A review by claudiasousa06
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski
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.