Customer Reviews

The Drowning Room

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

Michael Pye creates a vivid portrait of a real-life 17th century woman. His fictional depiction of the non-fictional Gretje Reyniers is mindful of Defoe's characterization of Moll Flanders in his novel of the same name. For this alone, The Drowning Room is worth reading. However, if you're not a fan of slow-paced novels, 17th century history, or you're more intrigued with plot development, dialogue and/or other elements of fiction, don't waste your time . . . you wouldn't make it past page 10.

An excellent adventure story with a wealth of small details that actually make the historical period come alive, like being transported through time. Literary and sophisticated, worth a reader's time

The author has an interesting voice, and some of the scenes, like the drowning room, are quite striking. Mostly the book is sensory rather than descriptive in that the author creates an emotional state for the reader rather than conveys information. For example, I understood the interior world of the main character, but I had a hard time picturing her surroundings. It's also challenging because the "story" is not linear or very satisfying in the end. I imagine The Drowning Room would be better in one sitting, rather than over a few months like I read it. Overall, I was disappointed because I hoped to learn more about life in New Amsterdam, but I imagine this would be a refreshing read for the right reader.

I actually picked up this book without reading what it was about... big mistake!! It's about out of my usual league but even so, it's not that bad.
I'm only on page 60 right now, and it really is a very slow moving book. You have to read a lot into what it is you're reading, rather than just accepting it, otherwise you'll have it thrown out in no time!!
I guess some interest in how life would've been like in the 17th century would help you make it through this book. But, having said that, I hadn't a clue about it and I'mstill at it.
Basically, it's about this lady Gretje who took off from her mom to start a life of her own. She's a bit exaggerated in all fairness, but that I suppose, just makes it that bit easier to read :)

I just finished The Drowning Room and even though it was only 250 pages, it took determination to actually finish it. I understand that the author came across the main character during his research on a history of New York City and was so facinated by her that he felt compelled to write a fictional account of her story. He should not have bothered. The only thing that I took from the book was some idea of what life in New Amsterdam was like during Dutch rule there.

I read this book because it received a good review in the newspaper and I am interested in history. I thought a book about Holland and New Amsterdam would be worth reading. This book, in my opinion was not. It's too bad because I believe it is a good subject.