Swimming in the Dark

Taylor Drew reviewed Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

Swimming or drowning? Maybe it's both

5 stars

The next time somebody looks me in the eye and seriously tells me that being a native speaker of a language is an automatic advantage and sign of superiority in language skill, I'm going to beat them over the head with this book.

My knowledge of Poland's history pre-war and post-war is incredibly limited and I haven't read much fiction that takes place during this time period in Soviet controlled territories. But a Polish friend of mine recommended this book, so I ended up picking it up to read.

The story jumps back and forth in time periodically, but mostly takes place in the months following the graduation of the main character. He's gay and is beginning to accept his sexuality while also trying to come to terms with the limits and possibilities of the place that he calls home. The story is hopeful yet claustrophobic, and because it's told …

The next time somebody looks me in the eye and seriously tells me that being a native speaker of a language is an automatic advantage and sign of superiority in language skill, I'm going to beat them over the head with this book.

My knowledge of Poland's history pre-war and post-war is incredibly limited and I haven't read much fiction that takes place during this time period in Soviet controlled territories. But a Polish friend of mine recommended this book, so I ended up picking it up to read.

The story jumps back and forth in time periodically, but mostly takes place in the months following the graduation of the main character. He's gay and is beginning to accept his sexuality while also trying to come to terms with the limits and possibilities of the place that he calls home. The story is hopeful yet claustrophobic, and because it's told in first person with moments that are directed in the second person, it's really easy to find yourself deep within Ludwik's life in mind.

This story is really special and I really hope the author writes another.

Dav reviewed Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

None

4 stars

Beautiful. A gorgeous love story, with a bittersweet ending, but also a political commentary on the hypocrisies of Communism and observation of the deep emotional trauma caused by suppressing the rights of LGBTQ+ people.

RexLegendi reviewed Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

Review of 'Swimming in the dark' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

It is interesting to see how Tomasz Jedrowski (1985) pays homage to [b:Giovanni’s Room|38462|Giovanni’s Room|James Baldwin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1501485157l/38462.SY75.jpg|814207] by James Baldwin in a story set in 1980s communist Poland. The quintessential gay novel plays a key role in the romantic relationship between Janusz and Ludwik (‘Ludzio’ – a reference to Thomas Mann’s Tadzio ([b:Death in Venice|53064|Death in Venice and Other Tales|Thomas Mann|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309376701l/53064.SY75.jpg|3458170]) or merely a common usage?). I found the chapter in which the book is mentioned – ‘Don’t be scared’ – exceedingly good.

Furthermore, the context of Polish politics and society is palpably present. By juxtaposing two opposing characters, Jedrowski emphasises the different ways people look at their own country and the West. As for the romance, the narrative of the ‘prince on the white horse’ and the forced separation were a little too typical for my taste, but I enjoyed the story.

I will …

It is interesting to see how Tomasz Jedrowski (1985) pays homage to [b:Giovanni’s Room|38462|Giovanni’s Room|James Baldwin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1501485157l/38462.SY75.jpg|814207] by James Baldwin in a story set in 1980s communist Poland. The quintessential gay novel plays a key role in the romantic relationship between Janusz and Ludwik (‘Ludzio’ – a reference to Thomas Mann’s Tadzio ([b:Death in Venice|53064|Death in Venice and Other Tales|Thomas Mann|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309376701l/53064.SY75.jpg|3458170]) or merely a common usage?). I found the chapter in which the book is mentioned – ‘Don’t be scared’ – exceedingly good.

Furthermore, the context of Polish politics and society is palpably present. By juxtaposing two opposing characters, Jedrowski emphasises the different ways people look at their own country and the West. As for the romance, the narrative of the ‘prince on the white horse’ and the forced separation were a little too typical for my taste, but I enjoyed the story.

I will continue with Olga Tokarczuk’s [b:Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead|51648276|Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead|Olga Tokarczuk|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1565725457l/51648276.SX50_SY75.jpg|8099373] to learn more about Poland.

oatmilk_alex reviewed Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

Review of 'Swimming in the dark' on 'Storygraph'

5 stars

it mentions my favourite book, so of course it’s beautiful

seathebeauty reviewed Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

Review of 'Swimming in the Dark' on 'Storygraph'

5 stars

Such an excellent book, wish I had read it sooner.

Bradley 🏳️‍🌈 ブラッドリー reviewed Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

Review of 'Swimming in the dark' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

It was wonderful.
At first I was a bit worried about how graphic it was but I realize how much that solidifies the feelings between the characters throughout the book. Very honest and I related so much to the words and feelings expressed throughout the book.
I told my partner "where was this book when I was growing up?", even though I have been out for many years, I really think this sort of literature would have made me feel more comfortable with myself sooner (as is expressed in the interview at the end!)

Zéro Janvier reviewed Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

Review of 'Swimming in the dark' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Un très beau roman qui nous raconte l’histoire d’amour entre deux jeunes garçons tout juste sortis de l’université, dans la Pologne communiste du début des années 80. Le contexte est connu : un régime totalitaire, une situation économique dramatique, une population soumise et désillusionnée. L’histoire entre les deux jeunes hommes est parfaitement ancrée dans ce cadre historique, et c’est à mettre au crédit de l’auteur pour son premier roman.