Swimming in the Dark

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.

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.