A House at the Bottom of a Lake by Josh Malerman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
**3.5-stars**
During the summer they are seventeen, James and Amelia, go on their first date. They are both nervous, but decide to take a risk.
They take a canoe out on a local lake, with some sandwiches and beer; making a day of it. James has spent some time on the busy lake and knows a passageway to a connecting lake that sees less traffic; they can be alone.
It’s romantic, it’s adventurous and the two really hit if off.
As they are exploring the second lake they come across another waterway; a tunnel actually, that the canoe will fit into. They’re having so much fun, and not wanting to disappoint one another, they figure why not explore more.
Things get a little hairy for a bit, but ultimately they pop out in a third lake. It seems completely unoccupied. They paddle around marveling at their find and then they discover more.
Looking down into the water they spy the top of a house. A house actually submerged under the surface of the lake.
They take turns diving down and cannot believe what they find. A two-story house with an open door and multiple furnished rooms to explore.
It defies all logic. How can this be? The two are absolutely mesmerized by their discovery.
After that first date they begin to spend more and more time at the house. It has altered their lives, but not all is well in their home below the waves.
This is an interesting novella. I have mixed feelings about it. Part of me loves the speculative side of it, that allows the Reader to imagine the outcome and essential meaning. But another equal sized part of me wants more explanation.
Even James and Amelia are confused by it all. How the heck am I supposed to know what is going on?
I did find the writing intriguing. I liked James and Amelia taking a chance on one another and finding and sharing this obsession together. I think they both felt like there was nothing special about themselves and finding this house, and each other, made them special. It gave them meaning.
To me, the house was ominous. It felt like a predator fish that lurks in the deepest parts of the ocean. The one that has a light on its head to attract all the little innocent fishes. By the time they realize they are in danger, it’s too late.
You know the one, right?
Overall, A House at the Bottom of a Lake is a very interesting story. I think I got a good handle on Malerman’s style from reading this. I’m definitely interested in picking up more of his work. Personally, I would love to see a continuation of this story.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Del Rey, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I appreciate you!
