hannahbright's review
4.0
A Call Me By Your Name-esque love story told in Soviet Poland.
Really good and quick. Emotional and has an interesting historical element.
Really good and quick. Emotional and has an interesting historical element.
claudiasousa06's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a beautiful book and I got to learn more about postwar Poland. The fact that people survived so long living in such bleak, harsh, and low conditions is a testament to their resilience. It was a hard book to read due to the main theme and the character's story. You cannot help but be moved and feel deeply about the struggles of the main character and this tragic love affair.
Even though I understood somewhat where the male love interest was coming from, I didn't really like him. Besides stringing Ludwick along, he was dishonest, opportunistic, and calculating.
They both have their flaws and they feel very real, which makes this book even more engaging.
I love how nature plays a role by being the haven, where they can both be free and explore their love for one another. Of course, water is the element that symbolizes their relationship and was present when their connection was the deepest. After leaving the lake and returning to the city, they agree to meet at the swimming pool.
The motif of darkness is also crucial for allowing them privacy and allowing them to be together. Thus we have the title "Swimming in the dark". In the daylight, they cannot be together as light is dangerous, because it exposes them.
To conclude, I'll say that I feel an ever deeper urge to read James Baldwin now. I must know what Giovanni's Room is about and also see if there are any parallelisms between both stories.
Even though I understood somewhat where the male love interest was coming from, I didn't really like him. Besides stringing Ludwick along, he was dishonest, opportunistic, and calculating.
They both have their flaws and they feel very real, which makes this book even more engaging.
I love how nature plays a role by being the haven, where they can both be free and explore their love for one another. Of course, water is the element that symbolizes their relationship and was present when their connection was the deepest. After leaving the lake and returning to the city, they agree to meet at the swimming pool.
The motif of darkness is also crucial for allowing them privacy and allowing them to be together. Thus we have the title "Swimming in the dark". In the daylight, they cannot be together as light is dangerous, because it exposes them.
To conclude, I'll say that I feel an ever deeper urge to read James Baldwin now. I must know what Giovanni's Room is about and also see if there are any parallelisms between both stories.
creepysantos's review against another edition
5.0
não.
tenho.
palavras.
estou.
completamente.
destroçado.
e.
simultaneamente.
esperançoso.
tenho.
palavras.
estou.
completamente.
destroçado.
e.
simultaneamente.
esperançoso.
megan_kiwi's review against another edition
5.0
Swimming In The Dark is a beautiful story with stunning writing and great characters you will fall in love with, I especially loved the relationship between Ludwik and Janusz, and Ludwik's development and point of view was excellent to read from. I definitely recommend this book to everyone
Overall I've discovered that I really like LGBTQ+ historical fiction books and I will definitely be reading any books Tomasz Jedrowski writes in the future
Overall I've discovered that I really like LGBTQ+ historical fiction books and I will definitely be reading any books Tomasz Jedrowski writes in the future
ariennelazuardi's review
4.0
"I ignored him when he turned aggressive and called me a pervert and a sick fuck. To my own surprise, I was unable to accept the shame he wanted me to feel. It was too familiar to be imposed: I had produced it myself for such a long time that, right then, I found I had no space left for it anymore. Instead, I used the truth."
erineloise's review
5.0
Giving this book 5 stars isn't enough. Literally the most exquisite thing I've ever read! I underlined paragraph after paragraph on almost every page because every tender detail was perfect. I cried 3 times within the first 100 pages and the ending was crushing in the best way.
hichristina's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75