Drowning

by Katelin Maloney

Rebecca has simple dreams. A promotion. Children. A happy marriage. But can she have it with Mitch?


Though she carefully keeps secrets to guard her safety, her marriage to Mitch, a successful doctor, is brutal, and his abuse is escalating. A promotion at the bank could be the answer to her prayers, but Mitch has different plans for her life.


Ultimately, Rebecca must face her own inner demons before she can act. Will she be able to find her former, stronger self before Mitch destroys her completely?


Praise for Drowning:

“I love this book. I think the way Katelin Maloney has written it speaks to many, many women.” Denise Brown, Domestic Violence Advocate


“Drowning is a page turner! It powerfully reveals the brainwashing effects of verbal abuse, the destruction of consciousness, and the confusion an abusive relationship generates. It is a groundbreaking novel.” Patricia Evans, author, The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Controlling People and more.

“Maloney has crafted a powerfully honest novel. Drowning should be required reading!” Nancy Haddock, National Bestselling Author

Genres: Fiction

312 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2015

About the author

Passionate about helping people, Katelin Maloney raises awareness to the issues of domestic violence through her writing and volunteer work.

She is a domestic violence advocate and member of the Community Action Team for Betty Griffin House, a domestic violence and sexual assault prevention organization, located in St. Augustine, Florida.

Katelin writes a weekly blog dedicated to domestic violence issues. She has provided information such as: the different types of abuse, gaslighting, warning signs and causes of violence.

Katelin also provides information to people who might know someone in an abusive relationship, giving them the tools to help their friend or loved one.

She is a member of the Florida Writers Association. Her flash fiction poetry, The Mirror, has won awards.

She resides in St. Augustine, Florida with her husband, two sons, and cat. Her website is www.KatelinMaloney.com. She would love to have you join her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/katelinmalon... and Twitter @KatelinMaloney.

Reviews

[Annerlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great work of literature, but it doesn't have to be. The book is poignant and too very true.

[Karen Macedo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Good read. I finished it in one sitting. I had to know how it ended. Congrats to this author for addressing this issue of domestic abuse .This book will stay with me for a long time..

[Jodell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scout knew when things were not right in the house. She sensed it, felt the tension. She also knew she was Rebecca's only emotional support at times and she took this job seriously. She knew beacuse she had spent many sleepless hours with Rebecca comforting her, patiently listening to her tears and sensing Rebecca's pain. Scout also knew how Mitch could be. Neither one of them could survive if it were not for eachother. They relied on each other. If ony one of them could voice it to someone. But that was the thing. It was their secret. Scout knew It was up to Rebecca to do that and in order for that to happen Anna would have to come back. Scout was unsure if that was ever going to happen.

Rebecca gave Scout a necklace with little silver bells on it just in case. It always made Rebecca feel safe to know she could hear Scout's little bells tinkeling in the house and know Scout was ok. Rebecca knew Mitch sometimes took his frustration and anger out on Scout, Just beacuse he knew it would hurt and pain Rebecca. Sometimes he kicked Scout, threw her off the bed, threatened to kill Scout or send Scout packing. Scout realized that Mitch was jealous of their relationship. Rebecca could not bear the thought of anything to happen to Scout. Rebecca would rather it happen to her than to Scout. Sometimes it did. More often than not.

Scout knew with every inch of her being something was wrong and Scout was scared. What would happen if Rebecca one day didn't come home? How would Scout live? Where would she go? Who would want her? Scout was often scared and would cuddle on Rebecca's quilt wating for her to come home.

Scout never had a choice in what Rebecca did or what Rebecca chose for her life as she lived it. Even so she conformed herself to the fact that maybe this is what it was like for pets who lived with abusers. For Scout depended on Rebecca for her very survival and they both were in danger most of the time depending on Mitch and his moods. She already knew that everyone paid a price for livng in an abusive relationship. No one got out unscathed. Not even Scout.

[Victoria Simcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca didn’t ask for too much. All she wanted was a humble life with aspirations of moving up at her work, as well a loving family. Her husband, Mitch is good-looking, a successful doctor and everything a girl would want in a husband…well not quite. Not all that shines is gold. Mitch has a terrible temper, hardly ever takes Rebecca’s feelings into consideration, and he is severely abusive to her physically and mentally. The guy needs major help! Rebecca on the other hand, grows more and more scared of Mitch and worries about whether she has done everything right each day just to please him. She is very fearful of him but at the same time codependent on him. Even though there are many trials and complications giving up is not always the answer. Author Katelin Maloney’s book is knowledgeable and I appreciated the information she has on this particular subject. It is well written, easy to read and understand and a definite page turner. Great job on your debut novel!

[Amy Daumit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is fiction, it was clearly written by someone who intimately understands domestic abuse. This book was on point in so many ways. As a survivor of domestic abuse, I felt myself feeling a little too much as I read Rebecca's account of abuse. Although her story was different from mine in so many ways, there was a lot that I could relate to. This is a great fictional read for those who want to truly know what domestic violence can look like, how it destroys a victim, and how it can forever change your life. I highly recommend it.

[Cindy Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, well written drama that will draw you in from the very first page. You will enter Rebecca's world and weep with her as you feel the anguish and pain of her situation. It was very hard to put down. This is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

[Rick Pryll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for all young women. If you have seen any tendencies like Mitch in your partner, this book will help you see where it leads. Rebecca is in a cycle of hope - the next big milestone will be when Mitch starts acting like he did back at the beginning - until he doesn’t. “Mitch seems to know when I am at my breaking point,” Rebecca thinks to herself, “He becomes the man I thought I’d married and pulls me back to him.”.

It breaks my heart to think of friends stuck in these horrible circumstances. Domestic Violence is WAY TOO COMMON and it needs to stop.

For all the fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and friends of DV victims or suspected victims, read this book. It will help you understand what she’s going through, and it will help you understand what to look for.

The writing is clear as a bell. While the content is all cringe-worthy all the time, Maloney’s prose is smooth, unaffected, honest. She writes about laundry, a scene at a restaurant, and because the danger knob is turned up so high, I am completely engaged. I am there with every fold, every forkful.

Mitch is menacing. The unrelenting stress Rebecca feels is sickening. The author has painted a vivid and vibrant picture of how life looks when you are stuck in a situation that has gotten out of control.

With this book, Katelin Maloney has put a dent in the fiction created in order to weaken and control women.

[Dorothy A Ezyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very, very sad. I've never been in an abusive relationship but that doesn't mean I don't have compassion for someone who is. It's hard to understand why someone in that position wouldn't leave at the first opportunity. Why they'd take the crap and disrespect dished out to them. Reading this, I kept thinking "why don't you tell him to go to hell?" or something worse! He treated her awful and she couldn't even talk to another man. Holy hell I couldn't get that. My heart goes out to anyone suffering through something like this. I know it goes on today, but I don't know of anyone personally. I think Katelin did a wonderful job writing it.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tear jerker

Oh man, where to begin! I absolutely loved this book and even tho it’s hard to read at times, I think it’s worth to read. I rooted for the main, character, at times I was yelling at her to leave, why stay with that man for years and expect him to change? I’ve never been in a abusive relationship so I don’t know why they would stay but this book put a light into why they do. I was hoping for a happy ending and in a way there is, not the one I was expecting but it was.

[Azzie Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Stars

I wish there was a way I could give more than 5 stars.This was an amazing book.This author took on a topic many people don't want to talk about,but it's time.We have people that are dying,being beaten and made to feel as if life is over..Many will be no more,some will rise above,but too lose anyone to domestic violence is just sad.But Katelin is making a difference by writing this book.As she so clearly stated in this book,No More Silence, Stop The Violence.

[Fiona Moran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love it, but.........

For such a serious subject matter I found the writing emotionless until the final chapter. I thought that I'd be crying throughout, but the writing felt rushed and a lot of the sentences were stunted. The story itself is heart-breaking and I wish there was a different ending for Rebecca and Scout.

[Joni Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected ending

I went back and forth between a four or five. I wish I could give a four and a half. The surprise ending pulled me toward the five. I don't want to say anymore because I don't want to spoil the ending.

[mario · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

The part where she was dreaming at the beginning of each chapter was weird.
And spoiler alert the end was weird how all of a sudden she had an Imaginary friend. Otherwise good read.

[Cassandra Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Very well written, page turner and so very sad. Sad that this is life for so many good hearted people.

[Tara Wowra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope, nope, nope.

This book failed it's purpose. It should have shown the main character finding her way out of her predicament, not succumbing to it.

[Linda Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Loved this book it is so emotional because most of us know or knew someone like Rebecca. Had me on the edge of my seat.

[Priscilla D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartbreaking :( I wish it had a better ending but I guess with a book like this, there couldn't be.

[Elysa · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I think this story is compelling and can help someone see the dangers of staying with their abuser, I didn't like the writing. It felt very unnatural, and the smoothness of the story was broken up because of it. I didn't really get emotion from the story until she confronts him.

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very emotional, important and powerful subject that was unfortunately poorly written.

[Renée McGuinness]

Great book, some fantastical aspects but nicely written. Crap ending though!

[Grady Boleyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to talk to my shrink after reading this

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, so sad, I just finished & my heart is breaking.

[Bryannah Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️
I just needed to see how it ended

[Cindy Jusino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't like the ending and also did not like how every chapter started with some weird dream she was having. Other than that it was good.

[TravisandIryna Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazon by how much I was attached to this book. Considering it has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with my own life, I still enjoyed reading it. The story was intriguing and I craved to know what is awaiting on me in the next chapter. The end was NOTHING that I expected BUT I think it is a really good choice for this kind of book ending. At first it gave me mixed emotions... I did not know what to think, BUT you have to consider the purpose of Drowning. It gives a good reality check and it is good for everyone to read but especially for women who are abused and need help or support.
Very good written, easy to read and to get attached to the story and to Rebecca herself. I literally lived through the story-line, I experienced emotions with Rebecca, I saw what she saw. Characters were perfectly described and easy to imagine, dialogues were clean and realistic. Flashbacks made it even more special and emotional. Great book that just must be read and known!
I am excited to read the sequel, absolutely looking forward to it and glad to know the story is not over.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Drowning" is a very well written and important novel. Not having been in an abusive relationship before, I did not understand why women put up with being beaten and berated. But Drowning really presented a believable novel about a women with low self-esteem, married to an important doctor after all, who finds her marriage gradually falling apart. Her husband's anger and control gradually gets worse and she is in denial about it. And of course, who would suspect him of violence. I hope this book reaches out to women who need to see themselves in the novel and just get out before it is too late. I received the book as a Goodreads giveaway and I really liked it. Thanks

[Heather Hamel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katelin Maloney’s debut novel, Drowning, is an outstanding example of what has become an all too common reality for women living with domestic violence. It provides a harsh and realistic window into the lives of victims without pity or the ‘why do they stay’ mentality. The dream sequences are superb, lending depth and insight to Rebecca’s struggle.

This would make an excellent Book Club or Book-of-the-Month selection to open the lines of communication to anyone who may be experiencing any sort of domestic violence in their life. Excellent book!

[Debbie Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katelin Maloney has written a riveting story. I was mesmerized by the main character's (Rebecca) dire situation. Katelin deftly brings the reader into Rebecca's life---physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Like her friend, Anna, I was right there, begging Rebecca to leave Mitch. Thankfully I have never been involved in an abusive relationship, but now understand the calculating way an abusive partner can dominate, and how the excuses and rationalizations by the victim prolong the situation. Thank you Katelin, for writing a powerful book that opens the eyes of many.

[Amy Stevens]

I won this book from goodreads giveaways. It is a great book about a horrible domestic violence situation .. I wish she would have just left but sometimes it's not that easy and sadly she paid for not leaving