A review by lauren_shilling
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was not what I was expecting it to be in the best way possible. It was beautifully written, and I underlined and marked so many quotes that literally made me stop breathing for a moment. It was some of the most beautiful writing I've read in a while. The portrait it drew of 1980s Poland and the main character's experiences there was heartbreaking to read, and the relationship between him and Janusz broke me in a way that I really haven't felt since I read Call Me By Your Name. There was nothing I didn't like about this book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of picking it up. I urge you to prioritize it, because it just blew me away!
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