Title: Swimming in the Dark
Author: Tomasz Jedrowski
Genre: Fiction, Coming-of-age story, LGBT literature
Jedrowski's debut novel follows Ludwik in communist-era Poland, as he falls in love with Janusz at a summer camp. While the novel's LGBT themes are subtly interwoven into the fabric of the story, they remain the driving force of the narrative. One reviewer commented that it was reminiscent of Aciman's "Call Me By Your Name" insofar as its historical context, European setting, and evocative, poetic prose. This description seems apt, as the author's writing is highly sensual and descriptive, like Aciman's, though the setting will immerse readers in Jedrowski's native Poland, giving them a broader political context of the time period, as well as the land and cityscapes throughout. This book will be sure to please fans of Aciman's writing, as well as some historical fiction readers looking for a work from a contemporary and unique European voice. The story is tender and poignant, and also draws several parallels with James Baldwin's seminal "Giovanni's Room". At just shy of 200 pages, the novel is the perfect summer read for anyone looking for a story of substance which depicts and questions the ethics of Poland's restrictive communist regime, while also capturing the nostalgic beauty and resilience of its ancient culture and more secretive love affairs.
-Adam
Check out Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski @ the library!
