BOOK REVIEW: How to Breathe Underwater, by Julie Orringer

(first pub. by Penguin, 2003, reprinted 2005)
This review refers to the edition published by Viking 2004, 226 pages, pb

IT is unusual for the first book by a young new writer to be a volume of short stories. These vibrant tales describing the myriad of confusing emotions we all experienced growing up, as teenagers and even young adults were first published in American literary publications before being brought together in the present volume.

The writing is simple (yet never simplistic), unpretentious and unadorned, yet Orringer’s clever use of words occasionally causes one to pause reflectively as she rekindles feelings almost forgotten in the reader.

The nine stories in this collection deal with first experiences of emotions as seen through the eyes of a young person. In each case the result is one of personal growth and learning for that child or teenager, not only in terms of familiarisation with themselves, but also with the wider world and the behaviour of others, friends, family members and others on the periphery of their acquaintances. Most of the stories show the vulnerably in all of us, how easily we can be hurt by the words or actions of others. Orringer’s writing draws the reader in to the extent that he can identify with, be touched by and almost share the rollercoaster of feelings which the youngsters in her tales have to deal with.

In Isabel Fish fourteen year old Maddy learns to overcome her fear of water. When She is Old and I am Famous is about envy, divided loyalties, feeling used, unexpected compassion. The Smoothest Way is Full of Stones is a coming of age tale. In Care a young woman shows how not to look after a six year old on a day out. Stars of Motown Shining Bright is about secrets, guilty love, teenagers learning the power of playing people off against one another.

Here is a showcase for compassion, confusion, envy, fear, guilt, humility, regret. Each gem, through its quiet artfulness, leaves a lingering impression, a sense of pleasure not immediately forgotten - not unlike a fine wine.

22/07/06