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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reading Journal Details
Book: The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White
Format Read: Kindle eBook (349 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Quick Take Review
The Swimmer offers a rich, dual-timeline narrative where Chloe Cooper's painfully human vulnerability—accentuated by her acute observational skills and tender bond with her dog, Brodie—drives an engaging, suspenseful journey. Despite some exaggerated dramatic sequences and cliched secondary characters, the novel's emotional depth and intricate storytelling make it a memorable read.
Full Review
In The Swimmer, Loreth Anne White introduces us to Chloe Cooper—a protagonist whose awkwardness and limited social skills set the stage for a deeply human, if sometimes painful, journey. Early in the narrative, we see Chloe navigating everyday interactions with an acute observational ability; her internal monologue reveals a sharp awareness of subtle manipulations and mistreatment, even as she remains blissfully aware of the full extent of those around her. This duality is brilliantly accentuated by the alternating "before" and "after" timelines, which not only build suspense but also gradually expose the consequences of her earlier naivety.
A standout moment is the tender portrayal of Chloe's relationship with Brodie, her elderly dog. In one particularly moving scene, as Chloe takes Brodie on a quiet walk, the bond between them is laid bare—reminding us of the unconditional comfort pets can provide during turbulent times. This emotional anchor contrasts sharply with scenes where Chloe's vulnerability is exploited, such as during a tense family gathering that highlights her isolation despite her sharp insights.
However, not every element lands perfectly. Some dramatic sequences, intended to heighten the thriller-esque tension, come off as exaggerated and lead to predictable outcomes, leaving a few secondary characters feeling more like clichés than fully realized individuals. While these moments may have been an intentional stylistic choice, they sometimes detract from the otherwise engaging narrative.
Overall, The Swimmer is a compelling exploration of vulnerability and resilience. Its shifting timelines and intimate character study pull you into Chloe's world, even if a few overly dramatic beats and one-dimensional figures occasionally break the spell.
Book: The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White
Format Read: Kindle eBook (349 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Quick Take Review
The Swimmer offers a rich, dual-timeline narrative where Chloe Cooper's painfully human vulnerability—accentuated by her acute observational skills and tender bond with her dog, Brodie—drives an engaging, suspenseful journey. Despite some exaggerated dramatic sequences and cliched secondary characters, the novel's emotional depth and intricate storytelling make it a memorable read.
Full Review
In The Swimmer, Loreth Anne White introduces us to Chloe Cooper—a protagonist whose awkwardness and limited social skills set the stage for a deeply human, if sometimes painful, journey. Early in the narrative, we see Chloe navigating everyday interactions with an acute observational ability; her internal monologue reveals a sharp awareness of subtle manipulations and mistreatment, even as she remains blissfully aware of the full extent of those around her. This duality is brilliantly accentuated by the alternating "before" and "after" timelines, which not only build suspense but also gradually expose the consequences of her earlier naivety.
A standout moment is the tender portrayal of Chloe's relationship with Brodie, her elderly dog. In one particularly moving scene, as Chloe takes Brodie on a quiet walk, the bond between them is laid bare—reminding us of the unconditional comfort pets can provide during turbulent times. This emotional anchor contrasts sharply with scenes where Chloe's vulnerability is exploited, such as during a tense family gathering that highlights her isolation despite her sharp insights.
However, not every element lands perfectly. Some dramatic sequences, intended to heighten the thriller-esque tension, come off as exaggerated and lead to predictable outcomes, leaving a few secondary characters feeling more like clichés than fully realized individuals. While these moments may have been an intentional stylistic choice, they sometimes detract from the otherwise engaging narrative.
Overall, The Swimmer is a compelling exploration of vulnerability and resilience. Its shifting timelines and intimate character study pull you into Chloe's world, even if a few overly dramatic beats and one-dimensional figures occasionally break the spell.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Got about halfway. It’s just too ridiculous and way too much over explaining. The author needs to trust that the reader understands some basic things that exist in the world.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No