marlensophie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Grief, Suicide, Pregnancy, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Terminal illness
readhikerepeat's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted at The Book Wheel.
A couple of years ago, I opted to read an upcoming debut by an author by the name of Claire Fuller. I didn't know anything about her but the book, Our Endless Numbered Days, intrigued me so I gave it a go. Not only did it end up being one of my favorite books of the year, but Fuller has since graciously donated her time to #30Authors. So when I learned that she had a new book coming out, I just knew I had to read it.
Fuller's sophomore novel, Swimming Lessons, revolves around Ingrid, a wife and mother who disappears under mysterious circumstances. Both her daughters, Flora and Nan, and her husband Gil have a different take on what may have happened to her, but the reader has another one altogether, for every other chapter is a letter written by Ingrid, herself. Jumping back and forth between past and present, it is only the reader who has a 360-view of what is happening, but even they don't know the full truth.
While I'm not usually a fan of books featuring letters (they tend to try too hard to be casual), Fuller masterfully blends the personal with the literary, making them a story unto themselves. But while Swimming Lessons is very different from Fuller's previous book, it exhibits the same features that made me fall in love with her writing. Her descriptions are rich and detailed, and the story unfolds naturally but shockingly.
On a personal note, I love how she incorporated synesthesia into the story (or, in the case of the book, the ability to smell colors). I happen to have this, and while my senses aren't quite as sophisticated as Fuller's descriptions, it allowed me to connect with the writing and the characters in a very unusual way. As the oldest of four girls, I also connected with the complicated sisterly love, even if my relationships aren't quite so strained. Flora, the younger of the two, who is more sensitive and rebellious and Nan, the older, practical one, are both independent in their own ways but bonded in a way that only children who have lost a parent can be.
I can confidently say that I adore both of Fuller's books and I sincerely hope she is already working on her next one because I will be first in line to read it. She has a style that is unique and memorable, but in a refreshing and captivating way, and both her novels make great book club picks.
Recommended for: Fans of stories with twists and turns but without your usual mystery-novel approach.
A couple of years ago, I opted to read an upcoming debut by an author by the name of Claire Fuller. I didn't know anything about her but the book, Our Endless Numbered Days, intrigued me so I gave it a go. Not only did it end up being one of my favorite books of the year, but Fuller has since graciously donated her time to #30Authors. So when I learned that she had a new book coming out, I just knew I had to read it.
Fuller's sophomore novel, Swimming Lessons, revolves around Ingrid, a wife and mother who disappears under mysterious circumstances. Both her daughters, Flora and Nan, and her husband Gil have a different take on what may have happened to her, but the reader has another one altogether, for every other chapter is a letter written by Ingrid, herself. Jumping back and forth between past and present, it is only the reader who has a 360-view of what is happening, but even they don't know the full truth.
While I'm not usually a fan of books featuring letters (they tend to try too hard to be casual), Fuller masterfully blends the personal with the literary, making them a story unto themselves. But while Swimming Lessons is very different from Fuller's previous book, it exhibits the same features that made me fall in love with her writing. Her descriptions are rich and detailed, and the story unfolds naturally but shockingly.
On a personal note, I love how she incorporated synesthesia into the story (or, in the case of the book, the ability to smell colors). I happen to have this, and while my senses aren't quite as sophisticated as Fuller's descriptions, it allowed me to connect with the writing and the characters in a very unusual way. As the oldest of four girls, I also connected with the complicated sisterly love, even if my relationships aren't quite so strained. Flora, the younger of the two, who is more sensitive and rebellious and Nan, the older, practical one, are both independent in their own ways but bonded in a way that only children who have lost a parent can be.
I can confidently say that I adore both of Fuller's books and I sincerely hope she is already working on her next one because I will be first in line to read it. She has a style that is unique and memorable, but in a refreshing and captivating way, and both her novels make great book club picks.
Recommended for: Fans of stories with twists and turns but without your usual mystery-novel approach.
whitmc's review against another edition
4.0
One of those that is going to sit with me for a long time, less for the plot and more for all the feelings that came through the pages. Wasn't sure about it for the first 40%; had a hard time with the structure, which switches back and forth between present with a third person narrative and letters written in the past, about the past (so double past?) in second person.
But then I got sucked in and needed to know how it ended...I didn't get what I was expecting when I snagged this book from the library. It's not a light book, nor happy, but it makes you feel and tells a story of so many things that underlie the lives of everyone at some level. Love versus lust, loneliness, isolation, obligation, need, friendship, loss, parents + kids and all the complications that come with those relationships, marriage, perspective and regret. So much regret.
Definitely recommend. Read with a big mug of tea in the fall or winter.
But then I got sucked in and needed to know how it ended...I didn't get what I was expecting when I snagged this book from the library. It's not a light book, nor happy, but it makes you feel and tells a story of so many things that underlie the lives of everyone at some level. Love versus lust, loneliness, isolation, obligation, need, friendship, loss, parents + kids and all the complications that come with those relationships, marriage, perspective and regret. So much regret.
Definitely recommend. Read with a big mug of tea in the fall or winter.
nerdyrev's review against another edition
5.0
I had the book Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller sitting next to me for a few months. The wonderful people at Tin House sent me an early copy and I was thrilled. I noticed though it was not going to be published until February and I would have to wait for this incredible book. I loved her first book- Our Endless Numbered Days and I couldn't wait to tear into this one, but I had to wait.
Then Book of the Month did a wonderful thing and released the book early as a selection for December! I had my excuse! I could read the book and review it now. Thanks to BoTM. I am so glad I had the excuse as this is a heartbreaking story, but Fuller did it again.
There are two stories going on throughout this book. One is the story of Flora and her sister as they go to the bedside of Gil, their father. He jumped from his balcony when he said he saw his ex-wife Ingrid. The problem is Ingrid disappeared years ago and was thought to have killed herself or some thought Gil murdered her, but no one knows the truth.
The other story is the story of Ingrid and Gil, told from Ingrid's perspective through letters she wrote to Gil about their life together and stuck in between his books. It is the story of a womanizing, famous husband who is never home and the woman who is left behind struggling to keep the family together. Stuck home with kids, as Gil does his thing. The letters build to the day Ingrid will disappear.
Each story is about broken relationships as the childish Flora has a strained relationship with her sister and her father. Even though she has heard things, she simply does not want to believe them. Ingrid and Gil's story gives light to how the sisters acted as children which helps one see why they act the way they do in the present.
There is such a feeling of stuckness too. The town seems tiny, Ingrid seems trapped, and here Flora and her sister must co-exist to care for their dying father who wasn't part of their life. They are trapped in their lives because of the man at the center of it all- Gil.
Fuller has an incredible voice and she develops characters quite well. There were bits of callbacks to letters Ingrid had written in the beginning that play out in the sisters. In some ways, they don't really grow up, at least Flora didn't. Fuller's writing voice is just right for a story like this one.
I really enjoyed this one and I thank Tin House for the early copy. The advanced copy in no way helped change my opinion of the book. I would have given this one 4.5 stars either way.
lpip's review against another edition
3.0
Not a bad read just not a great one. I felt listless by the end...the plot had me thinking some big twists were coming but turns out it all ended pretty straightforwardly and I came out disliking pretty much all of the characters!
smores11's review against another edition
5.0
This novel was beautifully written, with characters that were developed carefully and thoughtfully. Reading Ingrid's letters to her husband gave a look at motherhood that is rarely talked about. Something you would never say out loud. Everything about this novel and Ingrid is raw and emotional.
I do not often feel a mourning sensation when I have finished a book, but I actually find myself saddened by finally putting this book down.
I do not often feel a mourning sensation when I have finished a book, but I actually find myself saddened by finally putting this book down.
appletonkelli's review against another edition
5.0
In the back of your mind, you sort of know where the story is going. Or at least you think you do.
But then you find out that you really did not know after all.
The storylines carry you along like the tide going in and out until they finally completely merge into one tragic tale of love and loss and starting over.
But then you find out that you really did not know after all.
The storylines carry you along like the tide going in and out until they finally completely merge into one tragic tale of love and loss and starting over.
mhreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
ashleighreadsbookss's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really good book, but it was truly one of the saddest stories I have ever read. The pain and dysfunction of the family in this book was more than I could handle. That being said, I couldn't put it down. This is one of those heart-tugging books that make you almost NEED to read more. I received this through my Book of the Month subscription, so the moment you can get your hands on this, I would.
I think the only reason I gave this less than five stars was due to the fact that some of the plotlines were completely random. They didn't end resolved either, so that was quite definitely a frustrating thing with this book. Other than that, amazing. I want to read more of her work!
I think the only reason I gave this less than five stars was due to the fact that some of the plotlines were completely random. They didn't end resolved either, so that was quite definitely a frustrating thing with this book. Other than that, amazing. I want to read more of her work!
kristenesantos's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0