The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding is lauded for its engrossing plot and well-developed characters, delivering suspense and unexpected twists. Some readers appreciate the psychological depth and tension, while critics note occasional pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it’s an engaging read for thriller enthusiasts who enjoy complex narratives.

Readers who enjoy dark, psychological thrillers with intricate plots and complex female characters, similar to The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins or The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, will likely be drawn to Robyn Harding's The Drowning Woman.

The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding follows a woman experiencing homelessness, who witnesses another person contemplating an act of desperation. This encounter leads to a complicated relationship that unravels hidden secrets and tests their survival instincts in unexpected ways. It's a suspenseful tale of trust, identity, and the intricate bonds between seemingly disparate lives.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Emotional

**Lee Gulliver**  
A former restauranteur who became unhoused after financial struggles and navigates life with resilience and a developing sense of self-forgiveness.

**Hazel Laval**  
A talented baker trapped in an abusive marriage, she finds friendship with Lee while striving for independence and safety amidst her personal struggles.

**Jesse Thomas (Carter Sumner)**  
Initially a romantic interest for Lee, he is a personal trainer with a secretive past who becomes central to the novel's tension.

**Benjamin Laval**  
Hazel's husband, a wealthy and powerful attorney with a cruel streak, who exerts control and manipulation in his relationship with Hazel.

Robyn Harding

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Drowning Woman Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Drowning Woman Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Lee”

Part 1, Chapters 1-13

The Drowning Woman Part 1, Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 14-23

The Drowning Woman Part 1, Chapters 14-23 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Hazel”

Part 2 The Drowning Woman Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Lee”

Part 3 The Drowning Woman Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Hazel”

Part 4-Epilogue

The Drowning Woman Part 4-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Drowning Woman Character Analysis

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Themes

The Drowning Woman Themes

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The Drowning Woman Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Drowning Woman Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Drowning Woman Essay Topics

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The Drowning Woman Book Club Questions

The Drowning Woman

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