Reading 'How It Feels to Float' by Helena Fox was an experience that left me emotionally raw yet profoundly moved. The novel follows Biz, a young girl grappling with grief and mental health struggles, and the way Fox captures her inner turmoil is nothing short of breathtaking. The prose is lyrical yet piercing, making you feel every ounce of Biz's pain and confusion. What struck me most was how the story doesn’t shy away from the messy, nonlinear nature of healing. It’s a book that lingers long after the last page, making you reflect on your own struggles and the invisible battles people fight every day.
One aspect I adored was the portrayal of Biz’s relationship with her father, who exists in her mind as a ghostly presence. Their interactions are hauntingly beautiful, blurring the lines between memory and reality. The supporting characters, like Jasper and Grace, add layers of warmth and complexity, showing how connections can anchor us even when we feel like we’re floating away. This isn’t just a story about mental health; it’s a love letter to resilience and the fragile beauty of human connection. If you’re looking for a book that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful, this is it.