Marisa Reichardt’s “Underwater” is a Testament to sucesess

By Valor Gosch

Staff Writer

Marisa Reichardt’s “Underwater” is a triumphant addition to the young adult fiction genre, breathing fresh air into a dying genre.

The story follows Morgan Grant a young woman dealing with PTSD and anxiety all due to a school shooting. After these events, Morgan begins to develop a keen fear of the outdoors which becomes so debilitating that she stays in her own house for four months. Morgan’s bubble however is popped by a strange new arrival.

“Underwater” plot is a simple  hero’s journey story which, despite its minimalism, is executed well enough that it’s not entirely guessable and there is some uncertainty too the story. The real meat of the story comes froms Reichardt’s almost poetic prose which adds a distinct feel too the story.  

Morgan Grants, started off as a stereotypical character with plethora of mental illness stories that young adult fiction novels tended to try selling, however, she is not played out as a victim but somebody who honestly can not cope and hates the fact others trying to pity her.

“Underwater” manages to have interesting and engaging characters that are always multidimensional and not just used as means to spout exposition in order to further the plot of the book. The depth of the characters is deepened by the world presented to them, like for the main character’s brother is shown to be not just an ordinary six year old because of his ability to question those around him.

The book underwater seems to have been written to help reach out those whom suffer from a mental illness such as anxiety and PTSD. Using Morgan Grant as a catalyst for the entire mental illness movement the book tries to convey the message that it is perfectly fine to seek out treatment for sickness.

“Underwater” hits its target with pinpoint accuracy in the portrayal of anxiety and PTSD thanks to wonderfully detailed writing and literary devices Reichardt makes the unbelievable small world of Morgan big but claustrophobic at the same time.

All in all the time spent reading “Underwater” was a well spent three days. The book once released will most likely be priced at twenty dollars for hardback once the book is released on january 12.