Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Emotional, Reflective, Melancholy, Hopeful
- Read it if
- You enjoy poignant coming-of-age stories about grief, sibling relationships, and finding strength after loss, especially with a strong sense of place.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted reads or find stories centered on significant loss too emotionally heavy.
Breathing Under Water Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Twin Reflections and Coastal Rhythms
Grace Walker, the younger twin, tells about her life in a quiet coastal town, always feeling second to her brother, Ben. Ben is a natural surf talent, charismatic, and popular, the 'golden son.' Grace is also a good surfer but sees herself as his reflection. Their lives center on the ocean; they surf for hours, and their bond is close, almost codependent. As high school ends, the future brings both promise and worries about their separation. Grace is drawn to Harley Matthews, another surfer, hinting at a life outside Ben's immediate world.
A Day Like Any Other
Grace describes a normal, perfect day in their coastal town. She goes to school, deals with typical teenage interactions, and feels a growing connection with Harley Matthews. Their shared love for surfing and easy friendship turn into a tentative romance, marked by a first kiss. This moment shows Grace becoming more independent, defining herself apart from Ben. The day is full of the familiar sights and sounds of their beach life, a sense of youthful strength and the promise of a bright future. The story sets up a strong contrast between this ideal normal and the sudden event that will break it.
The Unthinkable Wave
The Walker twins' world shatters with a surfing accident. Ben, the seemingly strong surf star, drowns. The details are unclear and traumatic for Grace, who cannot process his sudden death. The idea of the 'sun setting at noon' shows the abrupt end to her bright, predictable world. The community is in shock. Grace's grief is overwhelming, showing as numbness and an inability to connect his lively life with his sudden absence. This event marks the novel's turning point, pushing Grace into a painful journey of loss and self-discovery.
The Aftermath of Silence
After Ben's death, Grace is consumed by grief that isolates her. She struggles to talk to her parents, who are also devastated, creating a gap of unspoken pain in the family. Guilt bothers her, especially about unspoken tensions and her growing independence before Ben died. She withdraws from friends, including Harley, finding comfort only in the ocean, which now feels both a painful reminder of Ben and a place she can connect with him. Her once bright world shrinks, dominated by the raw pain of loss and the struggle to find meaning in a world without her twin.
Haunted by Memories
Grace's grief shows in strong, sometimes unsettling ways. She has vivid flashbacks of her life with Ben, reliving their time on the waves, their jokes, and their twin bond. These memories are not just nostalgic; they are intrusive, making Ben's absence more real. She sometimes feels his presence, hears his voice, or sees him nearby, leading to confusion and questioning her sanity. This psychological struggle highlights her deep attachment to Ben and how much his identity was tied to hers. This makes it hard for her to tell the difference between memory, hallucination, and the lasting spiritual connection she feels.
Pushing Away Support
As Grace deals with her loss, her pain often pushes away those who care most. Her parents, deep in their own grief, struggle to reach her. Their attempts to comfort her often feel clumsy or not enough to Grace. Her relationship with Harley, which had just begun, falters under her sorrow. She pushes him away, unable to accept his sympathy or share her deepest pain, fearing a new relationship would betray Ben. This isolation, while a coping method, only deepens her suffering, leaving her feeling alone in her pain, unable to accept the love and support offered by her fracturing world.
The Ocean as Confidante
The ocean, once a shared place with Ben, becomes Grace's main sanctuary and tormentor. She returns to the waves, not to surf with joy, but to feel closer to him. Each wave seems to hold his memory. She spends hours in the water, sometimes just floating, sometimes trying to surf, always looking for a connection to him. This act is both helpful and self-harming, as the ocean reminds her of their past and the reality of his absence. It is in these moments, 'breathing under water,' that she struggles most with her grief, trying to understand the incomprehensible.
A Glimmer of Hope with Harley
Despite Grace trying to push him away, Harley Matthews remains a steady, though often frustrated, presence in her life. He does not give up on her, gently trying to reconnect and offer support without asking for anything back. He understands her pain, having seen the close bond between the twins and the impact of Ben's death. His quiet persistence, his willingness to simply 'be there,' eventually starts to break down Grace's protective wall. He represents a bridge back to the living world, a reminder that life, and even love, can continue after great loss, even if it feels impossible.
Confronting the Unspoken
As time goes on, Grace slowly starts to uncover her grief, facing not just Ben's absence but also their twin bond. She deals with feelings of envy toward his easy popularity and always feeling 'second.' She also faces the guilt of starting her own path with Harley just before Ben died. This introspection is painful but needed, letting her acknowledge all her emotions towards Ben, both deep love and subtle resentments. This internal reckoning is key for her to move toward healing and a fuller understanding of herself.
Learning to Breathe Again
Through Harley's steady support and her own self-reflection, Grace slowly begins the hard process of healing. She learns that healing means carrying Ben's memory without being consumed by it. She starts to live again, finding moments of joy and connection. The ocean, while still a place of remembrance, also begins to feel like a place for her own renewal. This phase is about learning to 'breathe under water' – to live with the pain of loss while still finding the capacity for life, growth, and happiness. She redefines her identity, not just as Ben's twin, but as an individual who has loved deeply and survived an unimaginable loss.
A New Horizon
Near the novel's end, Grace has made good progress in her healing. She can remember Ben with love and peace, rather than overwhelming pain and guilt. Her relationship with Harley has grown deeper, giving her companionship and a gentle anchor to the present. She knows Ben will always be part of her, but his memory no longer defines her entirely. She looks to the future with new strength and a clearer sense of her own identity, separate from her twin. This does not mean the pain is completely gone, but she has learned to live with it, to carry her grief as part of her story, and to embrace her own life's possibilities.
Breathing Under Water Characters
Grace Walker
Protagonist
Ben's twin sister, struggling with identity and profound grief.
Grace is the introspective, artistic twin, always feeling overshadowed by her charismatic brother, Ben. She is a skilled surfer but lacks Ben's effortless confidence and star quality. Her identity is deeply intertwined with his, leading to a constant internal struggle for individual recognition. She is observant and emotionally sensitive, making her grief over Ben's death profoundly intense and isolating. Her journey is one of self-discovery, learning to define herself outside of her twin bond and to navigate the complexities of loss and love.
Relationships: Ben Walker (Twin brother, extremely close, almost codependent bond, source of both love and identity struggle.); Harley Matthews (Love interest, supportive and patient, helps her heal.); Mr. and Mrs. Walker (Parents, loving but distant in their own grief, struggling to connect with Grace.)
Ben Walker
Supporting/Catalyst
Grace's older twin brother, a charismatic and talented surf star.
Ben is the golden boy, effortlessly popular, a natural leader, and a gifted surfer. He embodies charm and a carefree spirit, making him the center of attention wherever he goes. While he deeply loves Grace, he is somewhat oblivious to her internal struggles with identity in his shadow. His death is the central catalyst for the novel's plot, forcing Grace into a journey of profound grief and self-discovery. He remains a powerful presence throughout the book through Grace's memories and lingering sense of his spirit.
Relationships: Grace Walker (Twin sister, deeply loved, shared a unique and intense bond.); Mr. and Mrs. Walker (Parents, their 'golden son,' source of pride and deep love.)
Harley Matthews
Supporting
Grace's love interest and steadfast source of support.
Harley is a fellow surfer and a kind, patient, and understanding presence in Grace's life. He develops a romantic interest in Grace before Ben's death and remains a loyal friend and confidante afterward. He possesses a quiet strength and an ability to see beyond Grace's grief-fueled walls, offering gentle encouragement and a stable anchor. He represents the possibility of new connections and a future for Grace, without trying to replace Ben. His unwavering presence is crucial to Grace's healing process.
Relationships: Grace Walker (Love interest, patient and supportive friend, helps her recover from grief.)
Mr. and Mrs. Walker
Supporting
Grace and Ben's grieving parents, struggling to cope with their loss.
Grace's parents are depicted as loving but ultimately overwhelmed by the death of their son. They struggle to communicate effectively with Grace, each lost in their own grief, creating a sense of emotional distance within the family. Their pain is palpable, and while they want to support Grace, their own sorrow often prevents them from providing the specific comfort she needs. They represent the shared, yet deeply personal, nature of family grief and the challenges of finding common ground in immense loss.
Relationships: Grace Walker (Daughter, strained relationship due to shared grief.); Ben Walker (Son, deeply loved, their death causes immense pain.)
Breathing Under Water Themes
Grief and Loss
The novel explores grief, especially the sorrow of losing a sibling, particularly a twin. Grace's journey through denial, guilt, anger, and acceptance is central. The story shows how grief can isolate people, strain family ties, and blur memory and reality. It shows that healing is not forgetting, but learning to include loss in one's life, as seen in Grace's struggle to find comfort in the ocean and her eventual ability to remember Ben with love rather than consuming pain.
“The sun sets at noon and suddenly everything that was safe and predictable is lost. And everything unravels.”
Identity and Self-Discovery
Grace's struggle for identity is a main theme, made worse by being a twin. Before Ben's death, she feels like a 'reflection of his light,' always defining herself by him. His absence forces her to face who she is without him, leading to a painful but freeing journey of self-discovery. She must learn to separate her own desires, talents, and future from the intertwined life she shared with Ben. This process is clear in her growing relationship with Harley and her acceptance of her unique path.
“On the official documentation, he is older . . . Although it really has nothing to do with age. What it really means is that I am, and have always been, second.”
The Power of Nature (The Ocean)
The ocean is a strong symbol throughout the novel. At first, it represents freedom, joy, and the strong bond between Grace and Ben as they surf. After Ben's death, the ocean becomes a complex symbol of both deep grief and possible healing. It is where he died, a constant reminder of her loss, but also a place where Grace feels closest to him, finding a strange comfort and a place to process her emotions. Her ability to 'breathe under water' metaphorically shows her ability to live with great sorrow.
“The ocean was our church, our playground, our confessional. It was where we were most ourselves, most free.”
Love and Connection
The novel explores different kinds of love: the intense bond between twins, parents' lasting love for their children, and the new romantic love between Grace and Harley. It shows how love can bring great joy and deep pain. Grace's love for Ben is so deep that his loss leaves a void. But through Harley's love and patience, she starts to reconnect with the world and finds a path to healing and a new kind of connection. The story suggests that love, even when absent, continues to shape us.
“He was my other half, the one who understood the unspoken language of my soul.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
First-Person Narration
Grace's subjective and intimate perspective on her grief.
The story is told entirely from Grace's point of view, allowing readers deep insight into her internal world, her raw emotions, and her struggle to process Ben's death. This perspective emphasizes her isolation and the intensely personal nature of her grief, making her experiences feel immediate and authentic. It also creates a strong sense of empathy, as readers witness her thoughts, memories, and her slow, arduous journey towards healing directly through her eyes, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.
Symbolism of the Ocean
The ocean represents life, death, memory, and healing.
The ocean is a multifaceted symbol in the novel. Initially, it symbolizes the twins' shared life, freedom, and joy. After Ben's drowning, it transforms into a potent symbol of loss, grief, and the place where Grace feels closest to his memory. It also represents the overwhelming nature of her sorrow, as she metaphorically 'breathes under water.' Ultimately, it becomes a place of potential healing and a space for her to reconnect with herself, signifying the cyclical nature of life and death and the possibility of finding peace amidst chaos.
Flashbacks and Memory
Interspersed memories of Ben to highlight the depth of loss and his impact.
The narrative frequently incorporates flashbacks to Grace's life with Ben before his death. These memories are not simply nostalgic; they are intrusive and often painful, highlighting the stark contrast between her past happiness and present grief. They serve to flesh out Ben's character, emphasize the profound depth of their bond, and illustrate how deeply his absence affects Grace's perception of reality. These fragmented memories contribute to Grace's internal struggle and her difficulty in letting go of the past.
Foreshadowing (Subtle)
Hints of underlying tension and the fragility of their perfect world.
While the tragedy is sudden, there are subtle hints of underlying tensions and the fragility of Grace and Ben's idyllic world. Grace's constant feeling of being 'second' and her burgeoning independence with Harley suggest a shift in their dynamic, implying that their intertwined lives were already at a crossroads. This foreshadowing is not overt but rather serves to underscore the sense that change was inevitable, making Ben's sudden death even more impactful as it violently accelerates these underlying currents of separation and individual identity.
Breathing Under Water Quotes
“But you can’t choose who you fall in love with, can you?”
“Maybe the strongest people are the ones who allow themselves to be vulnerable.”
“It was like we were breathing under water, in our own world, where nothing else mattered.”
“Sometimes the most beautiful things are the most broken.”
“He was like a song I’d always known, even though I’d never heard it before.”
“The world kept turning, but for a moment, ours had stopped.”
“Maybe growing up means learning to live with the things you can’t change.”
“You don’t just fall in love with someone’s good parts. You fall in love with all of them.”
“Every wave that crashed reminded me of how small I was, and how big everything else was.”
“Silence can be the loudest sound when you’re waiting for something important.”
“Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to let go, even when you know it’s for the best.”
“He saw me, really saw me, for the first time, and it felt like coming home.”
“The future was a blank page, and I was holding the pen.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the specific time difference that separated Ben and Grace at birth, as mentioned in the book's description?
- Eleven minutes and nineteen seconds
- Nineteen minutes and eleven seconds
- Nine minutes and one second
- One minute and nineteen seconds
Show answer
B. Nineteen minutes and eleven seconds The book description explicitly states that 'Nineteen minutes and eleven seconds separated us at birth.'
Question 2
In the context of their surfing, how does Grace perceive herself in relation to Ben?
- As a rival, constantly trying to outdo him.
- As an equal, sharing the spotlight.
- As a mere reflection of his light.
- As his mentor, teaching him new techniques.
Show answer
C. As a mere reflection of his light. The description states, 'Beside him, Grace feels like she is a mere reflection of his light,' highlighting her perceived secondary role.
Question 3
What is Ben's reputation as he enters his last year of school?
- A quiet academic, focused on studies.
- A rising surf star, the golden son.
- A rebellious outcast, always in trouble.
- A talented artist, admired for his creativity.
Show answer
B. A rising surf star, the golden son. The description clearly states, 'At seventeen, Ben is a rising surf star, the golden son and the boy all the girls fall in love with.'
Question 4
What specific activity did Ben and Grace frequently do together for hours as the sun set?
- Fishing
- Studying
- Surfing
- Running on the beach
Show answer
C. Surfing The text mentions, 'surfing together for hours as the sun melted into the sea,' indicating their shared passion.
Question 5
What significant event marks the turning point where 'everything that was safe and predictable is lost'?
- Grace moving away for university.
- Ben winning a major surf competition.
- An 'unthinkable' event where 'the sun sets at noon'.
- Harley Matthews leaving town.
Show answer
C. An 'unthinkable' event where 'the sun sets at noon'. The synopsis states, 'Then, one day, the unthinkable. The sun sets at noon and suddenly everything that was safe and predictable is lost.' This metaphorical phrase indicates a major, sudden tragedy.
Question 6
What is Grace's specific romantic interest mentioned in the description?
- A boy named Ben (not her twin).
- Harley Matthews.
- An unnamed classmate.
- A professional surfer.
Show answer
B. Harley Matthews. The description explicitly mentions, 'For Grace, finishing exams and kissing Harley Matthews is just the beginning,' indicating her romantic interest.
Question 7
The title 'Breathing Under Water' and the phrase 'learning to breathe in between' suggest what overarching theme of the novel?
- The challenges of competitive surfing.
- Coping with profound loss and finding a way to continue living.
- The difficulty of holding your breath underwater for long periods.
- The exhilaration of youth and new beginnings.
Show answer
B. Coping with profound loss and finding a way to continue living. The phrase 'life, death and learning to breathe in between' directly connects to the idea of navigating and surviving profound grief or a significant life-altering event, much like trying to breathe in an impossible situation.
Question 8
How does Grace generally perceive her position relative to Ben, beyond just surfing?
- She sees herself as his protector and guide.
- She believes she is, and has always been, second.
- She considers herself the leader in their twin dynamic.
- She feels completely independent and separate from him.
Show answer
B. She believes she is, and has always been, second. The opening lines state, 'What it really means is that I am, and have always been, second,' establishing Grace's long-standing perception of her role.
Question 9
The phrase 'The sun sets at noon' is a metaphor for what kind of event in the story?
- A sudden, unexpected, and devastating tragedy.
- A beautiful but brief moment of peace.
- A planned and anticipated change in their lives.
- A natural phenomenon observed in their coastal town.
Show answer
A. A sudden, unexpected, and devastating tragedy. The phrase signifies an unnatural and catastrophic event, implying a sudden end to normalcy and light, leading to darkness and loss. It's used in conjunction with 'the unthinkable' and 'everything unravels'.
Question 10
What characteristic is highlighted about the novel's writing style in the description?
- It is fast-paced and action-driven.
- It is humorous and lighthearted.
- It is lyrical and emotionally powerful.
- It is factual and journalistic.
Show answer
C. It is lyrical and emotionally powerful. The description concludes by calling 'Breathing Under Water' a 'lyrical and emotionally powerful novel,' indicating its writing style.
Breathing Under Water FAQ
What is the core premise of 'Breathing Under Water'?
'Breathing Under Water' centers on twin siblings, Grace and Ben Walker, who share an exceptionally close bond and a passion for surfing in their sleepy coastal town. The narrative explores Grace's feelings of being secondary to her 'golden boy' brother, Ben, especially as they approach the cusp of adulthood and their lives begin to diverge with new relationships and future plans.
Who are the main characters and what are their primary relationships?
The main characters are Grace Walker, the narrator, and her twin brother, Ben Walker. Their primary relationship is their intense sibling bond, which is the emotional core of the story. Grace also develops a romantic interest in Harley Matthews, while Ben is portrayed as a charismatic surf star attracting many admirers.
What significant event fundamentally alters the lives of Grace and Ben?
The unthinkable happens when Ben dies, an event described metaphorically as 'the sun sets at noon.' This tragedy shatters their predictable lives, forcing Grace to navigate immense grief and find a way to live and 'breathe' in a world without her twin brother, leading to profound emotional unraveling.
How does the setting of a sleepy coastal town influence the story?
The sleepy coastal town setting deeply influences the story by providing a backdrop for the twins' shared passion for surfing and their idyllic, close-knit upbringing. The ocean becomes a central metaphor for life, death, and healing, with surfing representing both their bond and a means of escape and connection.
What is the significance of the title 'Breathing Under Water'?
The title 'Breathing Under Water' is a powerful metaphor for Grace's struggle to survive and cope with the overwhelming grief following Ben's death. It signifies the feeling of being submerged by sorrow, yet finding a way to exist and ultimately learn to live again, even in the most suffocating emotional circumstances.
What is the deeper meaning behind the 'nineteen minutes and eleven seconds' age difference between Ben and Grace?
The 'nineteen minutes and eleven seconds' age difference, though small, symbolizes Grace's lifelong feeling of being 'second' to Ben. It's a precise measure of her perceived inferiority and the shadow she feels she lives under, highlighting the psychological impact of being the younger, less celebrated twin.
How does the narrative foreshadow Ben's fate?
The narrative subtly foreshadows Ben's fate through Grace's constant awareness of their interconnectedness and her feelings of living in his light, almost as if his brilliance is too intense to last. The idyllic descriptions of their surfing and perfect lives also create a sense of fragile beauty, hinting that such perfection cannot endure.
Are there any symbolic recurring motifs related to the ocean or surfing?
Yes, the ocean and surfing are rich with symbolic motifs. The waves represent life's challenges and rhythms, while surfing itself embodies freedom, connection, and a shared spiritual experience for the twins. After Ben's death, the ocean transforms into a place of both memory and profound grief, and eventually, a source of solace and renewal for Grace.
How does Grace's relationship with Harley Matthews evolve after the tragedy?
Grace's relationship with Harley Matthews initially represents a new beginning and personal exploration for her. After Ben's death, their connection is undoubtedly tested as Grace grapples with her grief, potentially straining their burgeoning romance as she struggles to allow anyone else into her shattered world.
How does Grace's identity shift throughout the novel, particularly in relation to Ben?
Initially, Grace's identity is heavily intertwined with and defined by Ben's. She sees herself as a 'reflection of his light.' After his death, her identity undergoes a drastic and painful shift as she is forced to forge an individual self, separate from her twin, learning to stand on her own and discover who she is without him.
What psychological impact does living in the shadow of a 'golden child' have on Grace?
Living in Ben's shadow creates a profound sense of insecurity and an underdeveloped self-worth in Grace. She constantly compares herself to him, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a struggle to define her own achievements and brilliance outside of his reflected glory. This fosters a deep yearning for individual recognition.
How does the novel explore the complexities of grief and loss?
The novel deeply explores the complexities of grief as an overwhelming, disorienting force that 'unravels' everything. It portrays not just the sadness, but also the anger, numbness, and the profound sense of dislocation that accompanies the loss of a loved one, especially a twin, and the arduous, non-linear journey of healing.
What role does memory play in Grace's healing process?
Memory plays a crucial and dual role in Grace's healing. Initially, memories of Ben are painful and suffocating, anchoring her to her grief. Over time, however, these memories become a source of strength and connection, allowing her to keep Ben's spirit alive while slowly integrating his absence into her present and future.
Is the novel primarily a romance, or is the romantic subplot secondary to the themes of grief and identity?
While there is a romantic subplot involving Harley Matthews, the novel primarily functions as an exploration of grief, identity, and the profound bond between twins. The romance serves more as a catalyst for Grace's personal growth and a way to highlight her journey back to life, rather than being the central focus itself.
How does the lyrical writing style contribute to the emotional impact of the story?
The lyrical writing style, characterized by evocative imagery and poetic language, significantly amplifies the emotional impact by allowing readers to deeply connect with Grace's inner world. It conveys the intensity of her joy, the depth of her sorrow, and the subtle nuances of her psychological state, making the themes of love and loss resonate more profoundly.
What message does 'Breathing Under Water' ultimately convey about resilience and hope?
'Breathing Under Water' ultimately conveys a powerful message about human resilience and the enduring nature of hope. It suggests that even after experiencing unimaginable loss, it is possible to find a way to 'breathe' again, to adapt, to grow, and to discover new forms of connection and meaning in life, honoring the past while embracing the future.
Could Ben's character be interpreted as a symbol rather than just a person?
Ben's character can certainly be interpreted as symbolic. For Grace, he represents an idealized version of herself, her connection to joy, and the 'golden' aspects of their shared youth. His death then symbolizes the loss of innocence, the shattering of a perfect world, and the difficult transition into a more complex, adult reality.
How does the concept of 'second' evolve for Grace throughout the narrative?
The concept of 'second' initially signifies Grace's feeling of inferiority and being overshadowed by Ben. As the narrative progresses, especially after his death, 'second' may transform. It could evolve into finding her own primary identity, or perhaps understanding that being 'second' in some contexts doesn't diminish her inherent worth, leading to self-acceptance.
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