Miri thinks she has got her wife back, when Leah finally returns after a deep-sea mission that ended in catastrophe. It soon becomes clear, though, that Leah is not the same. Whatever happened in that vessel, whatever it was they were supposed to be studying before they were stranded on the ocean floor, Leah has brought part of it back with her, onto dry land and into their home.

Moving through something that only resembles normal life, Miri comes to realize that the life that they had before might be gone. Though Leah is still there, Miri can feel the woman she loves slipping from her grasp.

Our Wives Under The Sea is the debut novel from Julia Armfield, the critically acclaimed author of Salt Slow. It’s a story of falling in love, loss, grief, and what life there is in the deep deep sea.

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“I want to explain her in a way that would make you love her, but the problem with this is that loving is something we all do alone and through different sets of eyes.”

The plot, in general, is exceptionally deep, carrying a dark and distressing undertone. It evokes powerful emotions, making it remarkably thought-provoking. The ending leaves a sense of emptiness, but the brilliance lies in the author’s plot creation and movement, creating a captivating experience that’s challenging to put into words. A testament to the author’s unique style.

Plot: These kinds of plots can’t be precisely explained without risking spoilers or revealing too much. I believe it’s one of those books where you must experience the journey firsthand. However, I can share a bit in my own words to give you a spoiler-free understanding.

So, Miri joyfully welcomes back her wife, Leah, from a deep-sea mission gone wrong. Yet, Leah returns changed by mysterious events on the ocean floor. As they navigate a semblance of normal life, Miri grapples with the realization that their past may be irretrievable, sensing Leah slipping away.

Characters: The characters are realistically portrayed, with both Miri and Leah providing dual points of view, offering a broader perspective on their decisions and repercussions. This dual POV allows a thorough exploration of Miri’s feelings and Leah’s experiences, fostering a strong connection with their relationship. The emphasis on loss and depression may be sensitive for some readers, but the characters are solid and relatable, contributing to the conflicts in their lives.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere is my favorite aspect of this book. It wonderfully explores the mysteries of the ocean’s depths, vividly described and expertly intertwined with the characters’ emotions. It’s a great example of creating an atmospheric book without overwhelming descriptions, striking a perfect balance that sparks the imagination. The focus on the ocean’s depths, obsession, and fascination adds depth to the narrative, presenting characters that project societal divisions.

I really enjoyed the submarine scenes, they are full of physical sensations and are extremely atmospheric, making it a very vivid experience.

Writing Style: The writing style is poetic and emotionally charged, sober in its descriptions. The author skillfully leaves much to the reader’s imagination, contributing to the overall brilliance. The style is enjoyable, never feeling burdensome, and adeptly manages the timeline, creating a dynamic and fluid reading experience.

Strengths: The brilliant writing style and captivating atmosphere are the standout features of this book.

Weaknesses: Some meandering scenes may feel unnecessary for character development, considering the book’s brevity. The book, while atmospherically eerie, might not fully fit into the horror genre, leaning more towards a poetic and melancholic tone.

Final Thoughts: An immensely enjoyable book that elicits a range of emotions as you delve into the characters’ lives. While not a cheerful read, it touches on sensitive themes, such as grief, let go, loneliness, despair, and depression, evoking a dark tone. Brilliantly written, especially considering it’s the author’s debut novel. Bravo! I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Do I recommend it?: YES, for sure! The book is short but intense, and it delves into sensitive issues. It has a dark side that explores the mysteries of the sea and the restlessness surrounding its depths. The story is told between two points of view, making it very dynamic. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for sensitive people or if you are going through a delicate moment, as it could be triggering due to the melancholy and issues it touches. It also has quite raw and descriptive scenes.

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