The Night Swim by Megan Goldin

Rachel Krall #1

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dates Read: 9/11/23 - 9/13/23

TW: HEAVY sexual assault themes. Please be aware before reading.

    In "The Night Swim," Rachel Krall, a popular true-crime podcaster, gets entangled in a small town's turmoil during a rape trial. As she investigates the case for her podcast, she starts receiving mysterious letters begging for help in solving a decades-old mystery involving her own family. Struggling with pressure to make her podcast a success, Rachel digs into both cases, uncovering shocking connections that could change the trial's outcome and the lives of everyone involved. The story raises questions about reputation, justice, and the secrets buried in the town's past, blending past and present in a thrilling narrative.

    I just discovered that this book is part of a series, and I'm now eagerly looking forward to reading more about Rachel's adventures! Rachel Krall, the host of the popular podcast "Guilty or Not Guilty," delves into the trial of a college swimmer who is accused of raping "K". The town becomes sharply divided as the accused hails from the town's most prominent family, while the victim is the granddaughter of the former police chief. Blame falls unfairly upon the girl, accused of derailing the young man's future with her allegations. "K"'s life is forever changed, never returning to the person she was before being brutally assaulted and then publicly brutalized once again for speaking out.

    Prior to Rachel's arrival in town, she receives notes from Hannah, the sister of Jenny, who was raped and drowned twenty-five years ago. Tragically, Jenny never had the chance to defend herself; instead, those who attacked her spread malicious lies about her character, all of which were false. Due to Jenny's poor background, these rumors were accepted as truth. Convinced that Jenny was murdered, Hannah seeks Rachel's assistance in unraveling the truth. The narratives of these two women intersect in this fast-paced and accessible read, weaving a compelling and intertwining tale.

    Reading this book was a challenging experience. While it was undeniably well-written, it tackled difficult themes that were hard to digest. The narrative revolves around a rape trial, shedding light on society's harsh and unjust treatment of rape victims, unveiling toxic rape culture. We follow Rachel, a host of a successful true crime podcast, as she covers an ongoing rape trial in a small town. The accused, a young man with Olympic aspirations, faces accusations of harming Kelly. The town sympathizes with him, lamenting his "stolen future", while Kelly endures shameful victim-blaming. Simultaneously, we follow Hannah, who seeks Rachel's help in unraveling the truth behind her sister Jenny's mysterious death two decades ago. Hannah's letters to Rachel form a compelling link between past and present, igniting hope for justice and truth. The story prompts readers to confront societal biases and prejudices, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read.

    This book delves into a deeply poignant and heartbreaking reality, highlighting how victims not only endure assault when they are raped, but are subjected to repeated torment when they have to relive their experiences in court. The emotional toll it takes on a woman to recount these harrowing events is truly devastating. Moreover, the scrutiny intensifies as her body is examined in detail by numerous doctors, and she faces judgment from everyone she knows. 

    Despite the difficulty I experienced reading about such a sensitive topic, the book was profoundly moving, evoking genuine sadness within me. The way it delved into societal biases and prejudices made it a poignant and thought-provoking read, challenging readers to confront these harsh realities. Despite its challenging nature, the story was beautifully crafted, complete with unexpected plot twists that added depth to the narrative. This poignant exploration of survivors' experiences sheds a powerful light on the pain and emotional distress they endure, making it a truly compassionate and impactful read.