4.5 stars
This book contains a kernel or two of truth and historical fact, explained at the end. It’s concerned with breathing, or the inability to do so. There are three main protagonists and we dip into each story. It can be a little disorientating as these individuals’ stories also move up and down their timeline so you need your wits about you. Each chapter is clearly marked with ‘who’ and ‘when’. The writing can be hugely evocative but also a bit jerky – sentence fragments etc. However, the book itself hangs together as a really unusual telling of a very memorable tale. I raced through it and enjoyed it immensely.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House for the chance to read an early copy of this book.

You must read this beautiful, riveting novel.
There are three main stories within it.
In 1899 a young girl becomes a companion to an elderly Parisian woman, and a love affair leads to a series of terrible events, and to the banks of the River Seine.
In the 1950s, a Norwegian toy-maker writes a love letter to his little boy.
And in present day Toronto, journalist Anouk struggles to breathe as she battles with cystic fibrosis.
The three stories are linked in unexpected ways but it’s not a book that has a pat ending that neatly ties up the loose ends.
The stories have the same themes running through them: breathing, rivers and the freedom of wild swimming, drowning.
Leipciger’s writing is utterly sublime and poetic. It is also compelling and this novel is just a really gripping good read.
One of those novels that feels so real, you feel bereft at finishing and having to say goodbye to the characters: highly recommended.

I think this book will polarise readers, who will either love it or not. Let me tell you why......... the book is a series of short, beautifully written tableau, telling the stories of three different families, and if you spend all the book wondering how and when the stories will converge, you may be disappointed, as the links are pretty tenuous. However, if you read it with an open mind and accept it for the thoughtful, compassionate and stunningly characterised book that it is, you will love it. It worked for me and I will certainly be looking out for more from this author.