One Breath from Drowning

by Kent Quaney

One Breath from Drowning tracks the foundering relationship between Ryan Jensen, a lapsed Mormon from Utah and heretofore closeted aspiring actor, and Sam Carter, a cocky party- and surf-loving Australian realtor whose family connections and wealth have buffered him from the most severe consequences of his impulsive nature and poor decision-making. Their genuine yet tumultuous love is strained by their tendencies for self-deception and avoidance, their secrets and their baggage, and the ways their past choices haunt their present.
 
The two men find moments of joy and humor together in Sydney, but arrests, infidelities, and addictions force them to finally face the issues holding them back. Though it initially presents as a love story, One Breath from Drowning is a tale of spiritual bildungsroman told in parallel. Ryan and Sam’s conflict and love ultimately push each of them to evolve, their transformation not the result of reckless acts of escape but the product of the fitful and difficult work of grappling with their complex realities.

224 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2022

Reviews

[Christian Villarruel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Ryan and Sam’s relationship and each personal’s struggles that impact their relationship with each other, and how they try to address their struggles while also working on their relationship. But I found the end to be somewhat lackluster and almost random for what I’ve read about each of the characters.

[Caleb Tankersley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complex look at love, religion, sexuality, and the baggage we all carry (and lie about) in relationships. The characters are real and very complex. And the setting is vividly drawn. Excellent character arcs and excellent writing.

[Adrianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

this story had so much more potential then it got. wish it had. the ending was deeply disappointing.