The Feminists Go Swimming

by Michael Collins

Michael Collins explores different aspects of the Irish character, and neatly satirises his country's current preoccupations. Feminism, alcohol, emigration and the Church - none escape the author's caustic and unforgiving eye. As always with Collins, there are humour and horror in equal measure, love and betrayal mingled with defiance and laughter.'Michael Collins's vision is breathtakingly black and his writing so sharp you could cut yourself on it' IRISH TIMES

Genres: Short Stories, Ireland

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
(1)Irish Novelist

Michael Collins was born in 1964. He was educated in Belfast, Dublin and Chicago. His short stories have been awarded the Hennessy/Sunday Tribune Award in Ireland and the Pushcart Prize in America.

Reviews

[Roisin King · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book of 2021 and something very different for me as I wouldn't be a big reader of short stories. This collection captures many aspects of the Irish persuasion in a humorous, yet often nuanced manner. A relatable and enjoyable read.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Collins is a superb writer. I bought this book because I heard that he is a humourist and I needed a lift. This collection of stories did NOT provide it. Full of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, these pieces will leave you feeling haunted, horrified, bewildered and awestruck. And yes, you will laugh, but slightly maniacally and not without a hint of perverse pleasure.

[Kathryn Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m really not sure how to rate this one. Definitely a good writer, and some very well worded parts, but…

Some others said it seems every character hates women, and there are definitely some that seem to.

I understand having a character you hate, and to make you hate a character often means you must know them, the author doing so well at crafting a character to break you in some way, to leave a mark.
This is difficult to do in short stories. Here it seems the reason you hate these character is they are simply the worst versions of a man, a caricature of a bad husband, coach, etc.

While it is indeed well written, I am asking myself, if I enjoyed this glimpse of the dark miserable lives of these characters. And asking myself overall, did I enjoy the book?

I am not unfamiliar with being conflicted with a novel, I guess I am impressed to have so much to say from a collection of short stories. I have to work through my thoughts more on this one.

[Emily Hope-Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good little 3$ book from the thrift store to help me get out of my slump. A strange concept of 12 different stories with no connection, and most have an unsatisfying ending. I liked how it was pretty raw, with the end of one short story leaving you wanting more and starting the next one hopeful it had “more”.

Enjoyed the writing as well. Witty and good humour, although not light-hearted topics at all (death, dv, war 😳).

Would recommend as an easy book to read as each story is only 10ish pages, making it easy to take breaks from.

[Emily Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote a review of this book back when I read it in 2008 in an actual notebook that I just found. This is what a wrote: interesting read, dark moody and wildly depressing. I found it hard to read at times for that reason (I’m referring to the depressing tone). But a look into the Irish disposition (my parents are Irish)

[Shiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Feminists Go Swimming by Michael Collins feels so honest and relatable. It’s a collection of short stories that satirically explores various aspects of Irish society, including feminism, alcohol, emigration, and the Church.

I loved how it explored not just the solidarity but also the the complexities and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of freedom and identity; the darker, more complicated feelings - envy, resentment, self-doubt - that we don’t always talk about.

It’s the kind of book that stayed with me because it feels real, even when it’s uncomfortable which is for almost all stories. Already planing to reread it next year!

“We wanted freedom, but we kept tripping over the chains we didn’t know we were carrying.”

“Even among friends, there are shadows - of envy, of doubt, of secrets too heavy to share.”

“Solidarity sounded beautiful in theory, but in practice, it was as messy as everything else.”


5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[C.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of short stories. Dark, dark stories. Exquisite phrasing and description. Different style from story to story. I will inhale everything this Irish writer offers. Why did I not hear of him before?

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, edgy Irish short stories, showing the dark side of piety, guilt, habit and all the other nemeses of Catholics

[Jean Oram · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt like why everything goes wrong in these short stories is due to (blamed on) women. :( However, the stories were interesting and memorable with well developed characters.

[Brianna]

I bought it for the title...and kept it for the title.