4.5 Star Review of TO SWIM BENEATH THE EARTH by Ginger Bensman

See full issue for 2017 05-01
 

The Rundown

Megan Kimsey has the ability to see into the future and she also has vivid memories of living a past life 400 years ago. Her mother treats these visions as evidence of a mental breakdown and sends her to a psychiatrist for treatment. When several of her premonitions come to pass, however, Megan accepts the truth about her psychic abilities. After she foresees two major tragedies in her life, she decides to leave her home in Colorado and travel to South America. With the help of local archeologists, a past life hypnotist, and a medicine woman, Megan uncovers the story of her past life. It is a story with an incomplete ending and so she sets out on a dangerous expedition, hoping to follow through on a 400-year-old promise.

In To Swim Beneath the Earth Bensman serves up an appealing mixture of adventure, mystery, the supernatural, family dynamics and a dash of romance. The storyline may seem complex but it is also original and thought-provoking. Megan’s journey to a distant and foreign land serves as a medium for her to comprehend who she is and discover her own strength and true purpose.

This is certainly a beautifully written novel. Bensman is very descriptive and her language can be breathtaking at times: “There’s barely a sound, no wind, just the occasional groan of ice cracking. It’s as if God is holding His breath.” Bensman’s lovely writing carries the novel even though some of the descriptive passages slow the progression of the story. Some trimming may have improved the novel’s flow although the richness of the language is always wonderfully expressive. All things considered, this is a refreshing and delightfully imaginative book. It is both enjoyable and satisfying.

 

 


The Recommendation

To Swim Beneath the Earth should delight readers who enjoy literary fiction and appreciate beautiful language. It’s a novel that pulls the reader completely into its world. Those who enjoy mystical fiction will certainly relish Bensman’s inventive plotline, psychic phenomenon and past lives. It may not be a good fit for readers searching exclusively for fast-paced action but will certainly satisfy those who revel in a rich story told with detail and depth.


The Rating Reviewer Rating: 4.5 Stars

4.5 Stars (out of 5): Highly recommended. This book is a great read. It can hold its own against any traditionally published novel in its genre, and surpasses many.

The Pros & Cons

Pros: Characterization, Plot, Prose
Cons: Slow in Places

The Links

More about To Swim Beneath the Earth on UBR

The Reviewer

Candi Sary

Visit Candi Sary‘s website.
 

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