Scan barcode
A review by annagerman
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski
emotional
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 book was simply beautiful.
The writing is stunning, so evocative and stunning. I loved the backdrop of Soviet Poland in the 1980, how themes of resistance and freedom crossed over between the personal and the political. I liked that while it was a bleak description of communism in all its corruption and oppresion, the writer also shows the beauty of the country.
Also, I liked the story didn't resort to over-the-top drama, both in the personal and the political aspects ( i.e. no secret police or torture, and no emotionly-manipulative heartbreak description). Everything felt subdued but all the more realistic and touching for it.
The writing is stunning, so evocative and stunning. I loved the backdrop of Soviet Poland in the 1980, how themes of resistance and freedom crossed over between the personal and the political. I liked that while it was a bleak description of communism in all its corruption and oppresion, the writer also shows the beauty of the country.
Also, I liked the story didn't resort to over-the-top drama, both in the personal and the political aspects ( i.e. no secret police or torture, and no emotionly-manipulative heartbreak description). Everything felt subdued but all the more realistic and touching for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Outing
Moderate: Pedophilia
Minor: Racism and Death of parent