Reviews

Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

mitskacir's review against another edition

3.0

This book didn't have as much political context as I was expected or wanted. It is primarily a love story, with the main character struggling with the political differences he has with his lover. I wasn't fully taken in by the romance - I never was truly invested in it, which is why Ludwik's dilemma at the end on whether or not to stay in Poland wasn't very wrenching for me. The reasons for his final choice are fully understandable, but there was not enough counter argument to make it feel like a sacrifice. There was also a lot of jealousy on Ludwik's part, which particularly disinterests me in love stories in general. I did listen to the audiobook, which may give me a different perception than if I'd read the physical text.

seventhevan's review

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

amylovesbooks720's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

chelsreadswhatever's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mirainorina's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

patcoder6's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The beginning started out slower and I wasn’t sure how the story would go but was pleasantly surprised at the end. The last chapter was the best part although very sad.

cmbynaicybm's review against another edition

4.5

Achingly beautiful. 

magmun's review against another edition

4.5

I thought this was very beautifully written and really appreciated the characters. Some of the plot was a bit simplistic but the overall tone was very intriguing.

lizzybaby's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective fast-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? Yes

4.0

cfrankie's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75