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A review by zaiphon
Night Swimming by Aaron Starmer
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thanks to Net Galley for this e-copy!
Night Swimming promised me a dose of '90s nostalgia and a soundtrack of the era's iconic music, and while the story certainly delivers nostalgic touches, it’s so much more than that. This novel is a reflection on youth, friendship, love, and the complexities of growing up — all set against the backdrop of a seemingly endless summer.
Told from the perspective of our MMC Trevor, we follow him and his group of recently graduated friends during their final summer before life pulls them in different directions. At the story's heart is Trevor’s unspoken affection for his friend Sarah and his internal struggle over what their (and his) future might look like. The duo makes a pact to swim in every pool in their hometown of Sutton before summer’s end, a lighthearted quest that becomes more profound as the story unfolds.
But when the rest of the gang discover this pact, one split decision leads them to discover the existence of a hidden natural spring pool. It is at this point, their journey takes an unexpected turn. What begins as a playful adventure soon transforms into a poignant exploration of the fears, desires, and emotions that shape their lives. It’s a story about the delicate balance between holding on to the past and stepping into an unknown future.
At its core, Night Swimming isn’t just about the joy of friendship or the thrill of first love. It’s about the universal longing to freeze time — to experience a moment forever without the pressure of what comes next. The novel explores what it would be like to have an endless night, free from the constraints of time and responsibility, where every choice can be made without regret.
This is not your typical "YA romance" or coming-of-age story. While romance plays a role, the themes of fear, change, and self-discovery are what truly drive the narrative. It’s a book that invites you to reflect on your own experiences with youth, love, and the inevitable passage of time.
I highly recommend going into Night Swimming blind as it is a journey best experienced with an open mind, and you may find yourself taking away more from this story than you anticipated.
Night Swimming promised me a dose of '90s nostalgia and a soundtrack of the era's iconic music, and while the story certainly delivers nostalgic touches, it’s so much more than that. This novel is a reflection on youth, friendship, love, and the complexities of growing up — all set against the backdrop of a seemingly endless summer.
Told from the perspective of our MMC Trevor, we follow him and his group of recently graduated friends during their final summer before life pulls them in different directions. At the story's heart is Trevor’s unspoken affection for his friend Sarah and his internal struggle over what their (and his) future might look like. The duo makes a pact to swim in every pool in their hometown of Sutton before summer’s end, a lighthearted quest that becomes more profound as the story unfolds.
But when the rest of the gang discover this pact, one split decision leads them to discover the existence of a hidden natural spring pool. It is at this point, their journey takes an unexpected turn. What begins as a playful adventure soon transforms into a poignant exploration of the fears, desires, and emotions that shape their lives. It’s a story about the delicate balance between holding on to the past and stepping into an unknown future.
At its core, Night Swimming isn’t just about the joy of friendship or the thrill of first love. It’s about the universal longing to freeze time — to experience a moment forever without the pressure of what comes next. The novel explores what it would be like to have an endless night, free from the constraints of time and responsibility, where every choice can be made without regret.
This is not your typical "YA romance" or coming-of-age story. While romance plays a role, the themes of fear, change, and self-discovery are what truly drive the narrative. It’s a book that invites you to reflect on your own experiences with youth, love, and the inevitable passage of time.
I highly recommend going into Night Swimming blind as it is a journey best experienced with an open mind, and you may find yourself taking away more from this story than you anticipated.