The Drowning of Arthur Braxton
385
Novel • Fiction
England • 2010s
2013
YA
18+ years
The Drowning of Arthur Braxton by Caroline Smailes follows a young person named Arthur Braxton, who discovers a magical, abandoned swimming bath. Within this mysterious place, Arthur encounters individuals with extraordinary abilities, leading to profound changes in his life. The narrative intertwines themes of love, isolation, and self-discovery.
Dark
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Unnerving
Emotional
2,261 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Drowning of Arthur Braxton by Caroline Smailes receives mixed reviews. Praised for its unique blend of magical realism and gritty urban life, the novel captivates with its emotional depth and lyrical prose. However, some readers find the narrative style disjointed. Overall, it is an intriguing but polarizing read that challenges conventional storytelling.
Fans of The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern may enjoy The Drowning of Arthur Braxton for its blend of magical realism and coming-of-age themes, appealing to readers who appreciate whimsical yet dark narratives about love, self-discovery, and myth.
2,261 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Drowning of Arthur Braxton was adapted into a film in 2020 by Luke Cutforth, marking his directorial debut and funded through a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.
Caroline Smailes initially released the book in 2013 as part of a project with Friday Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.
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The novel is known for its unique blending of myth, reality, and the supernatural, creating a coming-of-age story with an otherworldly twist.
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385
Novel • Fiction
England • 2010s
2013
YA
18+ years
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