Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I can't imagine what it must've been like to grow up gay in the totalitarian state that was Poland in the 1970s. The author captures the chill of that situation very well and there were one or two moments when I was right in there fearing the shadows around me. It was also a very interesting juxtaposition of one character, Ludwig, supporting revolution and his lover Janusz supporting the 'system'. That said I did find that the author laboured some of the points and went into way too much description. I also doubted Ludwig's motivations at the end of the story. But all of that is just my view - I'd still recommend it as being a unique take on the gay experience and a good story.



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