51 pages • 1 hour read
The Swimmers
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Julie Otsuka's The Swimmers explores a community of devoted recreational swimmers who experience a profound disruption when a mysterious crack forces their pool to close. The story narrows in on Alice, a swimmer who grapples with dementia, showcasing her family's emotional journey through her decline. The novel intricately examines themes of loss, identity, and community. Sensitive topics include dementia and the impacts of historical trauma.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
35,372 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Julie Otsuka's The Swimmers impresses with its lyrical prose and poignant depiction of collective human experiences. Critics praise the novel's insightful exploration of memory and loss. However, some find the narrative's fragmented style disorienting. Despite this, Otsuka's storytelling captivates, resonating deeply with readers.
Who Should Read The Swimmers?
Readers who relish introspective, lyrical narratives will enjoy The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka. Fans of intimate portrayals of human connections, similar to those in The Buddha in the Attic or Never Let Me Go, will find this novel captivating. The book's exploration of memory and loss is poignant, ideal for those who appreciate deeply emotional storytelling.
35,372 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alice
Alice
A dynamic character who transitions from a peripheral role to the central focus in Parts 3-5, depicted as a Japanese American woman grappling with the early stages of dementia amidst her various familial and professional identities.
Alice’s Daughter
Alice’s Daughter
The narrator of Parts 3 and 5, she explores her relationship with her mother, Alice, and her own feelings of guilt concerning their past interactions, working to honor her mother's life and legacy.
Belavista
Belavista
A for-profit memory care residence characterized as an antagonist, representing societal greed and the commercialized healthcare system, which negatively impacts its residents through neglectful and controlling practices.
272
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
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