Scan barcode
A review by bookiecharm
Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday by Natalie C. Anderson
4.0
I tell myself I've chosen to live but the water knows the truth. Waves brush my arms- soft as shroud linen. The water knows. I have to die.
4.5 stars*
Let’s Go Swimming on Doomsday had me hooked from the first page. Well from the cover art actually because this has to have one of the best covers I've seen for 2019 releases!
Told in dual timelines of 'then' and 'now', Abdi is a child soldier and spy for the US government infiltrating the jihadi terrorist organization Al Shabaab. Then – Compelled by threat of murder of his family, Abdi is given the impossible decision for his and his family's freedom. Now - Abdi grapples with the person he's become after so many atrocities while under the care of a UN social worker.
I am so impressed with the writer's ability to write from this particular perspective with complete focus on the character's plight and perspective. This is extremely important considering the turmoil and complexity existing within war torn Somalia. Please listen/read to the author's note! This story is not without bias or possible missteps when discussing the state of Somalia, Islam-driven Al Shabaab, or the routine terrorist activity inflicted by the US government. But it does a dam good job of discussing all of these things in a haunting story that is highly accessible for YA audiences.
Abdi’s perspective and the emotional voice performance in the audiobook really drove this story home. I loved especially the time spent in the girl's school (during the 'now') and Abdi's adjustment to civilian life. The bonds these children share are built on a series of unforgivable acts and their experiences as refugees but also on a love of swimming.
However, some of the alternating chapters felt long winded and lacked fluidity. This is surprising since there are so many lovely analogies of swimming and freedom. I'm a Pisces and I vibe hard with that imagery. This novel features a fictional but harsh reality that I'm glad this story brings awareness to.
CW - rape, murder, torture
4.5 stars*
Let’s Go Swimming on Doomsday had me hooked from the first page. Well from the cover art actually because this has to have one of the best covers I've seen for 2019 releases!
Told in dual timelines of 'then' and 'now', Abdi is a child soldier and spy for the US government infiltrating the jihadi terrorist organization Al Shabaab. Then – Compelled by threat of murder of his family, Abdi is given the impossible decision for his and his family's freedom. Now - Abdi grapples with the person he's become after so many atrocities while under the care of a UN social worker.
I am so impressed with the writer's ability to write from this particular perspective with complete focus on the character's plight and perspective. This is extremely important considering the turmoil and complexity existing within war torn Somalia. Please listen/read to the author's note! This story is not without bias or possible missteps when discussing the state of Somalia, Islam-driven Al Shabaab, or the routine terrorist activity inflicted by the US government. But it does a dam good job of discussing all of these things in a haunting story that is highly accessible for YA audiences.
Abdi’s perspective and the emotional voice performance in the audiobook really drove this story home. I loved especially the time spent in the girl's school (during the 'now') and Abdi's adjustment to civilian life. The bonds these children share are built on a series of unforgivable acts and their experiences as refugees but also on a love of swimming.
However, some of the alternating chapters felt long winded and lacked fluidity. This is surprising since there are so many lovely analogies of swimming and freedom. I'm a Pisces and I vibe hard with that imagery. This novel features a fictional but harsh reality that I'm glad this story brings awareness to.
CW - rape, murder, torture