Man, what a journey. I admit that I did not read the blurb of this book before I started it; sometimes I just like to wander into a story completely blind. I definitely should've peeked at the trigger warnings beforehand, so definitely do that before diving into this book.

A Study in Drowning was a challenging read for me. In more ways than one, I unfortunately related to Effy's plights. At no point in her arc did I ever question her decisions or feelings because I've been exactly where she was. There's a specific part that I had to outline just so I could reference it in this review. Effy questions whether survival is all there is to her, to which Preston would say "You're not just one thing. Survival is something you do, not something you are." I'm not being dramatic when I say that is one of the most profound dialogues I've ever read in a book. Especially in the context of their discussion. It healed something in me that I thought was long past forgotten and buried. 

The trauma that Effy survived was something that infuriated me to the bone. School, at any level, is supposed to be a safe place to learn. I know as well as Effy that for many girls, it can be the total opposite. Effy was taken advantage by disgusting men in positions of high power. She was verbally accosted and harassed by her male peers, all because they were threatened by a woman in their college. It seemed all Effy could do was put her head down and endure. But endure to what extent? When will it finally be enough? When Effy reaches that point, she finds her voice and uses it to pave a brighter future for her life at university. It was inspiring and immensely gratifying to read Effy reclaim her power. I audibly cheered for her and cried for good measure! 

I gleaned a lot from this book and I think I'll carry this story, and Effy, with me for the rest of my life.