I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Swimming With Fishes by Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm 
Published by Jacaranda Books on 5/25/2017
Pages: 328 pages
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Set in rural Jamaica, Swimming With Fishes evokes the pain of a love affair between a London-born businessman and a native Jamaican and how that affair grows beyond either of their expectations. Sickle Cell Anaemia sufferer, Kat wants a baby more than life itself. When the town herbalist foretells of a man from across the ocean who will father her child, Kat’s hopes intensify into a dream that must come true. Her encounter with Londoner Ben years later edges the prediction toward reality. Their friendship develops into an all-consuming love to which they both surrender. However unknown to Ben, Kat is a sickle cell sufferer and unknown to Kat, Ben is already married.
Kat Lewis just turned 28 and her “I want a BABY” clock is ticking so loud it is deafening. It doesn’t get any better when the local “psychic” or “witch” Mother Cynthy tells Kat that she has had a dream that Kat will meet a man from across the sea and have that baby she so desires. There are a few problems with that and therein lies the premise of this story.
When Thornton “Ben” Benjamin in Jamaica for work sees Kat sitting on the beach with her sketch pad what is the first curiosity for them both turns into something that will change both lives forever.
This story set in Jamaica was beautifully written. I must say, the storyline is not what makes this book a compelling read. In fact, some are going to find the love affair distasteful but what I liked about the book was the way Ms. Malcolm weaved a story that had me wrapped up in it and that for me is what a well-told story should do. It has enough heat, drama, and love to move the story forward. I also liked some of the secondary characters one, in particular, was Kat’s mum/mom and her beau. They were lovely.
I recommend that you buy this book, and I will for sure be reading other books by Ms. Malcolm.
Reviewed by: Linda C.
