Aquarium, David Vann

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review*

Author: David Vann
Publisher: Cornerstone Digital
Pages: 272
Format: eArc
ISBN-10: B00P8K062O
Publisher: eBook | Hardcover

Caitlin lives with her mother. It is just the two of them and her mother has to work hard. After school Caitlin spends a lot of time at the aquarium in town waiting for her mother to get out of work. One day an old man approaches her and they become friends. When her mother finds out all kind of secrets are revealed.

This was a disturbing story I could not put down. Due to things happening to her in her past Caitlin's mother seems to have a nervous breakdown. She changed from something I considered as a loving woman in something really scary making me doubt my first impression. Though the developments in the story seem to be a bit much and over the top they all match in a way too.
Caitlin is a sweet girl, 12 years old an clearly on the search for an identity. I love how she uses the fish to describe emotions and feelings. How she projects human behaviour on them.
Both the old man and the mother have a weird vibe. As the story develops it becomes clear why. I did like the old man in the end. The mother not so much though I guess it was understandable.
A beautiful and vulnerable written story about forgiveness. Finding yourself. Losing people.

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