bbboeken's review against another edition
3.0
My rating does not do this book justice. This book is wonderfully written, not too eccentric or experimental, but just challenging enough. It is, however, not the kind of book I set out to read. Hence the rating is just a personal appreciation, heavily coloured by my reading expectations, and not at all by the real value of this book. Because this book is good.
If you are reading this because you expect a book about a swimming pool or swimmers, this book is just like it was for me: not for you. If you are the kind of person who appreciates a delicate story about dementia and what the disease does to a person and the people around them, then you will be amazed and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
If you are reading this because you expect a book about a swimming pool or swimmers, this book is just like it was for me: not for you. If you are the kind of person who appreciates a delicate story about dementia and what the disease does to a person and the people around them, then you will be amazed and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
katebirdie's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jordyn_lightyear's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
_sarah_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
I'd like to give this 3.5 stars...it was funny at times but mostly touching. Possibly tough to read if you or someone you care for needs memory care. Good on audio.
amandaatkinson06's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
paulineg's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
bookchew's review against another edition
5.0
I went into this book knowing nothing and emerged declaring it a perfect book.
It’s remarkable. Reading this book feels like gliding through water. The prose is so effortlessly smooth and propulsive and elegant. Every sentence is just right. Every new layer of the story is graceful and unexpected.
This is a writer who leaves me envious of her craft. She somehow captures the distinct sensations of fluidity and dissolution in this tiny novel.
[!!stop reading here to avoid possible spoilers!!]
It seems that where this book starts (the solace of an underground pool) is not where it ends (the desolation of dementia), but actually it’s all the same: a tiny crack beneath the surface (of a pool, of a conscience) that slowly multiplies and changes everything. Soon you’re banished from your source of bliss, no longer allowed to enjoy the comfort of that pool, no longer granted access to the depth of one’s mind.
The Swimmers is a work of art.
It’s remarkable. Reading this book feels like gliding through water. The prose is so effortlessly smooth and propulsive and elegant. Every sentence is just right. Every new layer of the story is graceful and unexpected.
This is a writer who leaves me envious of her craft. She somehow captures the distinct sensations of fluidity and dissolution in this tiny novel.
[!!stop reading here to avoid possible spoilers!!]
It seems that where this book starts (the solace of an underground pool) is not where it ends (the desolation of dementia), but actually it’s all the same: a tiny crack beneath the surface (of a pool, of a conscience) that slowly multiplies and changes everything. Soon you’re banished from your source of bliss, no longer allowed to enjoy the comfort of that pool, no longer granted access to the depth of one’s mind.
The Swimmers is a work of art.
nicollla's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia
Minor: Death of parent
taraamichele13's review against another edition
3.0
This book was confusing to begin with, but I loved it as it carried on into the midsection/end of the novel.
Once I realized what we were focusing on, I loved reading about it.
It was so interesting and entertaining.
Once I realized what we were focusing on, I loved reading about it.
It was so interesting and entertaining.
jsmitch23's review against another edition
2.0
Wasn’t impressed with this one. I had heard great things. It was a book of lists that got old after about twenty percent. Then turned into depressing with lists. I skimmed the last 25 percent.