You know that feeling when you’re swimming in a lake, and suddenly the bottom drops away beneath your feet? That heart-stopping moment of vertigo, followed by the realization that you’re in much deeper water than you thought? That’s exactly what reading Sarah Sawyer’s debut novel, “The Undercurrent,” feels like.
This book, folks, is not your run-of-the-mill mystery thriller. Oh no. It’s a deep dive into the murky waters of family secrets, small-town whispers, and the lengths we’ll go to protect the ones we love – even if it means sacrificing a part of ourselves in the process.
The Lay of the Land
Alright, let’s set the scene. We’ve got three main players here, each with their own timeline and perspective:
- Bee: A new mom in 2011 Portland, Maine, struggling to keep her head above water.
- Mary: Bee’s mother, trapped in a loveless marriage in 1987 Texas.
- Diana: The neighbor across the street, fighting an uphill battle in academia and worrying about her son, Leo.
Throw in a missing girl, a decades-old mystery, and enough family drama to fuel a season of soap operas, and you’ve got the bones of “The Undercurrent” by Sarah Sawyer.
A Story That Pulls You Under
From the get-go, Sawyer’s writing grabs you by the ankles and drags you into the depths of her characters’ lives. The way she weaves together the different timelines and perspectives? It’s like watching a master puppeteer at work, each string perfectly tensioned to create a seamless performance.
The story kicks off when Bee, our sleep-deprived new mom, gets a blast from the past in the form of Leo, her childhood crush. He’s got news about her long-lost twin brother, Gus, and just like that, Bee’s carefully constructed life starts to unravel faster than a cheap sweater.
Meanwhile, back in ’87, we’ve got Mary, trying to be the perfect housewife while her world crumbles around her. And across the street, there’s Diana, juggling her academic ambitions with her concerns about her son, Leo. Oh, and did I mention there’s a missing girl thrown into the mix? Because yeah, that’s happening too.
Characters That Feel Like Old Friends (Or Enemies)
Let me tell you, Sawyer has a knack for creating characters that feel so real, you’ll swear you’ve met them before. Maybe at your high school reunion, or that awkward family gathering last Thanksgiving?
Bee: The Hot Mess Express
First up, we’ve got Bee. Oh, Bee. If you’ve ever been a new parent, you’ll relate to her on a spiritual level. The sleep deprivation, the constant worry, the feeling that you’re somehow screwing everything up? Sawyer nails it. But Bee’s not just a frazzled new mom—she’s a woman with a past, one that’s about to come knocking on her door with a vengeance.
Mary: The Desperate Housewife
Then there’s Mary, Bee’s mom. Talk about a character you want to shake and hug in equal measure. She’s trying so hard to be the perfect wife and mother, but it’s like watching someone try to bail out the Titanic with a teaspoon. You know it’s not going to end well, but you can’t look away.
Diana: The Academic Underdog
And let’s not forget Diana, the neighbor with big dreams and even bigger obstacles. Her struggle to make it in the male-dominated world of academia while trying to be a good mother? It’s frustratingly relatable, even decades later.
Themes That’ll Keep You Up at Night
Alright, let’s get deep for a second. “The Undercurrent” by Sarah Sawyer isn’t just a page-turner – it’s a book that’ll have you staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, contemplating life’s big questions.
The Weight of Secrets
One of the major themes running through this book is the destructive power of secrets. Every character is carrying something heavy, something they’re afraid to share. And watching how these secrets ripple out, affecting not just the secret-keeper but everyone around them? It’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck.
The Complexities of Motherhood
Sawyer doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to depicting the joys and struggles of motherhood. From Bee’s overwhelming love for her newborn to Mary’s desperate attempts to connect with her teenage twins, the book paints a nuanced picture of what it means to be a mother. It’s beautiful, it’s messy, and it’s painfully honest.
The Price of Ambition
Through Diana’s storyline, we get a hard look at the sacrifices women often have to make in pursuit of their dreams. It’s a theme that, unfortunately, still resonates today, making Diana’s chapters feel both historical and timely.
A Writing Style That Flows Like Water
Can we talk about Sawyer’s writing for a sec? Because hot damn, this woman can write. Her prose is like a river—sometimes it’s a gentle stream, lulling you into a false sense of security. Other times, it’s a raging torrent, sweeping you along whether you’re ready or not.
She’s got this knack for description that makes you feel like you’re right there in the scene. The humid Texas nights, the sterile chill of a Portland winter—you can practically feel it on your skin. And don’t even get me started on her dialogue. It’s snappy, it’s real, and it crackles with tension.
The Pacing: A Delicate Balance
Now, I’ll be honest—at times, the pacing can feel a bit like treading water. There are moments when you’re desperate to rush ahead, to find out what happens next. But Sawyer keeps you in check, forcing you to slow down and really sit with the characters and their emotions. It can be frustrating, sure, but it also makes the revelations hit that much harder when they finally come.
The Big Reveal: No Spoilers, But…
Look, I’m not going to ruin the ending for you. That would be like telling you who the killer is in the first five minutes of a murder mystery. But I will say this – when all the pieces finally come together, it’s like that moment when you break the surface after being underwater for too long. Everything suddenly becomes crystal clear, and you’re left gasping for air.
The Verdict: Dive In, The Water’s Fine (Sort Of)
So, should you read “The Undercurrent” by Sarah Sawyer? If you’re a fan of complex family dramas, slow-burn mysteries, and characters that’ll stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page—then hell yes, you should.
Fair warning, though—this isn’t a light beach read. It’s the kind of book that’ll make you think, make you feel, and maybe even make you call your mom to tell her you love her. It’s a debut novel that reads like it’s written by a seasoned pro, and it’s got me eagerly waiting to see what Sawyer comes up with next.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of Liane Moriarty’s family dramas
- Anyone who loved Celeste Ng’s “Little Fires Everywhere“
- Readers who enjoy multiple timelines and perspectives
- Those who appreciate a good slow-burn mystery
- Anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by parenthood (so… everyone?)
Final Thoughts
“The Undercurrent” by Sarah Sawyer is like that friend who always tells you the truth, even when it hurts. It’s not always comfortable, but damn, is it compelling. Sawyer has crafted a story that’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination, and it’s a journey well worth taking.
So go ahead, dive into “The Undercurrent.” Just remember to come up for air every once in a while. Trust me, you’re going to need it.
