Interesting deep dive into the psyche of a highly flawed man, we get to read his inner monologue as he processes an unexpected divorce. Eddie is complex, confused and generally unlikable. I did not like the ending of this book, but the sentiments on marriage, relationships of all types, and how our childhood experiences shape us, were interesting.
I give this a 3/5.

This short yet poignant novel follows Eddie, whose world is turned upside down when his wife announces that their marriage is over and she wants a divorce. Rather than confronting the issues at hand, Eddie escapes on a week-long vacation, where he encounters a series of unforgettable characters that help him reflect on his life and choices.

The story unfolds through Eddie’s stream-of-consciousness narration, filled with moments of introspection and alcohol-fueled musings. At times, the narrative is unexpectedly funny, and other times, it veers into somewhat predictable territory. While the brevity of the novel is usually something I don’t mind, in this case, I found myself wishing the story had been a bit longer. The conclusion, though satisfying, left me wanting more—particularly regarding the future of the diverse cast of characters Eddie meets along the way.

In the end, I did enjoy this book, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it could have benefited from a deeper exploration of Eddie’s journey and the people who impact his life, now and in the future.

What do you do when the person you need to escape is yourself?

original published in French.

this story hit like a gut punch. Eddie’s life is unraveling. his wife blindsides him with “I think I’m done,” and instead of dealing with it, he bolts. he lands in Greece carrying nothing but regret, denial, and a tendency to say the wrong thing at the worst time. surrounded by strangers, stunning sunsets he feels unworthy of, and the weight of his own past, Eddie spirals between self-destruction and the faint hope of something better. the writing is good, poetic without trying too hard, sharp but deeply human. the way the author captures Eddie’s messy, self-deprecating humor makes you root for him, even when he’s making all the wrong choices. and the setting? Rhodes is practically its own character, with its blinding sun, heavy heat, and endless sea that mirrors Eddie’s internal storm. it's raw, there's no dramatic, movie-style redemption arc. the author gives us something real: a man fumbling toward self-awareness, slipping up, trying again. the book explores masculinity, grief, and the terrifying question of what comes after you lose everything you thought defined you.

i flew through this novel and felt hollowed out by the end, in the way only the best books can do. it lingers. it makes you think. it you’ve ever felt lost, if you’ve ever run from your own reflection, this one will hit home. a stunning, painfully relatable read. 3.75 ⭐️

thank you for the arc!

Edward is a 40-year-old man rejoicing in an apparently full life with his children, wife, and financial stability, when, all of a sudden, Mathilda blatantly says, "I think I'm done," thus ending their 20-ish-year marriage. With a planned trip to the Isle of Rhodes, Greece, Edward decides to travel solo—turning what should have been a romantic vacation into the perfect miserable one.

Originally published in French, Above the Waterline is François Domain's second novel translated into English,—I could find no mention of the translator— exploring themes of loneliness, grief, self-identity, and healing. Domain's prose is vivid, witty, and injected with dad humour. Arriving in Rhodes in an isolated hotel undergoing repairs, Edward, Eddie, Ed immediately stiffens against any possibility of relaxation or enjoyment. He is an unlikeable character, frequently complaining and being rude to anyone in his path. The chapters are short and medium-paced (for a character-driven novel), alternating between present time and Eddie’s past memories with his family. Despaired to make sense of his situation, he frequently converses with his ex-wife Mathilda in his mind, unable to see his own shortcomings.

At the hotel, he meets a couple Gabriel and Vanilla, key characters in his unbuttoning. Domain's portrayal of Edward is clinical, exposing every intricacy of his mind. He is obsessive about spreadsheets and planning, always wanting to experience every tourist trap with the sole aim of completing the tasks, not having fun. Unfortunately, I found Eddie extremely annoying and unpleasant; And for a 40-year-old man, he sounds more like a 20-year-old brat. We soon learn that his family is fragmented and partially estranged.

We follow Edward through all his stages of grief, observing his slow journey toward making peace with himself. After the halfway point, he begins to let go, allowing himself to have fun as he explores the roads of Rhodes, parties, and relaxes on stunning beaches accessible only by cruise. Slowly, he builds a sense of community, realizing that he is still capable of forming new friendships—a fear many adults face later in life.

When I requested this novel, it was categorized under LGBTQIA+, yet for most of the book, I only saw a bitter, cisgender, heterosexual man delivering jokes reminiscent of generic American rom coms—not my taste. Ultimately, while the novel explores healing and self-reflection, it failed to leave a lasting impression on me. Still, I appreciate the experience of reading more of French literature, and could recommend it if you can tolerate the issues I found and have interest in character-driven narratives with a modern voice.

Thank you, Francois Domain for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

i liked how this book was about a man going through this. so often (not saying its a bad thing) we see the woman going through something similar. and i think more books about mens journey through the same situations could actually be more helpful than we think. as even i learnt a few things. and saw different sides that i might not of. but also realized how very together and similar we are or can be when going through things. and the difference really comes from the world. and who we are as people. but we all feel. and can all be hurt. and can all fall down that set of ladders.
Eddie is our main character. And his life falls apart when his wife of decades just says she is done. so what does he do. he just goes. walks. runs. just goes away. and what follows is the stages of grief and loss. and what he will do next and what he will do now to navigate such huge emotional shifts.
i thought Francois descriptions of what Edie was going through real rippled through and off the pages. it never felt over or underdone. its didnt feel too much so it toppled the read but nor did it hide the raw feeling Edie must be feeling.
so much in life can hurt so much. and some of us manage better than others. and its good to keep reminding ourself what other might or must be going through at any given time. so when we meet them. we will only ever meet them where they are at.

Above the Waterline by Francois Domain

Summary:
Above the Waterline by Francois Domain tells the poignant story of Edward, also known as Eddie, a middle-aged man whose life is upended when his wife of nearly two decades tells him she wants a divorce. Faced with this heartbreaking revelation, Eddie embarks on a journey of self-discovery during a vacation to Rhodes. As he navigates the various stages of grief, the book explores how these emotions shape his sense of identity and impact his life moving forward.

Opinion:
Francois Domain's Above the Waterline is a deeply introspective exploration of themes such as resilience, hope, grief, and self-discovery. Through Eddie's journey, Domain beautifully captures the complexities of emotional pain and personal growth. The stages of grief Eddie experiences, from denial to acceptance, are portrayed with striking detail, allowing readers to truly feel his inner turmoil. Domain's writing pulls the reader into Eddie’s emotional world, making his heartache, confusion, and eventual transformation feel authentic and relatable.

The novel also delves into Eddie's struggle with his own sense of identity, as he tries to reconcile his past with the uncertainty of his future. This inner conflict, coupled with his grieving process, adds a layer of depth to the story. However, I did find some of the flashback scenes a bit jarring, as they seemed to interrupt the flow of the narrative and could occasionally confuse the reader.

Overall, Above the Waterline is a compelling read that beautifully explores the process of healing and self-discovery in the face of heartbreak. The emotional depth of the story, paired with Domain's vivid writing, makes it a book worth reading, particularly for those who appreciate introspective, character-driven narratives.