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callumlee's review
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
pbraue13's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a stunning literary achievement that captivates readers with its rich prose, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking themes. Set against the backdrop of 1980s London, Hollinghurst skillfully weaves together the narratives of the past and present, creating a compelling tapestry of human experience.
At the heart of the novel is the protagonist, Will Beckwith, a young and privileged gay man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he delves into the world of the aristocratic class and explores the hidden depths of desire and longing. Through Will's encounters with the enigmatic Lord Nantwich and the mysterious revelations within the pages of an old diary, Hollinghurst masterfully explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the intricacies of human connection.
Hollinghurst's prose is nothing short of breathtaking, with each sentence crafted with precision and elegance. His keen eye for detail and ability to evoke the sensory experiences of his characters transports readers to the lush gardens of country estates and the bustling streets of London, immersing them in a world that feels both familiar and exotic.
Moreover, "The Swimming Pool Library" is not merely a work of fiction; it is a powerful exploration of the social and cultural dynamics of its time. Hollinghurst fearlessly confronts issues of class, privilege, and the legacy of colonialism, shedding light on the complexities of British society and challenging readers to reexamine their own assumptions and biases.
In conclusion, "The Swimming Pool Library" is a literary tour de force that leaves an indelible impression on its readers. With its compelling narrative, exquisite prose, and thought-provoking themes, it is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
4/5 stars
At the heart of the novel is the protagonist, Will Beckwith, a young and privileged gay man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he delves into the world of the aristocratic class and explores the hidden depths of desire and longing. Through Will's encounters with the enigmatic Lord Nantwich and the mysterious revelations within the pages of an old diary, Hollinghurst masterfully explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the intricacies of human connection.
Hollinghurst's prose is nothing short of breathtaking, with each sentence crafted with precision and elegance. His keen eye for detail and ability to evoke the sensory experiences of his characters transports readers to the lush gardens of country estates and the bustling streets of London, immersing them in a world that feels both familiar and exotic.
Moreover, "The Swimming Pool Library" is not merely a work of fiction; it is a powerful exploration of the social and cultural dynamics of its time. Hollinghurst fearlessly confronts issues of class, privilege, and the legacy of colonialism, shedding light on the complexities of British society and challenging readers to reexamine their own assumptions and biases.
In conclusion, "The Swimming Pool Library" is a literary tour de force that leaves an indelible impression on its readers. With its compelling narrative, exquisite prose, and thought-provoking themes, it is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
4/5 stars
nathanae88's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
retrophrenologist's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
lesleygaisford's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kitsuneheart's review against another edition
2.0
I make a point of reading banned books. As a librarian who is very interested in intellectual freedom and serving a diverse community, knowing those works that are most frequently challenged for removal is an important first step in being able to defend their place in the collection.
And, I've got to say, it would be a hard battle for me to defend this book, simply because I just REALLY didn't like it.
I'm not saying I'd step aside and allow the removal. I'd fight tooth and nail for this book. But I am so, so not qualified to find its better points. I just couldn't see them.
I suppose the main focus of a defense would have to be the depiction of gay life in London, pre-AIDS. Hollinghurst shows us an underground society making its first flirtatious steps towards outing itself, but still wholly devoted to protecting one another from discovery. Our narrator, William Beckwith, is a bit past his physical prime, but still devoted to the male form, both his own and everyone else's. It seems as if every page involves a few word description (or speculation) of someone's genitals, and every fifth page a liaison. It makes the plot feel a bit sparse and slow.
I think, in the end, it just comes down to me not being the intended audience. While I am queer, myself, I never had a raucous youth, or even really needed to hide myself. Thus, so much of this book simply would not resonate. Perhaps it would do best with a bit of an older crowd, but, at the same time, I think a lot of those older queer readers wouldn't be able to read this book without being pressed down by the shadow of the AIDS epidemic. Certainly I, throughout this book, found it quite jarring to see no mention of protection. It's become so standard in modern literature to put a condom on for any sexual act that you can almost hear historical romance writers fretting about their absence.
I can't see myself ever recommending this book for reading, but, again, I'd fight for it to remain. It's not for me, but it's for someone, and that's what matters.
And, I've got to say, it would be a hard battle for me to defend this book, simply because I just REALLY didn't like it.
I'm not saying I'd step aside and allow the removal. I'd fight tooth and nail for this book. But I am so, so not qualified to find its better points. I just couldn't see them.
I suppose the main focus of a defense would have to be the depiction of gay life in London, pre-AIDS. Hollinghurst shows us an underground society making its first flirtatious steps towards outing itself, but still wholly devoted to protecting one another from discovery. Our narrator, William Beckwith, is a bit past his physical prime, but still devoted to the male form, both his own and everyone else's. It seems as if every page involves a few word description (or speculation) of someone's genitals, and every fifth page a liaison. It makes the plot feel a bit sparse and slow.
I think, in the end, it just comes down to me not being the intended audience. While I am queer, myself, I never had a raucous youth, or even really needed to hide myself. Thus, so much of this book simply would not resonate. Perhaps it would do best with a bit of an older crowd, but, at the same time, I think a lot of those older queer readers wouldn't be able to read this book without being pressed down by the shadow of the AIDS epidemic. Certainly I, throughout this book, found it quite jarring to see no mention of protection. It's become so standard in modern literature to put a condom on for any sexual act that you can almost hear historical romance writers fretting about their absence.
I can't see myself ever recommending this book for reading, but, again, I'd fight for it to remain. It's not for me, but it's for someone, and that's what matters.
bendy_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
hongjoongie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
rebeccark's review against another edition
2.0
Honestly, a good bit boring and I should have given up on it and not pushed through to the end. The writing was well done but I couldn't get behind the plot - Will is a boring character who is petulant and childish and somehow only surrounds himself with gay men. You get tired of reading of the constant sex Will has, some only being described in a sentence or two as this happens often enough the author doesn't feel the need to elaborate on every single encounter. I am not prudish, but I also prefer the sex to be more of a plot point than something the character seems to do every day to function. His relationships with other characters are self-centered and a bit stunted. Normally a character I dislike can be endured through a good plot, but the plot felt meandering and only within the last chapter did things get clarified. It felt like there was no foreshadowing to what was supposed to be the major plot twist, and even the plot twist fell flat. I wouldn't run out and read another of this author's books without a strong recommendation from a trusted friend, which is disappointing considering his writing style is really quite good.