I read a review which called this book “a dark and propulsive campus novel with witchy undercurrents”. This was when I knew I had to request an ARC. Oh it did not disappoint.

I am a big fan of dark academia books - when they are done well. Done poorly they are cliched, lacking any intrigue or inspiration. However this was far from lacking.

The scene was immediately set with the first chapter. Without being too explicit in its wording, it still revealed the loss and isolation felt due to Serena’s injury. The lack of reference almost made her loss feel more real.

The developing relationship with Jane felt so tangible, highlighting the places people will go for those who have influence over them. The desire to do as they want, to be who they want to be, and be cared for because of it.

The multiple time points was well managed, allowing us to better understand Serena’s motivation.

This is a fantastic book, with a thread of magic running throughout it. The use of water is beautiful and the introduction of fire is exciting and the perfect juxtaposition.

The writing style is very accessible and makes it an easy read, so while the plot is slower, it keeps you hooked. I could vividly picture the setting through the description and it reminded me of several places I have visited myself.

The characters are complex, with their obsessions and flaws drawing you in.

Overall, a brilliant book.

This is a very difficult review to write. Simultaneously enraging, spellbinding and 'wait what just happened' confusion-inducing, THE DROWNINGS is a book I think I'll return to in a few years and appreciate more.

Tapping into the witcherature trend of the hour, the novel sees Serena and a group of Leysham University students rise up against a modern day tide of spikings and a historical legacy of violence against women.

Serena is also a former competitive swimmer and, as I share her background, this was my primary reason for requesting this book and I didn't expect that it would fall into sub-plot territory so swiftly as it was overtaken by the activism narrative.

I'm also not convinced that this is a story of obsession and betrayal, as the synopsis suggests. Jealousy, anger, identity, competition and a desire for change - these for me are the themes that bleed from the pages.

There are some passages in here that will stick with me for a very long time. We all are witches, after all.

The Drownings by Hazel Barkworth tells the story of Serena,from her childhood ,when she enters the world of competitive swimming, to her academic career at Leysham University,alongside a river where witch trials were performed. From the high expectations and borderline abusive expectations and behaviour of her swimming coach and mother Serena gets to Leysham and discovers that young women are being assaulted there with little interest in apprehending,let alone punishing the culprits. With the help of enigmatic lecturer Jane she decides that enough is enough and it's time for action.

This is part coming of age novel,part feminist polemic. Don't let that description put you off,it's also a great story with several important messages and I'd recommend this book for late teens as well as older readers a guide to what it's like too often to be female in our society. The book addresses expectations, choices, sexism, patriarchy ,consent and the good and bad sides of social media amongst several other themes. It's a book that will make you think,possibly make you angry as well. It's very well-written,in particular the characterisation and as I read I felt I really knew the main characters as people rather than fictional figures.

I really loved this book. The mention of witches or witch trials is enough of a hook to get my interest but this was something different. Zara and Serena are cousins. Two years apart. Serena the budding championship swimmer whilst chubby little Zara vies for any attention. Several years later they are both at a university with witch trials and drownings in its history. Zara is now successful and Serena is in her shadow. The story continues around the rivalry between the cousins with the added influence of a history lecturer with her own agenda using her influence on her students to get her revenge. Both characters are very relatable. Both are at times very likeable and at others in need of a good talking to! I'm sure we all have cousins like this.
The story of the drowned witches runs through the book as the man responsible for their deaths was the benefactor of the university and is now revered as such. His misogynistic and cruel attitude and behaviour copied by his acolytes and tolerated by those in power. Anyone brave enough to rise up against them doesn't stand a chance......or do they?
A great read with a brilliant ending. Well worth a 5* review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

#TheDrownings #NetGalley
Engrossing. 5 ⭐
Serena arrives on campus reeling from the injury that destroyed her champion swimming career. She is lost until she meets Jane, an enigmatic tutor obsessed with the historic witch trials that took place in Leysham's freezing waters. When several young women are assaulted, the university's shadowy legacy becomes inescapable. Those in power turn a blind eye, but Jane urges Serena and her friends to rise up. As their anger builds into an inferno of female rage, Serena takes matters into her own hands. Leysham has reawakened something within her, a dark, impossible power. In the waters, she can see what must be done and the sacrifice it will demand
Loved this one. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Review for giving me an advance copy.