Book review: Breathing Under Water by Jacqueline Friedland
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Release date: Aug. 4, 2026
Goodreads rating: 4.36
My rating: 4.5
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I picked up Breathing Under Water because I was drawn to its focus on autism, caregiving, and the way two seemingly different lives become intertwined. I'm so glad I did. This story pulled me in right away, and before long I was completely invested in the characters, especially McKenna, whose resilience had me rooting for her every step of the way.
The story follows Berry, a vice principal trying to balance an ambitious career with raising her autistic teenage son, Leo, and McKenna, a college student whose life begins to unravel as she cares for her grandmother with dementia.
One of my favourite parts of the novel was Leo's portrayal. Jacqueline Friedland presents him as a capable young man with dreams for the future, showing how meaningful acceptance, inclusion, and the right opportunities can help someone thrive.
I also appreciated how naturally the novel weaves in the impact of socioeconomic circumstances without ever losing sight of the characters themselves.
I loved reading Friedland's author's note at the end, where she explains why these issues are so personal to her. It added another layer of meaning to an already moving story.
This was my first Jacqueline Friedland novel, but it definitely won't be my last.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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