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caroline77 's review for:
The Swimmer
by John Cheever
The Swimmer is one big symbol from start to finish—but that won’t make analytical readers happy. John Cheever aimed for mystique and depth, but his story isn’t compelling enough to inspire much analysis and discussion, and protagonist Neddy (a man who on a whim decides to “swim across the county” rather than walk or drive the four miles home from a friend’s pool party) is a one-dimensional bore. The story could sustain interest if there were something fantastical about the goings-on or some urgency to create suspense. For a long while the reader might assume Neddy is simply an oddball or a drunk. It isn’t until the last few sentences that the story’s surrealism is fully realized, but it’s unfortunate that although the power is in this ending, it’s more of a “huh?” than a “whoa!”
The Swimmer’s only strength is Cheever’s clear and straightforward writing, and he nicely set each scene. The swimming pool metaphor also is original, and it’s easy to envision each yard and pool Neddy swims across, although Cheever described these settings (and any people nearby) sparingly. No doubt this was purposeful as he wanted the focus to be on each pool. Overall, though, this is a limp short story worth skipping.
The Swimmer’s only strength is Cheever’s clear and straightforward writing, and he nicely set each scene. The swimming pool metaphor also is original, and it’s easy to envision each yard and pool Neddy swims across, although Cheever described these settings (and any people nearby) sparingly. No doubt this was purposeful as he wanted the focus to be on each pool. Overall, though, this is a limp short story worth skipping.