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morallyblack 's review for:
Swimming in the Dark
by Tomasz Jedrowski
emotional
reflective
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:
No
Swimming In the Dark invites the reader to follow the journey of Ludwik in 1980s poland, who meets Janusz during an agricultural camp and subsequently falls deeply in love. It is a story of two queer men in a system, that does not allow for differences, the story of two very different approaches on how not only to survive but maybe even thrive in this system - or outside of it.
Ludwik is full of internal struggles, of anxiety and still a deep unrest and wish, not to succumb to a system that does not want to see free people live their best lives, that fails to support the weakest and exists on the backs and the work of the poorest. Janusz' approaches things very differently and the story of these two lovers in hiding is a very gripping tale, full of contrasting viewpoints and convictions.
To me, this was such a beautifully written novel about the struggle to find a way in a state that does not want to be a home to you specifically, about the struggles, internally and with friends and lovers, about beliefs and lines that are not to be crossed.
Tomasz Jedrowski lets the reader peak deep into a shy mind, into Ludwik's dreams and convictions, into his emotions and choices. He uses a style I came to love very quickly and I'm sure he will fascinate many more readers with the way he tells his stories.
I truly enjoyed this story, I hoped and raged on behalf of the protagonist, wanted to shake characters until they finally open their eyes to the reality they live in and console others in their devastation of realising the extent of a system that failed them.
Not only, but especially, in times like today, this book serves as a reminder not to trust regimes to look after its citizens.
Ludwik is full of internal struggles, of anxiety and still a deep unrest and wish, not to succumb to a system that does not want to see free people live their best lives, that fails to support the weakest and exists on the backs and the work of the poorest. Janusz' approaches things very differently and the story of these two lovers in hiding is a very gripping tale, full of contrasting viewpoints and convictions.
To me, this was such a beautifully written novel about the struggle to find a way in a state that does not want to be a home to you specifically, about the struggles, internally and with friends and lovers, about beliefs and lines that are not to be crossed.
Tomasz Jedrowski lets the reader peak deep into a shy mind, into Ludwik's dreams and convictions, into his emotions and choices. He uses a style I came to love very quickly and I'm sure he will fascinate many more readers with the way he tells his stories.
I truly enjoyed this story, I hoped and raged on behalf of the protagonist, wanted to shake characters until they finally open their eyes to the reality they live in and console others in their devastation of realising the extent of a system that failed them.
Not only, but especially, in times like today, this book serves as a reminder not to trust regimes to look after its citizens.