All the World Drowning, by Benjamin Preston

All the World Drowning came onto my radar through a conversation with a friend who recommended it enthusiastically. I had never heard of the book or the author before, but as she explained why it resonated with her, I noticed striking similarities to the themes explored in my own series. That was enough to convince me to buy it and see for myself.

The Vibe:
This is a coming-of-age story that spans the life of Kazimir Jonah Godwin from age seven to eighteen, as he grows up in rural Wisconsin. One line perfectly encapsulates the novel’s tone and premise: “You come from a long line of vagabonds, murderers, prophets, and madmen.”

When the story opens, Kaz (Kazimir) has already lost his mother and is being half-heartedly raised by his unstable father and the father’s girlfriend. His father—who believes he descends from a lineage of prophets and claims the gift himself—tries to groom Kaz to follow the same path. After years of abandonment and prolonged disappearances, Kaz ultimately gives up on him.

With few friends—his closest companion being a pot-smoking Pentecostal—Kaz barely survives high school. As he grows older, he begins to question the voices he hears and the ghosts he sees, struggling to determine whether he is genuinely gifted or slipping toward schizophrenia.

What I Liked:
The prose is strong and immersive, engaging all five senses to place the reader squarely inside each scene. The emotional dynamics—especially between father and son—feel authentic and earned, as do the relationships among the supporting cast. The novel moves effectively between the warmth and simplicity of rural life with Kaz’s grandmother and the darker depths of his dysfunctional family.

What Was ?:
Only a few minor issues slowed me down. Initially, some of the character names—many with biblical or archaic roots—felt unfamiliar, though that friction faded quickly. The climax was effective but somewhat drawn out and convoluted. That said, the novel ultimately lands well, and the ending provides a satisfying resolution for Kaz.