A review by lcr16
The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Swimmers is a challenging, deeply rewarding read I couldn’t put down. The slow beginning had obvious metaphorical importance with the crack in the pool and not being sure we’re it came from and if anyone should be concerned, much like the beginning symptoms in Alice. The prose has a nuanced level of compassion and honesty when discussing the bleak living facilities that Alice lives in later on. A visceral read that left my heart aching.