Decompression

A psychological thriller about ambition and deception

Juli Zeh author John Cullen translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:1st May '14

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Decompression cover

In Decompression, Jola's quest for stardom leads her into a dangerous love triangle, revealing the complexities of ambition and trust.

In Decompression, Jola is a determined soap star eager to transition into serious acting. She sets her sights on landing the lead role in a new film about the life of Lotte Hass, an iconic underwater photographer and model. To enhance her chances, Jola and her partner Theo travel to Lanzarote, where they hire Sven, a diving instructor known for his expertise. They pay a significant amount for exclusive lessons, hoping that Sven's guidance will help Jola shine in her audition.

As the trio embarks on their diving adventures, tensions begin to rise. Jola, a beautiful and privileged star, struggles with her desire for validation in a world that often dismisses her talent. Meanwhile, Theo, a middle-aged author grappling with writer's block, finds himself caught in a web of jealousy and insecurity. Sven, on the other hand, is meticulously planning his most ambitious expedition yet—a dive to an untouched wreck 100 meters down. The stakes are high, and as the dynamics shift, a sinister love triangle emerges, leading to unexpected consequences.

Decompression is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of ambition, desire, and trust. The narrative is deliciously claustrophobic, drawing readers into an intense atmosphere reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith's work. As events spiral out of control, readers are left questioning whose perspective is reliable, and whether anyone can truly escape the depths of their own making.

Zeh's award-winning thriller climaxes with a scene of splendid drama * Guardian *
Deftly translated by John Cullen... Zeh plays with our expectations throughout... Like The Method, this is a story about obsession – this time with status, looks, and celebrity culture * Independent *
Erotic intrigue, deep-sea diving and clients from hell make for a lively mix...The gathering suspense is complemented by nuanced characterization in a pleasingly unpredictable work * Kirkus Reviews *

  • Long-listed for I.M.P.A.C. Dublin Award 2016 (UK)

ISBN: 9781846557552

Dimensions: 216mm x 135mm x 20mm

Weight: 291g

272 pages