William Burroughs makes him dwell on certain feelings without guilt, as do magazine photos of male models. At least he fools his sexist boss, Frank, who delights in trying to rate girls with him while making him do menial labor, which does not do any favors for his relationship with Niamh, though a later crisis brings them together. However, we shouldn't discount the complexity of sexuality. He is as aroused by Kate Moss as he is by other stimuli. His smartassness also does him no favors with his new teacher, Brother Kelly, but it does get him closer to the Raging Bull-worshipping actor Robbie Kennedy after Aaron defends him against the pedagogical sadist.
Notwithstanding magazine models, popular media is little to no help in helping him sort things out. It doesn't always tell the truth, and that leaves Aaron and his friends to figure out things for themselves, the adults in their lives are not always helpful. A near-miss with him having to explain away a nude male model photo makes this clear. If you don't swim, you drown. Much like Niamh's advice to him before going to a party, he must make himself stand out without being too flashy. Mostly he succeeds. Like many smart teenagers, he's not nearly as far behind the curveball as he thinks he is, but part of his journey (like many smart teenagers) is coming to realize that.
When he comes out to himself, he is still cognizant of the Catholic morals his world is immersed in. Now he has to watch every word he says, even to his friend Robbie, though an intimate trip to the countryside indicates that maybe he doesn't. However, he soon discovers the homophobia he has always been surrounded by, the casual jokes of people who would reject him if they knew, just like his schoolmates at his previous school. It takes a family heart-to-heart prompted by a medical crisis to show Aaron that people can also surprise you in the best ways.
March 7, 2025
Fifteen year old Aaron Anderson is at a crossroads in his young life. Attending a new school means meeting new people, and even though many factors in Aaron’s life have remained the same, Aaron himself feels different. One fateful day, Aaron discovers a rich friendship with a boy called Robbie, which brings important questions and realizations to the surface. As Aaron attempts to come to terms with the divide between his growing feelings for Robbie compared with the heavy expectations Aaron’s parents have for him, a series of intense experiences are required to help Aaron finally accept himself and embrace his true identity.
This coming-of-age young adult novel is set in the dynamic locale of Dublin, Ireland and incorporates a multitude of pop culture references and regional slang. Told in the first person from Aaron’s perspective, the narrative alternates between a stream of consciousness-style delivery of Aaron’s thoughts and ample dialogue among Aaron and the many people in his life. True to the complexities of adolescence, the plot holds substantial weight and incorporates mentions of sexuality, racial tensions, drug and alcohol use, and mental health conditions. While many specific details are not included in the book, the involvement of these heavy topics lends the novel an authenticity that will resonate with many young people who are transitioning into adulthood. Best suited to mature readers, this narrative investigates some of the more complicated elements of adolescence in a unique way, and the novel will appeal to readers who appreciate an unapologetic investigation of the complexities of the human experience.
This coming-of-age young adult novel is set in the dynamic locale of Dublin, Ireland and incorporates a multitude of pop culture references and regional slang. Told in the first person from Aaron’s perspective, the narrative alternates between a stream of consciousness-style delivery of Aaron’s thoughts and ample dialogue among Aaron and the many people in his life. True to the complexities of adolescence, the plot holds substantial weight and incorporates mentions of sexuality, racial tensions, drug and alcohol use, and mental health conditions. While many specific details are not included in the book, the involvement of these heavy topics lends the novel an authenticity that will resonate with many young people who are transitioning into adulthood. Best suited to mature readers, this narrative investigates some of the more complicated elements of adolescence in a unique way, and the novel will appeal to readers who appreciate an unapologetic investigation of the complexities of the human experience.
March 16, 2025
A teen navigating the complexities of youth and contemplating their place within the world faces pressures of expectation, exerting stress that tests their sense of self and the bond of friendship in The Drowners by David A. Anderson.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Starting at a new school offers Aaron an opportunity to test the waters and present a freshly cultivated version of himself to a new crop of peers. Aaron quickly forges a friendship with Robbie, an aspiring actor, connecting over their shared love of films and sense of humor while hiding his anxieties and overactive mind behind his sharp wit and cutting, humorous remarks. As Aaron and Robbie build their relationship and partake in some typical adolescent experiences of attending parties, exploring sexuality and romantic attractions, and experimenting with substances, Aaron is faced with traumas from his past surfacing that he needs to decide whether to confront or continue to suppress, regardless of what it’ll cost him, both physically and in his relationships with others. With the stressors of encroaching adulthood pressures and expectations, both self-imposed and from society, weighing more heavily on Aaron’s mind, coupled with heightening revelations of a personal nature, the level of drama increases, pushing Aaron toward decisive action that will forever shape his future.
In a coming-of-age story richly laden with pop culture references set in Dublin, the narrative has an introspective feel as it’s told from Aaron’s perspective, whose mind is overactive, providing some stream-of-consciousness-style thoughts on matters both serious and seemingly inconsequential, which are often delivered with witty dialogue and zingy turns of phrase that provides some levity to otherwise serious situations or thoughts with a tendency toward social commentary. As an exploration of life and the methods that can be used to cope with, soften, or enhance the experience of it, the slide from casual to serious is initially slight but the related consequences become progressively more severe, especially as suppressing oneself behind an “acceptable” mask, aided by substances in some cases, for the comfort of others can lead to greater personal misery and downfall, perpetuating the use and abuse of substances. There are complexities of teenagedom, however clichéd (though realistic), explored that include the anxieties associated with attending parties and impressing people, experimenting with sexual identities and boundaries as well as illicit substances, which segues for a deeper delving into the well-handled heavier topics of mental health, trauma, and mortality that all resonate with an authenticity for the transitory and precarious period of life on the cusp between teenager and adult.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Starting at a new school offers Aaron an opportunity to test the waters and present a freshly cultivated version of himself to a new crop of peers. Aaron quickly forges a friendship with Robbie, an aspiring actor, connecting over their shared love of films and sense of humor while hiding his anxieties and overactive mind behind his sharp wit and cutting, humorous remarks. As Aaron and Robbie build their relationship and partake in some typical adolescent experiences of attending parties, exploring sexuality and romantic attractions, and experimenting with substances, Aaron is faced with traumas from his past surfacing that he needs to decide whether to confront or continue to suppress, regardless of what it’ll cost him, both physically and in his relationships with others. With the stressors of encroaching adulthood pressures and expectations, both self-imposed and from society, weighing more heavily on Aaron’s mind, coupled with heightening revelations of a personal nature, the level of drama increases, pushing Aaron toward decisive action that will forever shape his future.
In a coming-of-age story richly laden with pop culture references set in Dublin, the narrative has an introspective feel as it’s told from Aaron’s perspective, whose mind is overactive, providing some stream-of-consciousness-style thoughts on matters both serious and seemingly inconsequential, which are often delivered with witty dialogue and zingy turns of phrase that provides some levity to otherwise serious situations or thoughts with a tendency toward social commentary. As an exploration of life and the methods that can be used to cope with, soften, or enhance the experience of it, the slide from casual to serious is initially slight but the related consequences become progressively more severe, especially as suppressing oneself behind an “acceptable” mask, aided by substances in some cases, for the comfort of others can lead to greater personal misery and downfall, perpetuating the use and abuse of substances. There are complexities of teenagedom, however clichéd (though realistic), explored that include the anxieties associated with attending parties and impressing people, experimenting with sexual identities and boundaries as well as illicit substances, which segues for a deeper delving into the well-handled heavier topics of mental health, trauma, and mortality that all resonate with an authenticity for the transitory and precarious period of life on the cusp between teenager and adult.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2025
'We're all sprinkled with crazy. Some of us are just better at hiding it.'
You know those books that stay with you for a long time after you've read it? Well, I think this is going to be one of those. The Drowners was incredible, from start to finish. I never know what to expect from a new author, and I often open that first page with a certain amount of trepidation. I needn't have worried about this one though, I was hooked.
Set in the early 1990s, Aaron is just beginning to understand his sexuality, and it's difficult, the stigma, the apprehension and the judgment of being queer in 1990s Ireland. Aaron is funny, so funny, and when he and Robbie get together the puns are never-ending. I highlighted just a couple of the lines, which had me spitting my coffee out!
'All those years without draining your nuts is enough to send you loopy.'
'That miserable old bollix isn't knocking on Heaven's door, he's booting it off its hinges.'
It wasn't lost on me that the protagonist has the same name as part of the author's and I have no idea whether this novel is semi-autobiographical. If it is, then it's even more heartbreaking, as some of the crap the main character went through was awful.
Check the trigger warnings before you read this, but if you're all good, then I'd 100% recommend you read it.
Thank you to David A. Anderson for the opportunity to read and review The Drowners.
You know those books that stay with you for a long time after you've read it? Well, I think this is going to be one of those. The Drowners was incredible, from start to finish. I never know what to expect from a new author, and I often open that first page with a certain amount of trepidation. I needn't have worried about this one though, I was hooked.
Set in the early 1990s, Aaron is just beginning to understand his sexuality, and it's difficult, the stigma, the apprehension and the judgment of being queer in 1990s Ireland. Aaron is funny, so funny, and when he and Robbie get together the puns are never-ending. I highlighted just a couple of the lines, which had me spitting my coffee out!
'All those years without draining your nuts is enough to send you loopy.'
'That miserable old bollix isn't knocking on Heaven's door, he's booting it off its hinges.'
It wasn't lost on me that the protagonist has the same name as part of the author's and I have no idea whether this novel is semi-autobiographical. If it is, then it's even more heartbreaking, as some of the crap the main character went through was awful.
Check the trigger warnings before you read this, but if you're all good, then I'd 100% recommend you read it.
Thank you to David A. Anderson for the opportunity to read and review The Drowners.
March 13, 2025
Friendship, Chaos, and the Beautiful Mess of Growing Up
The Drowners
By: David A. Anderson
Publisher: Whipsnade Publishing
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Length: 349 pages
Triggers: Bullying, substance use, emotional trauma, death
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book? Hits different. The Drowners is like flipping through an old mixtape—equal parts nostalgia, chaos, and gut punches. Aaron’s life is a mess of sarcasm, bad decisions, and haunting dreams, but when he meets Robbie, an aspiring actor with zero tolerance for BS, life starts to feel a little less pointless. Cue late-night talks, legendary concerts, first loves, and, oh yeah—a dead body.
Mr. Anderson nails the beautiful disaster that is being a teenager—when friendships feel like lifelines, the world’s hypocrisy is unbearable, and every choice feels huge. The humor is sharp, the emotions hit hard, and Aaron’s struggles with identity, trauma, and self-destruction are way too real.
Sometimes the story drifts, kind of like a deep convo at 2 AM that goes everywhere and nowhere, but honestly? That just adds to the vibe. If you loved The Perks of Being a Wallflower or Catcher in the Rye, this is your next obsession.
Would I recommend it? Hell yes. Just be prepared to feel everything.
The Drowners
By: David A. Anderson
Publisher: Whipsnade Publishing
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Length: 349 pages
Triggers: Bullying, substance use, emotional trauma, death
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book? Hits different. The Drowners is like flipping through an old mixtape—equal parts nostalgia, chaos, and gut punches. Aaron’s life is a mess of sarcasm, bad decisions, and haunting dreams, but when he meets Robbie, an aspiring actor with zero tolerance for BS, life starts to feel a little less pointless. Cue late-night talks, legendary concerts, first loves, and, oh yeah—a dead body.
Mr. Anderson nails the beautiful disaster that is being a teenager—when friendships feel like lifelines, the world’s hypocrisy is unbearable, and every choice feels huge. The humor is sharp, the emotions hit hard, and Aaron’s struggles with identity, trauma, and self-destruction are way too real.
Sometimes the story drifts, kind of like a deep convo at 2 AM that goes everywhere and nowhere, but honestly? That just adds to the vibe. If you loved The Perks of Being a Wallflower or Catcher in the Rye, this is your next obsession.
Would I recommend it? Hell yes. Just be prepared to feel everything.
March 5, 2025
A good story for this debt novel
releases 18th March
A story set in Dublin, Ireland.
Told only with Aaron’s POV.
A good start but this book needed a character's name for introduction, its not until Chapter 4 has begun.
Aaron was a school student who’d had strange dreams since he could remember.
He meets Robbie (or Roley later named in the story) and the two click like best friends bonding over music.
Aaron goes through life changes as he goes through his school years finding more about himself.
He's young and meets new friends, derogatory names are made in conversations.
There is a scene in school for them with a hard punishment but that was how it was much like the olden days. I loved the characters talking in their Irish language in this which was a plus for me. I would have loved this book if it were a little shorter in length without the pop quiz notes at the ends of chapters. Otherwise I enjoyed this book.
ARC copy was provided.
releases 18th March
A story set in Dublin, Ireland.
Told only with Aaron’s POV.
A good start but this book needed a character's name for introduction, its not until Chapter 4 has begun.
Aaron was a school student who’d had strange dreams since he could remember.
He meets Robbie (or Roley later named in the story) and the two click like best friends bonding over music.
Aaron goes through life changes as he goes through his school years finding more about himself.
He's young and meets new friends, derogatory names are made in conversations.
There is a scene in school for them with a hard punishment but that was how it was much like the olden days. I loved the characters talking in their Irish language in this which was a plus for me. I would have loved this book if it were a little shorter in length without the pop quiz notes at the ends of chapters. Otherwise I enjoyed this book.
ARC copy was provided.
September 25, 2025
To see a full review check it out here.
This was an intense and wild ride through coming to age and figuring out where one exists when it is hard to even imagine seeing yourself.
This was an intense and wild ride through coming to age and figuring out where one exists when it is hard to even imagine seeing yourself.
March 24, 2025
An interesting coming of age novel.
Aaron is a lead character you can connect with and root for.
Aaron is a lead character you can connect with and root for.
March 22, 2025
Many adults dismiss young adult fiction as being only for teens, but I’ve always enjoyed a good Y/A novel. The Drowners is up there as one of the best I’ve read in a long time, and I was lucky enough to snag an ARC so I could read and review.
The characters of Aaron and Robbie we’re so fascinating from the get-go, and the rapport between the friends is painted with a large brush of humor at times, as a balance to the more serious aspects of their relationship. I was hooked as I met them when they were young teens and enjoyed following them as they sorted out who and what they were. It was an added bonus that the dialogue matured as they did, although they never forgot how to tease each other and continue their enjoyment of films starring Robert De Niro. Writing dialogue that sounds true to the voice of a character who ages in a story isn’t always accomplished as well as it was in this story. I could “hear” the maturity in conversations when Aaron and Robbie were adults.
The author relates this story of a boy struggling with his sexuality and afraid to come out of the closet with respect and a great deal of heart, Adolescence is hard enough without adding that struggle, and Aaron’s stumbling attempts to perhaps not be interested in boys instead of girls is very real. Every gay man that I’ve known has followed a similar path of denial, some even attempting to end their life instead of having to live with being the person they really are.
Aaron’s journey toward acceptance takes him through a maze of emotions and experiences as he reaches manhood and realizes that Robbie has always been more than a buddy to him. Following him through that maze evoked a lot of emotions in me, and that’s the mark of a good story and a good story-teller – the ability to pull the reader in and make a strong emotional connection.
One of the other characters in the book, Niamh, a girlfriend who has her own trauma to deal with, is the one who ultimately helps Aaron break through his reluctance to accept his queerness. At one point she tells him, “You need to stop worrying about some outdated notion of masculinity. Instead of trying to be a real man, focus on being a good person.”
And Aaron thinks, “The best advice in life is free and comes from those who love us. All we have to do is listen.”
Simple words that don’t convey the drama of that moment in the story. That moment works because the reader knows what came before this, and the deep friendship between Aaron and Niamh that formed while they worked together at a supermarket. Next to Robbie, she’s probably his best friend.
Not only is the book enjoyable on so many levels of well-executed craft, I appreciated the fact that there’s nothing gratuitous in terms of physical intimacy in the story. What little that’s on the pages is presented with good taste, so don’t shy away from trying the novel because of the subject matter. The struggle with accepting his sexuality is only a piece of the story about Aaron finding his way through the turbulence of adolescence.
I highly recommend this well-written novel for readers of all ages. It’s a reminder of what life was like when we were teens – with the need to belong, the bullying, and all the rest. And in truth, nothing much has changed in what teenagers face today. They can find hope and inspiration in Aaron’s story.
The characters of Aaron and Robbie we’re so fascinating from the get-go, and the rapport between the friends is painted with a large brush of humor at times, as a balance to the more serious aspects of their relationship. I was hooked as I met them when they were young teens and enjoyed following them as they sorted out who and what they were. It was an added bonus that the dialogue matured as they did, although they never forgot how to tease each other and continue their enjoyment of films starring Robert De Niro. Writing dialogue that sounds true to the voice of a character who ages in a story isn’t always accomplished as well as it was in this story. I could “hear” the maturity in conversations when Aaron and Robbie were adults.
The author relates this story of a boy struggling with his sexuality and afraid to come out of the closet with respect and a great deal of heart, Adolescence is hard enough without adding that struggle, and Aaron’s stumbling attempts to perhaps not be interested in boys instead of girls is very real. Every gay man that I’ve known has followed a similar path of denial, some even attempting to end their life instead of having to live with being the person they really are.
Aaron’s journey toward acceptance takes him through a maze of emotions and experiences as he reaches manhood and realizes that Robbie has always been more than a buddy to him. Following him through that maze evoked a lot of emotions in me, and that’s the mark of a good story and a good story-teller – the ability to pull the reader in and make a strong emotional connection.
One of the other characters in the book, Niamh, a girlfriend who has her own trauma to deal with, is the one who ultimately helps Aaron break through his reluctance to accept his queerness. At one point she tells him, “You need to stop worrying about some outdated notion of masculinity. Instead of trying to be a real man, focus on being a good person.”
And Aaron thinks, “The best advice in life is free and comes from those who love us. All we have to do is listen.”
Simple words that don’t convey the drama of that moment in the story. That moment works because the reader knows what came before this, and the deep friendship between Aaron and Niamh that formed while they worked together at a supermarket. Next to Robbie, she’s probably his best friend.
Not only is the book enjoyable on so many levels of well-executed craft, I appreciated the fact that there’s nothing gratuitous in terms of physical intimacy in the story. What little that’s on the pages is presented with good taste, so don’t shy away from trying the novel because of the subject matter. The struggle with accepting his sexuality is only a piece of the story about Aaron finding his way through the turbulence of adolescence.
I highly recommend this well-written novel for readers of all ages. It’s a reminder of what life was like when we were teens – with the need to belong, the bullying, and all the rest. And in truth, nothing much has changed in what teenagers face today. They can find hope and inspiration in Aaron’s story.
June 1, 2025
The Drowners is a coming-of-age novel about Aaron, a young man who lives in Ireland in the 90s. The book is his journey exploring his sexuality and identity.
The book starts with Aaron spending his time on a mission to get a girlfriend. One day, he has a romantic thought about a man. These feelings evolve, and he develops feelings for his friend. I feel like the book is a bit like a literary novel in its plotting. I could summarize additional events that occurred in the story, but I feel it would be better to just experience the book without that context. I will say, the book does involve quite a few awkward encounters between Aaron and girls and guys. I think it really captures the life of a teenager quite well.
Given the subject matter, there are some sexual encounters. The book is tasteful in this regard; the sex is closed-door and implied, though sometimes briefly discussed afterwards. As a straight man, I may or may not be the intended audience for this book, but the writing is done so well that I found the romance compelling. I was interested in how Aaron’s newfound relationship would develop. Particularly between the two love birds, the book also has a few well-written quips, but I think I’ll let you experience them on your own.
The book likes to name-drop celebrities and other cultural icons often, sometimes to great amusement. I particularly liked the line, “He had a shock of white hair, offset by the bushiest black eyebrows this side of Eugene Levy.” Naturally, though, I didn’t understand every similar cultural reference, so some landed (like the one above), while others missed for me. That said, I think I knew most of them.
In addition to the celebrities, the book mentions quite a few literary works and films. Aaron is also very well read, referencing literary classics like Hemingway and Jane Austen.
Throughout the book Aaron goes on tangents within his thoughts and brings in questions of values, what is right and wrong, good and bad, etc. One thought I found particularly interesting was: “It bugs me when ordinary folks admire the rich.” Aaron also likes the book The Sun Also Rises, which to me is exactly that: a story glorifying the lifestyles of the rich. So I thought it was a little interesting that the character had this thought. True to life, though, we are all a little inconsistent at times.
At times, the number of characters in the book was a little confusing. There were quite a few, and I sometimes mixed them up. Robbie and Roley have somewhat similar names. I know them now, but when I started the book, I was a little confused as to who was who.
The book has a bit of a literary style, but true to life, the plot takes more of a backseat to Aaron’s experience. The story arc isn't a here to there, but meanders and backpedals to ultimately get where it needs to go.
Overall, I think the book is good. I would recommend it to anyone who identifies with growing up in Ireland in the 90s, being gay in the 90s, loving 90s pop culture references. Actually I might be explaining it poorly, as you really don’t need to love the 90s to enjoy the book, it just provides an interesting cultural backdrop.
The book starts with Aaron spending his time on a mission to get a girlfriend. One day, he has a romantic thought about a man. These feelings evolve, and he develops feelings for his friend. I feel like the book is a bit like a literary novel in its plotting. I could summarize additional events that occurred in the story, but I feel it would be better to just experience the book without that context. I will say, the book does involve quite a few awkward encounters between Aaron and girls and guys. I think it really captures the life of a teenager quite well.
Given the subject matter, there are some sexual encounters. The book is tasteful in this regard; the sex is closed-door and implied, though sometimes briefly discussed afterwards. As a straight man, I may or may not be the intended audience for this book, but the writing is done so well that I found the romance compelling. I was interested in how Aaron’s newfound relationship would develop. Particularly between the two love birds, the book also has a few well-written quips, but I think I’ll let you experience them on your own.
The book likes to name-drop celebrities and other cultural icons often, sometimes to great amusement. I particularly liked the line, “He had a shock of white hair, offset by the bushiest black eyebrows this side of Eugene Levy.” Naturally, though, I didn’t understand every similar cultural reference, so some landed (like the one above), while others missed for me. That said, I think I knew most of them.
In addition to the celebrities, the book mentions quite a few literary works and films. Aaron is also very well read, referencing literary classics like Hemingway and Jane Austen.
Throughout the book Aaron goes on tangents within his thoughts and brings in questions of values, what is right and wrong, good and bad, etc. One thought I found particularly interesting was: “It bugs me when ordinary folks admire the rich.” Aaron also likes the book The Sun Also Rises, which to me is exactly that: a story glorifying the lifestyles of the rich. So I thought it was a little interesting that the character had this thought. True to life, though, we are all a little inconsistent at times.
At times, the number of characters in the book was a little confusing. There were quite a few, and I sometimes mixed them up. Robbie and Roley have somewhat similar names. I know them now, but when I started the book, I was a little confused as to who was who.
The book has a bit of a literary style, but true to life, the plot takes more of a backseat to Aaron’s experience. The story arc isn't a here to there, but meanders and backpedals to ultimately get where it needs to go.
Overall, I think the book is good. I would recommend it to anyone who identifies with growing up in Ireland in the 90s, being gay in the 90s, loving 90s pop culture references. Actually I might be explaining it poorly, as you really don’t need to love the 90s to enjoy the book, it just provides an interesting cultural backdrop.
November 2, 2025
The Drowners by David A. Anderson brought me back to high school right from the get-go. This coming-of-age drama, set in '90s Dublin, reminded me of the pressure of trying to fit in and at the same time the desire of having the freedom to be yourself and being accepted for who you are, the stress of having to every day see and interact with the people you don’t get along with, the happy feeling of being liked and of meeting someone who finally understands your jokes and is fond of your quirks. The anxieties, the joyful moments, the self-consciousness. Come to think of it, my teenage years weren’t really that exciting. But all the feelings I’ve ever had, I’ve probably felt all together in this stage of my life. This novel made me nostalgic.
“No matter how we fantasise about being lone wolves, we're all desperate to find a pack to run with. The problem is finding one you'd want to belong to.”
Aaron Anderson is a witty 15-year-old film and music lover, who is trying to figure out secondary school . . . and life in general. This novel shows us his relationships with his family, his friends and his coworkers and how he tries to rewrite his future in a new school after being expelled from his previous one. Aaron’s teenage life reminds me of mine, where some days are empty and some are filled with new discoveries. I find myself being able to relate to Aaron in the sense that people thought I was a good listener because I didn’t say much. But to tell the truth, I yearned to be around people who would ask me questions about me and just allow me to yap.
“You can't go through life expecting other people can read your thoughts.”
Described as “a funny and poignant meditation,” The Drowners did successfully make me meditate about my life and my personal struggles, both now and in high school—most especially in high school—and how surer I am today about myself compared to before. And if you know me, I love books that make me meditate about life. As Aaron navigated adolescence (and friendship, family and relationship issues), I remembered how I navigated mine, too. This novel made me reflect, made me laugh, made me cry, and made me admire Aaron for being brave and mentally strong and for persevering, even when “all joy in life had gone.” This novel’s message, for me, is about enduring, being honest with ourselves, not suppressing who we truly are, and just simply trying our very best every day, which I think is very timely.
“The sky above spread out like a vast open canvas, limitless, waiting for me to inscribe my future on it.”
I’ve received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
“No matter how we fantasise about being lone wolves, we're all desperate to find a pack to run with. The problem is finding one you'd want to belong to.”
Aaron Anderson is a witty 15-year-old film and music lover, who is trying to figure out secondary school . . . and life in general. This novel shows us his relationships with his family, his friends and his coworkers and how he tries to rewrite his future in a new school after being expelled from his previous one. Aaron’s teenage life reminds me of mine, where some days are empty and some are filled with new discoveries. I find myself being able to relate to Aaron in the sense that people thought I was a good listener because I didn’t say much. But to tell the truth, I yearned to be around people who would ask me questions about me and just allow me to yap.
“You can't go through life expecting other people can read your thoughts.”
Described as “a funny and poignant meditation,” The Drowners did successfully make me meditate about my life and my personal struggles, both now and in high school—most especially in high school—and how surer I am today about myself compared to before. And if you know me, I love books that make me meditate about life. As Aaron navigated adolescence (and friendship, family and relationship issues), I remembered how I navigated mine, too. This novel made me reflect, made me laugh, made me cry, and made me admire Aaron for being brave and mentally strong and for persevering, even when “all joy in life had gone.” This novel’s message, for me, is about enduring, being honest with ourselves, not suppressing who we truly are, and just simply trying our very best every day, which I think is very timely.
“The sky above spread out like a vast open canvas, limitless, waiting for me to inscribe my future on it.”
I’ve received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2025
A messy, beautiful story about growing up, figuring things out, and finding your way back to yourself.
Some books don’t just tell a story; they reach in and stir something deep inside you. The Drowners by David A. Anderson is one of those rare reads that doesn’t feel like reading at all. It’s more like remembering something personal, something buried, something that still matters. Through Aaron’s raw, unfiltered voice, we follow a teenage boy who’s stumbling his way through grief, identity, queerness, and all the messy bits of growing up. And this book never sugarcoats it. It leans into the confusion, the loneliness, the flickers of hope—and somehow makes it all feel real.
After getting kicked out of school, Aaron’s trying to start over. He’s angry, guarded, and carrying more than he knows what to do with. Then he meets Robbie, a classmate who’s into De Niro films and somehow sees past all of Aaron’s defenses. Their connection isn’t flashy or forced; it’s gentle, believable, and precisely what Aaron needs, even if he doesn’t know it yet. As their friendship deepens, Aaron starts peeling back the layers he’s been hiding under for years.
Anderson’s writing has this quiet power to it—introspective, lyrical, and at times, it drifts into stream-of-consciousness territory. It might take a little patience, but once you settle into Aaron’s voice, it’s like being inside his head. This isn’t a neat, polished story, and that’s kind of the point. Queer teen life rarely comes in tidy little chapters. There’s pain here—bullying, mental health struggles, shame—but there’s also warmth, dry humor, and these small, meaningful moments that shine through.
What I really appreciated is that the story never tries to “fix” Aaron or wrap his journey up with a bow. There’s no dramatic coming-out scene or fairytale romance. Instead, we get the quiet, powerful truth of a boy trying to stay afloat in the deep end. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
The Drowners may not be for every reader, but for those who see themselves in Aaron—or want to understand someone like him—it’s unforgettable. It sticks with you long after the last page, tugging at your heart and nudging you to think a little deeper. If you love raw, character-driven stories that don’t shy away from the hard stuff, this one’s worth your time.
This review also appears on my website, GinaRaeMitchell.com
I received a digital copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company.
This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Some books don’t just tell a story; they reach in and stir something deep inside you. The Drowners by David A. Anderson is one of those rare reads that doesn’t feel like reading at all. It’s more like remembering something personal, something buried, something that still matters. Through Aaron’s raw, unfiltered voice, we follow a teenage boy who’s stumbling his way through grief, identity, queerness, and all the messy bits of growing up. And this book never sugarcoats it. It leans into the confusion, the loneliness, the flickers of hope—and somehow makes it all feel real.
After getting kicked out of school, Aaron’s trying to start over. He’s angry, guarded, and carrying more than he knows what to do with. Then he meets Robbie, a classmate who’s into De Niro films and somehow sees past all of Aaron’s defenses. Their connection isn’t flashy or forced; it’s gentle, believable, and precisely what Aaron needs, even if he doesn’t know it yet. As their friendship deepens, Aaron starts peeling back the layers he’s been hiding under for years.
Anderson’s writing has this quiet power to it—introspective, lyrical, and at times, it drifts into stream-of-consciousness territory. It might take a little patience, but once you settle into Aaron’s voice, it’s like being inside his head. This isn’t a neat, polished story, and that’s kind of the point. Queer teen life rarely comes in tidy little chapters. There’s pain here—bullying, mental health struggles, shame—but there’s also warmth, dry humor, and these small, meaningful moments that shine through.
What I really appreciated is that the story never tries to “fix” Aaron or wrap his journey up with a bow. There’s no dramatic coming-out scene or fairytale romance. Instead, we get the quiet, powerful truth of a boy trying to stay afloat in the deep end. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
The Drowners may not be for every reader, but for those who see themselves in Aaron—or want to understand someone like him—it’s unforgettable. It sticks with you long after the last page, tugging at your heart and nudging you to think a little deeper. If you love raw, character-driven stories that don’t shy away from the hard stuff, this one’s worth your time.
This review also appears on my website, GinaRaeMitchell.com
I received a digital copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company.
This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
March 10, 2025
I am incredibly grateful to David A. Anderson for the opportunity to read and review The Drowners. Being selected to explore this captivating story has been such a treat, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you. A huge thank you to David A. Anderson for their generosity and for making this reading experience possible.
I just want to touch on how cool it is to have an author reach out to you to read their book. It is such a privilege and seeing that request pop into my inbox never fails to make my day. It is so wonderful to connect with the people that write these wonderful stories that keep us bookworms busy.
I have so many thoughts going through my head that I don’t even know where I want to start this review. I’ve been constantly thinking about it for the last month. I guess I can say that after reading it, it’s been stuck in my head for a month. Right?
I found The Drowners to be incredibly deep. Aaron had been through so much for his age and just to see how he was suffering and how he tried to cope was really quite emotional. This book is incredibly thought provoking as there were just so many complexities to it.
So much happened, this book has it all. Friendships, romances, family relationships, hardships… Literally everything you could think of.
I found the added layers of both the time it was set in and the location to be incredibly fascinating because I really feel like both of those things played a huge role in Aaron’s life.
This book is low key the mother of all slow burns. I was so invested.
The Drowners took me a fair few days to get through purely because there was just so much going on and I really wanted to digest each and every word.
Come the end, I mostly found this book really moving. But more than anything I’m just super happy to have been a part of this author’s journey in publishing this book. Here’s to many more!
-Jazzy @ Occult Library Co
I just want to touch on how cool it is to have an author reach out to you to read their book. It is such a privilege and seeing that request pop into my inbox never fails to make my day. It is so wonderful to connect with the people that write these wonderful stories that keep us bookworms busy.
I have so many thoughts going through my head that I don’t even know where I want to start this review. I’ve been constantly thinking about it for the last month. I guess I can say that after reading it, it’s been stuck in my head for a month. Right?
I found The Drowners to be incredibly deep. Aaron had been through so much for his age and just to see how he was suffering and how he tried to cope was really quite emotional. This book is incredibly thought provoking as there were just so many complexities to it.
So much happened, this book has it all. Friendships, romances, family relationships, hardships… Literally everything you could think of.
I found the added layers of both the time it was set in and the location to be incredibly fascinating because I really feel like both of those things played a huge role in Aaron’s life.
This book is low key the mother of all slow burns. I was so invested.
The Drowners took me a fair few days to get through purely because there was just so much going on and I really wanted to digest each and every word.
Come the end, I mostly found this book really moving. But more than anything I’m just super happy to have been a part of this author’s journey in publishing this book. Here’s to many more!
-Jazzy @ Occult Library Co
April 10, 2025
4.5 rounded up
Oh man oh man was this book good.
Aaron is a bitter fifteen year old mad at the world for what he should be and anxious about who he actually is. This book is extremely well written. The prose is so well put together, effortlessly shifting from rowdy teenage banter to discussions on sexuality, capitalism, bodily autonomy, hypocrisy of politicians, etc. If I wanted to get picky I would say it’s hard to imagine a teenager with such well put together thoughts but this book does take place in the 80s when brain rot hadn’t take over yet so…
Aaron, despite his rather sophisticated thoughts, felt so real. His smart-mouth, ranting, and witty quips that only seemed to appear at the wrong moments. His struggles with societal and familiar expectations, figuring out his sexuality, experimenting with alcohol and drugs. All typical teenage stuff, all beautifully written.
Overall, this book is on the slower side, but the well written prose helps to get through it and before I knew it I was coasting through. The ending did feel a bit rushed, and I wish some of those moments had been spread out earlier to help with the pacing. But honestly, you could hand me anything by this author and I’d love it for the writing alone.
tldr: A beautifully written queer coming-of-age story that explores mental illness and school life, with a rich, character-driven plot.
[Thank you Mr. Anderson for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review~]
Oh man oh man was this book good.
Aaron is a bitter fifteen year old mad at the world for what he should be and anxious about who he actually is. This book is extremely well written. The prose is so well put together, effortlessly shifting from rowdy teenage banter to discussions on sexuality, capitalism, bodily autonomy, hypocrisy of politicians, etc. If I wanted to get picky I would say it’s hard to imagine a teenager with such well put together thoughts but this book does take place in the 80s when brain rot hadn’t take over yet so…
Aaron, despite his rather sophisticated thoughts, felt so real. His smart-mouth, ranting, and witty quips that only seemed to appear at the wrong moments. His struggles with societal and familiar expectations, figuring out his sexuality, experimenting with alcohol and drugs. All typical teenage stuff, all beautifully written.
Overall, this book is on the slower side, but the well written prose helps to get through it and before I knew it I was coasting through. The ending did feel a bit rushed, and I wish some of those moments had been spread out earlier to help with the pacing. But honestly, you could hand me anything by this author and I’d love it for the writing alone.
tldr: A beautifully written queer coming-of-age story that explores mental illness and school life, with a rich, character-driven plot.
[Thank you Mr. Anderson for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review~]
March 22, 2025
4-STAR REVIEW
When I first started The Drowners by David A. Anderson, I wasn’t sure if this would be the kind of book I would like. I’m so glad I stuck with it and kept on reading.
The two main protagonists, Aaron and Robbie, were very likable characters. They were each other’s half, their mates, their person. They were in sync with each other since the first day they met.
The teen years are full of angst, drama, questions, and trying to understand yourself. Being young and understanding yourself and your place in the world is very difficult. This book did a wonderful job telling a story about being young and discovering yourself.
I loved the interaction with Aaron, his parents, and the rest of his family. His family dynamics are so representative of most people’s family dynamics.
My favorite part of the book was when Aaron and Robbie were watching Edward Scissorhands. Aaron said he cried during the movie because he felt sorry for Edward when the townsfolk ostracized him. I cry, too, when I watch that movie.
It’s not easy to write a good book with a good story and characters similar to people one knows in real life. Mr. Anderson did a great job with this book.
Richly created characters and an accurate portrayal of teen life, The Drowners is an insightful and beautiful read. Lori | Novels Alive
When I first started The Drowners by David A. Anderson, I wasn’t sure if this would be the kind of book I would like. I’m so glad I stuck with it and kept on reading.
The two main protagonists, Aaron and Robbie, were very likable characters. They were each other’s half, their mates, their person. They were in sync with each other since the first day they met.
The teen years are full of angst, drama, questions, and trying to understand yourself. Being young and understanding yourself and your place in the world is very difficult. This book did a wonderful job telling a story about being young and discovering yourself.
I loved the interaction with Aaron, his parents, and the rest of his family. His family dynamics are so representative of most people’s family dynamics.
My favorite part of the book was when Aaron and Robbie were watching Edward Scissorhands. Aaron said he cried during the movie because he felt sorry for Edward when the townsfolk ostracized him. I cry, too, when I watch that movie.
It’s not easy to write a good book with a good story and characters similar to people one knows in real life. Mr. Anderson did a great job with this book.
Richly created characters and an accurate portrayal of teen life, The Drowners is an insightful and beautiful read. Lori | Novels Alive
March 12, 2025
The Drowners is a wonderful novel - a gay Dublin "Derry Girls" - with the same coming-of-age heartbreak, happiness and humour in a 1990s setting.
Aaron is an interesting and sympathetic hero, you're carried on his journey with him, share his pain and struggles and want him to succeed and get his HEA with love interest Robbie. Coming out is hard enough for many teens in the 2020s - one can only imagine how much more difficult it was to be a gay teenager in Ireland several decades ago. Many of the themes in the book, from bullying and bereavement to mental health are moving and also still highly relevant today.
For anyone who grew up in the UK or Ireland in the 1990s there will also be a huge amount of familiar cultural references and nostalgia, from music to celebrities. It's a richly remembered time. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue between some of the young Irish girls in the book, which was very funny and very realistic - we had slightly different slang in England but very much the same conversations.
I would highly recommend this book, in particular to anyone who loved the humour and nostalgia of Derry Girls, and perhaps shows like The Inbetweeners.
Aaron is an interesting and sympathetic hero, you're carried on his journey with him, share his pain and struggles and want him to succeed and get his HEA with love interest Robbie. Coming out is hard enough for many teens in the 2020s - one can only imagine how much more difficult it was to be a gay teenager in Ireland several decades ago. Many of the themes in the book, from bullying and bereavement to mental health are moving and also still highly relevant today.
For anyone who grew up in the UK or Ireland in the 1990s there will also be a huge amount of familiar cultural references and nostalgia, from music to celebrities. It's a richly remembered time. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue between some of the young Irish girls in the book, which was very funny and very realistic - we had slightly different slang in England but very much the same conversations.
I would highly recommend this book, in particular to anyone who loved the humour and nostalgia of Derry Girls, and perhaps shows like The Inbetweeners.
March 24, 2025
I read this book in early 2021, and it has forever changed the way that I interact with a piece of literature. As a lifelong reader I am drawn to science fiction and psychological thrillers, but this book was a whole other world. As a young reader navigating my own sexuality, I never read any books that so clearly highlighted issues in an understanding and compassionate way (though I have never been drawn to coming of age stories). The research on this book is incredibly thorough, and when you read the book, you can feel the love of the author. This book has stuck with me through undergrad and wrapped me up like a blanket during med school years. I am so grateful to have come upon this book. It truly holds a special place in my heart.
December 26, 2025
This is a 4.5 star for me rounded up. The only reason I knocked it down was that I sometimes got confused by the way some of the dialogue was written when at least 2 people were talking back and forth. Other than that, the nostalgia was nostalgic. I mean I wasn't a teen boy in the 90s and I didn't live in Ireland however I was a teen in the 90s and early 00s. I also didn't struggle with who I was attracted to nor did I do drugs or drink. Definitely pushed me a little outside of my comfort zone and I definitely recommend this book.
Full review on my website on 12.30.25.
www.mommodeloading.com
Full review on my website on 12.30.25.
www.mommodeloading.com
March 26, 2025
David A. Anderson’s, The Drowners, is a creative non-fiction that follows 15-year-old Aaron through a poignant year in his life. Set in 1990s Dublin, Ireland, the story builds in emotional intensity as he emerges on a journey of self-discovery and navigates the ups and downs of high school. The reader meets Aaron as he starts a new school and tries to find his place in the world. Along the way, he meets Robbie, who becomes his best friend. We also get to know Aaron’s family, including his parents, who are baby boomers and practice Catholicism, and his dad, who had to change careers because of technological advancements.
Aaron is an insightful young man who’s trying to figure out where he belongs in society. Many external and internal factors influence Aaron’s search for identity. He’s dealing with tough issues, worrying about being rejected, and being tormented by his peers and teachers. He experiments with alcohol and drugs, and mental health plays a large role in his journey. There are also moments of joy and connection, especially in his relationship with Robbie, who shares his love of music and movies. The Drowners is a great coming-of-age story that is told with humility and vulnerability.
I am grateful for David A. Anderson contacting me to read and review The Drowners. He provided me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. The book is scheduled for publication on March 17, 2025.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
Aaron is an insightful young man who’s trying to figure out where he belongs in society. Many external and internal factors influence Aaron’s search for identity. He’s dealing with tough issues, worrying about being rejected, and being tormented by his peers and teachers. He experiments with alcohol and drugs, and mental health plays a large role in his journey. There are also moments of joy and connection, especially in his relationship with Robbie, who shares his love of music and movies. The Drowners is a great coming-of-age story that is told with humility and vulnerability.
I am grateful for David A. Anderson contacting me to read and review The Drowners. He provided me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. The book is scheduled for publication on March 17, 2025.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews