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gajanperry's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.5
not uninteresting subject material written in extremely uninteresting way
wilhelmena's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
4.0
a delightful book about swimming and Englands best bathing spots
trsr's review against another edition
relaxing
slow-paced
3.0
A little too euro- and UK centric for my liking...
iuanto's review
adventurous
slow-paced
4.0
Swimming is a series of extracts from Roger Deakin's near-legendary Waterlog. It's an entertaining enough read, even if Deakin does spend a lot of time waxing lyrical about topics that are, at best, tangentially related to his swims. He gives the impression of an eccentric, upper-middle class English gent, setting off from his moated farmhouse in Suffolk to explore remote corners of the countryside and swim in them while quoting poetry.
Deakin's love of Britain's wild places is beyond question and, although his writing feels a little self-indulgent at times, he never fails to evoke a sense of magic and wonder.
I've heard a great deal about Waterlog, so couldn't resist picking up Swimming when I saw it in my local library. Having read it, I'm still keen to track down a copy of the original, full-length version.
Deakin's love of Britain's wild places is beyond question and, although his writing feels a little self-indulgent at times, he never fails to evoke a sense of magic and wonder.
I've heard a great deal about Waterlog, so couldn't resist picking up Swimming when I saw it in my local library. Having read it, I'm still keen to track down a copy of the original, full-length version.
dannywith's review against another edition
5.0
Whilst only an abridged version of the original, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
The authors humour, whilst taking the reader on a cold and wet journey, whilst in the comfort of a (normally) dry and warm location, means I'll definitely be adding the full version, Waterlog, to the "to read" list.
The authors humour, whilst taking the reader on a cold and wet journey, whilst in the comfort of a (normally) dry and warm location, means I'll definitely be adding the full version, Waterlog, to the "to read" list.
noodlenoo's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
3.0
beautiful writing style with stunning descriptions and imagery
clss97's review
5.0
I adored this little book about one of my favourite things in the world - swimming! Deakin has a way of writing that I imagine invites the non-swimmer to think about something new in a different way. The discussion about open water swimming is often left out of the conversation which is much more serious when it comes to keeping pathways open for hikers. But the natural world belongs to everyone and, as such, should be treated as though it belongs to everyone. His adventures in wild waters prove this perhaps more than anything. Not only is it a thrilling adventure, but it is also an opportunity to get people back into nature and back to loving the world we are lucky enough to have right outside of our windows.
I've been excited for this series of Vintage minis for a while and they have definitely not disappointed. Not only has it made me want to read the rest of the series, it has made me want to go out and try something new - open water swimming. I'll also for sure be reading more by the wonderful Roger Deakin and I encourage you to do the same.
I've been excited for this series of Vintage minis for a while and they have definitely not disappointed. Not only has it made me want to read the rest of the series, it has made me want to go out and try something new - open water swimming. I'll also for sure be reading more by the wonderful Roger Deakin and I encourage you to do the same.
soyouwinagain's review
2.0
Kind of pretentious, but still made me want to go for a swim. I read it by the pool, which was quite appropriate as well.