Deep Water

By Patricia Highsmith,

Book cover of Deep Water

Book description

Vic and Melinda Van Allen's loveless marriage is held together only by a precarious arrangement whereby, in order to avoid the messiness of divorce, Melinda is allowed to take any number of lovers as long as she does not desert her family. Eventually, Vic can no longer suppress his jealousy…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Deep Water as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Having worked as a couple counsellor some decades ago, I recognised some of the truly ghastly aspects of a dysfunctional marriage in this story – but the real joy was in the storytelling itself.

The complex morality and cringe-making behaviour, all told in a calmly credible voice, made it a uniquely memorable read. We shamelessly take the ‘wrong’ side (as in the Ripley books).  Highsmith holds nothing back. No act is too wicked, no motive too banal. One never knows what to expect. A brilliant writer.

Want books like Deep Water?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Deep Water.

Browse books like Deep Water

Book cover of Wives And Girlfriends
Book cover of The Echo Wife
Book cover of The Perfect Marriage

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,355

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in murder, murder mystery, and adultery?

Murder 1,073 books
Murder Mystery 565 books
Adultery 56 books