Sophia Soames' Open Water is a poignant exploration of the complexities of modern life, love, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of Stockholm, the novel intricately weaves together the lives of three distinct yet interconnected characters, each grappling with their own personal struggles. Through the lens of Lukas Myrtengren, Tom Andersson, and Max Andersson, Soames crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

At the heart of the novel is Lukas Myrtengren, a mentor teacher in biology and maths at Östra Real Senior School. Lukas is a character many readers will find themselves empathizing with. In his late thirties, he embodies the quintessential modern dilemma: the expectation of having life figured out juxtaposed with the reality of feeling lost. Lukas’ life is a testament to the notion that age does not always equate to wisdom or stability. His journey is one of introspection and the relentless pursuit of meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and unforgiving. Soames skillfully portrays Lukas as a man who, despite his professional competence, is struggling to keep his personal life from unraveling. His love life is in disarray, and his mental state is a jumble of confusion and desperation. Yet, there is a resilience in Lukas that is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, as he endeavors to piece together the fragments of his life.

In contrast, Tom Andersson, an emergency room doctor and single father, presents a different facet of the human experience. Tom’s narrative is a raw depiction of the challenges of parenthood, particularly as a single parent. His relationship with his seventeen-year-old son, Max, is fraught with tension and miscommunication. Tom’s struggle is not just with the external pressures of his demanding job but also with the internal turmoil of feeling inadequate as a father. Soames captures the essence of Tom’s character through his relentless efforts to connect with Max, despite the emotional chasm that seems to widen with each passing day. Tom’s story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of familial relationships and the often-unspoken burdens that come with them.

Max Andersson, the third protagonist, is perhaps the most compelling character in Open Water. At seventeen, Max is navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence, identity, and unrequited love. His self-description as “gay AF” and an “emotional wreck” is both candid and endearing. Max’s narrative is a vivid portrayal of the struggles faced by many young people today—feelings of inadequacy, confusion, and the desperate yearning for acceptance and love. Soames’ depiction of Max is both authentic and empathetic, capturing the raw emotions of a teenager on the brink of adulthood. Max’s journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, as he learns to embrace his identity and find his place in a world that often feels overwhelming.

Thematically, Open Water delves into the intricacies of human relationships, the search for identity, and the universal quest for meaning and connection. Soames’ writing is both evocative and insightful, offering readers a window into the inner lives of her characters. The novel’s title, Open Water, serves as a metaphor for the characters’ experiences—each of them adrift in their own way, searching for direction and purpose amidst the vastness of life’s uncertainties.

Soames’ ability to create such richly developed characters is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their own distinct voice and perspective. The interplay between Lukas, Tom, and Max is both complex and nuanced, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human relationships. Soames’ prose is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the essence of her characters’ struggles and triumphs with grace and sensitivity.

In comparison to other contemporary novels that explore similar themes, such as Sally Rooney’s Normal People or Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life, Open Water stands out for its unique setting and the depth of its character development. While Rooney and Yanagihara also delve into the intricacies of human relationships and identity, Soames’ novel offers a fresh perspective through its focus on the interconnected lives of its three protagonists. The Stockholm setting adds an additional layer of depth to the narrative, providing a vivid backdrop for the characters’ journeys.

Overall, Open Water is a beautifully crafted novel that resonates with readers on multiple levels. Soames’ exploration of the human condition is both profound and relatable, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery. The novel’s impact lies in its ability to capture the essence of its characters’ experiences with authenticity and empathy, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of the human experience.

For readers who appreciate character-driven narratives and introspective storytelling, Open Water is a must-read. Sophia Soames has crafted a novel that is both timeless and timely, offering a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the enduring quest for connection and meaning.