Book Review: "In at the Deep End" by Kate Davies
“In at the Deep End” by Kate Davies
Synopsis: A deliciously disarming debut novel about a twenty-something Londoner who discovers that she may have been looking for love — and pleasure — in all the wrong places (i.e. from men).
Julia has had enough. Enough of the sex noises her roommate makes. Enough of her dead-end government job. Enough of the one-night stand who accused her of breaking his penis. The only thing she hasn’t had enough of is orgasms; she hasn’t had proper sex in three years.
So when Julia gets invited to a warehouse party in a part of town where trendy people who have lots of sex go on a Friday night, she readily accepts. And that night she meets someone: a conceptual artist, who also happens to be a woman.
Julia’s sexual awakening begins; her new lesbian life is exhilarating. She finds her tribe at queer swing dancing classes, and guided by her new lover Sam, she soon discovers London’s gay bars and BDSM clubs . . . and the complexities of polyamory. Soon it becomes clear that Sam needs to call the shots, and Julia’s newfound liberation comes to bear a suspicious resemblance to entrapment . . .
In at the Deep End is an unforgettable and audacious odyssey through the pitfalls and seductions we encounter on the treacherous path to love and self.—Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Rating (out of 5): 4
Review: I saw this book at a local bookstore and was intrigued by the synopsis, so borrowed it from the library. This is an ultra-raunchy Bridget Jones-esque tale about a young woman finding herself. I liked this book so very much and related to Julia’s feeling of purposelessness after being forced to leave ballet. She is wandering through her new life searching for meaning, and ends up finding it in an entirely unexpected way.
I will warn you that the sex in the book is ultra, shockingly graphic. It’s also funny and absolutely serves to further the plot, but be forewarned! As Julia navigates her new experiences, she learns what feels right for her and what ultimately won’t work.
I scanned some GoodRead reviews and want to also warn you that some people found Julia’s relationship with Sam very triggering. It is absolutely an emotionally abusive relationship, so be prepared for that dynamic before reading. I will say that a minor fault of the book is that Sam never seemed appealing in any way beyond a one-night stand. She’s controlling and hot-and-cold from the start, and as naive as Julia is, it makes for a dangerous combination.
There is an adorable subplot about an elderly widower whom Julia befriends via letter at her government job. Their correspondence is heartbreakingly sweet, and shows us how lovely Julia truly is.
It is rare that I laugh out loud at a book, and this one had me snorting on the subway. It’s charmingly irreverent and sweet, and absolutely deserves your giving it a try.
TL';DR: A graphic and funny story about coming (and the other kind of coming) into yourself. A likable if naive narrator who is endearing and truly laugh out loud funny.
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