Swimming in the dark

A novel

Hardcover, 208 pages

English language

Published April 28, 2020 by Bloomsbury (UK), William Morrow (US).

ISBN:
978-0-06-289000-9
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4 stars (6 reviews)

Poland, 1980. Shy, anxious Ludwik has been sent along with the rest of his university class to an agricultural camp. Here he meets Janusz - and together they spend a dreamlike summer falling in love.

But with summer over, the two are sent back to Warsaw. Confronted by the scrutiny, intolerance and corruption of life under the Party, Ludwik and Janusz must decide how they will survive; and in their different choices, find themselves torn apart.

9 editions

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!)

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.