The Drowning House: A Novel
Black’s first novel is an atmospheric exploration of the island of Galveston, Texas, and the intertwined histories of two families who reside there. After the death of her daughter, grief-stricken photographer Clare Porterfield returns home to Galveston to construct an exhibit of historic photographs. Prepared to lose herself in the project, Clare instead finds herself drawn into the complicated relationship her family has with the Carradays. She learns patriarch Will has been having a decades-long affair with her mother, Eleanor, while Clare’s own desire to seek out Will’s son, Patrick, her childhood companion and crush, is thwarted at every turn. Clare is soon absorbed in a century-old mystery as she tries to piece together the fate of Stella Carraday, who supposedly perished in the hurricane that struck the island in 1900. As she uncovers the secret of Stella’s fate, she is forced to confront truths about her own past as well as her grief over her daughter’s death. A slow burn that rewards the reader with several shocking reveals and twists toward the end. --Kristine Huntley--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.