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Swim: The astonishing tale of Lucy Morton
"Set against the backdrop of the suffragette movement, the First World War and the Paris Olympics, Swim is a powerful novel about skill, courage and determination. I was completely invested in the story of Lucy Morton and her quest to become a champion swimmer. Lisa Brace's writing moves seamlessly between tension, poignancy and humour in a compelling story. The perfect book for Olympic year." Gill Thompson, author of bestselling The Oceans Between Us
Paris, 1924. The Olympics.
Lucy Morton, an ambitious Blackpool swimmer waits to find out if she's won against her American rival.
If she has, she'll be the first British woman to win Gold in an individual event. If she has, it'll upset the apple cart. The Americans have been sweeping the boards and, at 26, she's a veteran in the sport.
If she has, it'll be despite the car accident she was in just 48 hours before, which saw her lose five teeth, crack a rib and be out cold until the morning of the biggest race of her life.
If she has, it'll be a long way from the 10-year-old who almost drowned the first time she tried swimming, thrown into a pool to rectify her 'dunce like' ways.
Morton's biopic is one of a pioneering British woman, who represented Great Britain in the Olympics at a time when the male athletes outnumbered the female competitors 22 to one.
A woman who gained World Records, competed during an air raid and had to battle against sexism and politics, whilst the First World War took place and suffragettes fought on their own frontlines.
Coming up to the centenary of Lucy's Olympics in 2024 and with women still battling to be allowed to compete in sports across the world, her story is as relevant now as it was then.
It is one of courage, perseverance and belief.
It needs to be told.
Paris, 1924. The Olympics.
Lucy Morton, an ambitious Blackpool swimmer waits to find out if she's won against her American rival.
If she has, she'll be the first British woman to win Gold in an individual event. If she has, it'll upset the apple cart. The Americans have been sweeping the boards and, at 26, she's a veteran in the sport.
If she has, it'll be despite the car accident she was in just 48 hours before, which saw her lose five teeth, crack a rib and be out cold until the morning of the biggest race of her life.
If she has, it'll be a long way from the 10-year-old who almost drowned the first time she tried swimming, thrown into a pool to rectify her 'dunce like' ways.
Morton's biopic is one of a pioneering British woman, who represented Great Britain in the Olympics at a time when the male athletes outnumbered the female competitors 22 to one.
A woman who gained World Records, competed during an air raid and had to battle against sexism and politics, whilst the First World War took place and suffragettes fought on their own frontlines.
Coming up to the centenary of Lucy's Olympics in 2024 and with women still battling to be allowed to compete in sports across the world, her story is as relevant now as it was then.
It is one of courage, perseverance and belief.
It needs to be told.
296 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2024
35 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 9, 2025
How exciting can a book about swimming be, you ask? Swim: The astonishing tale of Lucy Morton was not only interesting, but surprisingly fast paced and difficult to put down. I love historical fiction and particularly enjoy examples of female success and heroism, so I expected to like this book, but I can't wait to recommend it to my granddaughters and others. Set in Great Britain in the early 1900's (during WW I), it conforms to historical times, women's roles and the efforts for suffrage. Lucy finds her passion and gift in swimming. With the support of her family and expections of the world notwithstanding, continues to improve, set records, and astonish everyone. (No spoilers).
July 8, 2025
An interesting, easy read about the life of Lucy Morton, a competitive swimmer who went on to represent GB in the 1924 Olympics in Paris.
While it is a fictionalised account, her achievements are factual. Spanning the first world war and the suffragette movement, it is an interesting read and I'll be looking up Lucy Morton. She should definitely be more well-known and glad I read about her in this book.
While it is a fictionalised account, her achievements are factual. Spanning the first world war and the suffragette movement, it is an interesting read and I'll be looking up Lucy Morton. She should definitely be more well-known and glad I read about her in this book.
August 24, 2024
I read the kindle version and there were so many typos and oddly worded sentences! The story itself is great.
July 18, 2025
I collect swimming biographies so approached this book through that lens. It is in fact more of a fictionalised version of Lucy Morton's life and swimming career. It is, generally, reasonably enjoyable as a swimming biography but it seems that scant facts about Lucy Morton are just padded out by general historical details. I find it annoying, this way of forcing general events from history into the personal story, and it just comes across as stilted and fake.
So what happened to the Antwerp olympics in 1920??? The book totally misses a whole chunk out with only a single line explanation much later on in the story. The chapters just jump from Nov 1918 to Aug 1920, Oct 1920 then July 1922 with no mention of Antwerp.
Also when 'the princess' comes to Blackpool, they mention being careful in the crowds because of the suffragette that had gone under the king 's horse..., then next chapter months later, they see the newspaper story of the suffragette going under the kings horse.
Also were metres used as measurement in the 1910s??? The Wigan pool in 1912 is c 60 metres long???
And what's with 'dove' ? The women dove in?? It's dived. They dived in.
I would have loved more swimming detail from the time- d(id they really say Get Ready, Set etc to start a race?? When did Take Your Mark/s (no Set) become the standard?)- but perhaps facts/ records/ details aren't available? Isn't there some kind of swimming archive at Loughborough???
So what happened to the Antwerp olympics in 1920??? The book totally misses a whole chunk out with only a single line explanation much later on in the story. The chapters just jump from Nov 1918 to Aug 1920, Oct 1920 then July 1922 with no mention of Antwerp.
Also when 'the princess' comes to Blackpool, they mention being careful in the crowds because of the suffragette that had gone under the king 's horse..., then next chapter months later, they see the newspaper story of the suffragette going under the kings horse.
Also were metres used as measurement in the 1910s??? The Wigan pool in 1912 is c 60 metres long???
And what's with 'dove' ? The women dove in?? It's dived. They dived in.
I would have loved more swimming detail from the time- d(id they really say Get Ready, Set etc to start a race?? When did Take Your Mark/s (no Set) become the standard?)- but perhaps facts/ records/ details aren't available? Isn't there some kind of swimming archive at Loughborough???
June 6, 2024
Swim by Lisa Brace is out today.
A truly inspiring tale of real life figure, Lucy Morton, a Blackpool born woman who went on to win the first Olympic gold medal for an individual sport in the female category in swimming. Truly inspiring!
I was so lucky to read to read Swim pre-publication and to chat with Lisa about it. Lucy's life was an inspiring one, although Swim is a fictional take on Lucy's life, the amount of research into Lucy's life is equalled with the passion that Lisa has with telling this woman's story.
Set upon the backdrop of The Suffragette movement, a time when women were expected to be the homemakers and where female drive was smothered like a fire, Lucy steps out of the 'norm' line with a drive to follow her heart, swimming.
Swim celebrates 100 years of an incredible achievement, but also 100 years of sadness as Lucy's name isn't more widely known, but I have no doubt that Lisa's incredible penmanship and the way that she brings her characters to life, Lucy's name will be echoed and researched and remembered.
Swim in available in e-book and paperback today. it's a must-addition to ANY TBR!
.
A truly inspiring tale of real life figure, Lucy Morton, a Blackpool born woman who went on to win the first Olympic gold medal for an individual sport in the female category in swimming. Truly inspiring!
I was so lucky to read to read Swim pre-publication and to chat with Lisa about it. Lucy's life was an inspiring one, although Swim is a fictional take on Lucy's life, the amount of research into Lucy's life is equalled with the passion that Lisa has with telling this woman's story.
Set upon the backdrop of The Suffragette movement, a time when women were expected to be the homemakers and where female drive was smothered like a fire, Lucy steps out of the 'norm' line with a drive to follow her heart, swimming.
Swim celebrates 100 years of an incredible achievement, but also 100 years of sadness as Lucy's name isn't more widely known, but I have no doubt that Lisa's incredible penmanship and the way that she brings her characters to life, Lucy's name will be echoed and researched and remembered.
Swim in available in e-book and paperback today. it's a must-addition to ANY TBR!
.
August 25, 2024
SWIM: The Astonishing Tale of Lucy Morton by Lisa Brace is a gripping and inspirational historical novel that tells the remarkable true story of Lucy Morton, the first British woman to win a gold medal in an individual event at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events like the suffragette movement and World War I, the novel vividly portrays Morton’s journey from a nearly drowned 10-year-old to an Olympic champion.
Brace’s writing masterfully balances tension, emotion, and humor, creating a compelling narrative that highlights Morton’s courage, perseverance, and determination. The novel not only explores Morton’s achievements but also sheds light on the broader struggles faced by women athletes in a male-dominated world, making it a powerful and timely read.
SWIM is more than just a sports biography; it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a celebration of a pioneering woman whose story remains relevant a century later. Perfect for fans of historical fiction and sports enthusiasts, this book is an inspiring tribute to an extraordinary athlete.
Brace’s writing masterfully balances tension, emotion, and humor, creating a compelling narrative that highlights Morton’s courage, perseverance, and determination. The novel not only explores Morton’s achievements but also sheds light on the broader struggles faced by women athletes in a male-dominated world, making it a powerful and timely read.
SWIM is more than just a sports biography; it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a celebration of a pioneering woman whose story remains relevant a century later. Perfect for fans of historical fiction and sports enthusiasts, this book is an inspiring tribute to an extraordinary athlete.
June 6, 2024
Set against the backdrop of the suffragette movement, the First World War and the Paris Olympics, Swim is a powerful novel about skill, courage and determination. I was completely invested in the story of Lucy Morton and her quest to become a champion swimmer. Lisa Brace’s writing moves seamlessly between tension, poignancy and humour in a compelling story. The perfect book for Olympic year.
June 11, 2024
A fictional biography about Lucy Morton, a British swimmer from Blackpool and her journey as a female athlete in the early 20th century to fulfil her dream to go to the Olympics.
It’s such an enjoyable read and a great story. I felt I was there with her, standing on the side of the pool.
I would say it’s a must read for every swimmer and everyone interest in sports.
It’s such an enjoyable read and a great story. I felt I was there with her, standing on the side of the pool.
I would say it’s a must read for every swimmer and everyone interest in sports.
July 23, 2024
Great read
So inspired by this historical event. Even though it is fictional the author made Lucy Morton's life so interesting by all the details of what was happening during that time period. The book is great for the historic information and for the efforts an athlete has to endure to push through.
So inspired by this historical event. Even though it is fictional the author made Lucy Morton's life so interesting by all the details of what was happening during that time period. The book is great for the historic information and for the efforts an athlete has to endure to push through.
July 14, 2024
Excellent engaging story!
Loved the fictionalized story of Lucy, Olympic gold medal swimmer in the 1924 Paris Olympics. She overcame great odds to win a gold medal the day after being in a car accident and fracturing a rib and losing 5 teeth.
Loved the fictionalized story of Lucy, Olympic gold medal swimmer in the 1924 Paris Olympics. She overcame great odds to win a gold medal the day after being in a car accident and fracturing a rib and losing 5 teeth.
July 23, 2024
The accomplishments of Lucy Morton are astonishing, especially with the background of World War I. I had not heard of Lucy Morton before and feel there should be a biopic. The author did take liberties with many things in her life since there was so little besides the articles to go on.
July 31, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book, especially as we have been watching the Olympics! It is such a feel good story but I wish it would have finished differently with telling what happened post 1924, even if just briefly.
August 4, 2025
This was a very good book. It was a fictionalized story of an early female Olympic swimmer. The author wrote a very compelling book. Her writing skills are more than adequate. I would certainly read other books by her.
June 6, 2024
An excellent and moving story based on true events - I found this compelling and emotional at times. A perfect read for the upcoming Olympics
July 3, 2024
Never knew about this lady ..loved the readon for writing it as well...
Different times....
Different times....
July 18, 2024
Totally putdownable
i managed to finish this book out of curiosity, but skimmed many passages. Sorry, swimming competitions are just not that interesting.
i managed to finish this book out of curiosity, but skimmed many passages. Sorry, swimming competitions are just not that interesting.
June 8, 2025
Fun to read
This is not a love story, or a thriller, it is a simple story told in a forthright manner. I loved reading about someone whose determination and drive in WW I England required her to conquer challenges before she even started!
This is not a love story, or a thriller, it is a simple story told in a forthright manner. I loved reading about someone whose determination and drive in WW I England required her to conquer challenges before she even started!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews