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A review by itschelseaw
The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
What happens to our lives when our routines are suddenly taken away? When what tethered you to a specific reality or life is gone? In The Swimmers some of the swimmers created a new routine while others floundered and couldn’t figure it out.
One such swimmer, Alice, has had her routines seemingly disrupted her entire life, starting with the internment camps in the USA during WWII. Her adult life is disrupted by the death of her mother, then the development of dementia, and the closure of the pool. These disruptions to her life tumble into each other, and the ending is tender and heartbreaking.
Watching my father slowly, then rapidly, die was incredibly difficult, and it only took the span of 1 year. I can’t imagine years upon years of visiting your parent and knowing that things won’t improve but holding out hope that they will. The little things they did and loved and talked about that become the things that ultimately haunt you.
Tender and touching, especially at the end.
One such swimmer, Alice, has had her routines seemingly disrupted her entire life, starting with the internment camps in the USA during WWII. Her adult life is disrupted by the death of her mother, then the development of dementia, and the closure of the pool. These disruptions to her life tumble into each other, and the ending is tender and heartbreaking.
Watching my father slowly, then rapidly, die was incredibly difficult, and it only took the span of 1 year. I can’t imagine years upon years of visiting your parent and knowing that things won’t improve but holding out hope that they will. The little things they did and loved and talked about that become the things that ultimately haunt you.
Tender and touching, especially at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia and Death of parent
Moderate: Miscarriage