47 pages • 1 hour read
Waterland
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Fens, England • 1940s
1983
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Waterland by Graham Swift follows Tom Crick, a history teacher reflecting on his life and the tumultuous histories of two intertwined families in the English Fens. Through a blend of personal recollections and historical storytelling, Tom navigates themes of tragedy, madness, and mystery as he unravels complex events, including love triangles, family secrets, and a mysterious death, all against a backdrop of regional and historical significance. Topics addressed include incest, mental health issues, and abortion.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Dark
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
10,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Waterland by Graham Swift is widely applauded for its intricate storytelling and profound exploration of history and memory. Reviewers appreciate its reflective, multi-layered narrative and evocative prose. However, some critiques highlight its complex structure and dense passages as potentially challenging for readers. Overall, it remains a valued literary work.
Who Should Read Waterland?
A reader who enjoys deep historical narratives intertwined with complex personal stories, fans of Ian McEwan's Atonement or Julian Barnes' Flaubert's Parrot will appreciate Waterland by Graham Swift. They seek rich, reflective prose exploring themes of memory, time, and the intricate layering of past and present.
10,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Novel • Fiction
Fens, England • 1940s
1983
Adult
18+ years
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