To Swim Beneath the Earth in Get Reviews!

Sep 12, 2017 Michael Gardner rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Past lives, premonitions... are we soul searching, or searching for a soul? The quest for spiritual understanding isn’t straight forward or bound by linear time as Ginger Bensman expertly illustrates in this tale of one woman’s journey to find answers in the past, present and future.

To Swim Beneath the Earth is complex, literary, with rich characterisations and dense, beautiful writing that often made me lower my kindle to pause and appreciate the phrasing. The central character Megan is very, v Past lives, premonitions... are we soul searching, or searching for a soul? The quest for spiritual understanding isn’t straight forward or bound by linear time as Ginger Bensman expertly illustrates in this tale of one woman’s journey to find answers in the past, present and future.

To Swim Beneath the Earth is complex, literary, with rich characterisations and dense, beautiful writing that often made me lower my kindle to pause and appreciate the phrasing. The central character Megan is very, very human, in the sense she’s not always likeable, often unreliable, but we understand why she acts and responds to the world around her, beneath her and beyond her. Although that probably sounds a little cryptic, this book isn’t easily summarised in a few sentences. There’s fine crafting with regard to the plot and character development, making for a riveting read even when there’s not much action happening.

Let me digress slightly here on the subject of action. I have great respect for a book that isn’t afraid to take its time to tell a story. In this fast-paced world, storytelling culture has taken a trend towards speed. We’re told that if we don’t write an excitement machine with a blistering plot, electric tension and getaway car pacing, readers will get bored and put down the book (sometimes in more ways than one).

I’m not suggesting I want to read more slabs like War & Peace, which were written to keep readers amused through a long Russian winter with NOTHING ELSE TO DO, but I feel the need for speed has reduced the number of stories that are being written with the intent to take you into a deep, thoughtful, reflective state. This is that kind of book, and I’m certain the title is no accident.

Don’t let me put you off if your preference is a literary adrenaline hit. This isn’t a slow book either, nor is it bogged down by indulgent overwriting. Every paragraph has purpose. When I think back over the movements of the story, as a standard length novel, a lot of stuff happens, arguably several lifetimes worth of events.

If you want a recommendation, I’d say: grab your spiritual swimsuit, put yourself into ‘do not disturb’ mode and get lost. In the book I mean. It’s a journey worth taking. ...more

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Dec 09, 2016 Kathleen Garlock rated it really liked it

Poetic. Aching. Thought-provoking. Frustrating. Memorable and ultimately, well worth the read.

I love the title of this book. I wish I had thought of it. I also love the idea and the exploration of the possibility of reincarnation. I believe in reincarnation. Or at least, for me it seems as plausible as any one of a number of beliefs espoused by brighter people than me.

I firmly believed in the truth and the reality of Ginger Bensman's character, Megan Kimsey. She lived and breathed, loved and suf ...more

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Aug 29, 2016 David Rose rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: more-please-author

Exotic as a falling feather from a winged serpent, this book hypnotizes the reader into living in a world other than the one we have assumed we knew. "It's a wonder any of us are anywhere," is a throwaway observation Megan makes at one point, yet profound. The dead and the living are potentially present in any moment, or on any page.

Subtle as a slow tide, gentle as a mother's soothing touch good night, Ginger Bensman slips the reader into Megan's skin. We become the girl, the woman, living with ...more

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Nov 04, 2015 Alexander Holbrook rated it really liked it

To say that I was apprehensive when beginning this book is to vastly understate matters. Anything with the scent of New Age about it immediately attracts my, admittedly smug, scorn. Thankfully, this is no such text. What ensues is a touching, withdrawn ode to fillial affection and spiritual fulfilment which immediately put me in mind of Isabel Allende. Bensman also deserves praise for her handling of Incan iconography and worship, which so easily could have descended into an apologist nightmare. ...more

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Sep 01, 2016 Ron Miner rated it it was amazing

Others have told you about the details and story of To Swim Beneath the Earth. Let me quickly add that I found the book quite by accident and after skimming the first few paragraphs, I became so immersed in the writing of this creatively crafted novel that it became a cover-to-cover read. Vivid portrayals, suspense, and historic overtones combine to fix the reader’s attention. In my case, I went from casually flipping through the pages to heartily recommending it to friends and family. Enjoy!

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