Waist Deep

by Linea Maja Ernst

Five friends from university; seven summer days in a lakeside cabin in Denmark. A chance to swim, sunbathe, flirt, read and recreate the magic of their youth.

At least that’s what Sylvia had hoped. But then her friends arrive with real jobs, kids and partners. Worse, Esben (her decades-long crush) and Karen announce their plan to get married at the end of the week. As desire and anxiety swirl, and the wedding day approaches, will the group achieve their arcadian dreams or will everything come tumbling down?

Genres: Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2026

Reviews

[Anne]

Does what it says on the tin! I like it when blurbs accurately describe a novel, and this one does. It is a summery book about a group of thirtysomething friends getting together in a Danish lakehouse to enjoy summer, ponder their neuroses (some more than others) and think about life and love. I liked reading it; I'm just not convinced any of the characters actually liked each other, which is a bit weird for a group of friends.

[Georgia Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

So intriguing! So prestigious! So messy!

[B K178 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Waist Deep” by Linea Maja Ernst is a great choice for summer reading. It’s atmospheric, coming-of-age, and explores themes of adulthood. The story features complex, evolving relationships and a journey of self-discovery. Ernst’s writing combines sharpness with tenderness, making even small moments feel meaningful.

The novel vividly captures this age—full of desire, self-absorption, and the need for validation. What impressed me most was the atmosphere and the sense of instability or fluidity among the friends. Relationships become blurred, boundaries shift, and everything feels slightly unsteady.

The prose is concise yet impactful. It offers a quiet awakening. Although the plot is subtle and not driven by traditional events, internally, everything is happening simultaneously. Readers who enjoy atmospheric and introspective explorations of relationships will find this appealing. It’s like the Big Chill meets Midsummer Night's Dream. Thanks to Simon and Schuster, S&S, Summit Books, and NetGalley for the ARC, providing an honest review.

4.5 Stars

[Madison Gaudet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up to 4 on this one. I wanted to love it because I live for the art of subtle drama in the friend group, but honestly it was another book where their friendships were unbelievable and some of the characters were too insufferable to actually enjoy. It was almost similar to The Hunting Party in that sense, so I’m wondering if that’s why I was over the intimate European friendships and pretentiousness after having it back to back. Sylvia was so unlikable, but watching her plot lines play out did feel like watching a car crash. I liked the ending, felt good when things blew up in her face. I was honestly thrilled that the scene we saw coming from a mile away was Adam and Quince and not anyone else, despite Adam being a married man… call me heteronormative🤦‍♀️ Very atmospheric, very European.

[annie dorta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. It's readable I finished it quickly. It's kinda interesting but I think the genre of the book is just not for me a bit too sexual felt a bit uncomfortable but nevertheless the plot was good I just personally don't think it's my cup of tea but I'd definitely recommend it to someone else for sure. It's also a little confusing you just have to keep reading to understand it. It's not good for someone who gets easily overstimulated. Too much going on at once.

[Kelly Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is addictively delicious. My favorite book of 2026 so far.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Kaisa Pyhala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, quick read that sucks you in. For once I actually hope they’ll turn this into a tv series!

[Emma Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Kieran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5. Interesting discussions on monogamy and queerness but had to put it down sometimes when Sylvia was on her soapbox.