Cover art for Swimming in the Dark
Published
Bloomsbury, May 2021
ISBN
9781526604989
Format
Softcover, 256 pages
Dimensions
19.8cm × 12.9cm

Swimming in the Dark 'One of the most astonishing contemporary gay novels we have ever read ... A masterpiece' - Attitude

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LONGLISTED FOR THE POLARI PRIZE 2021

A Guardian Book of the Year

'The highest talent at work' Sebastian Barry

'Beautiful ... A masterpiece' Attitude

Poland, 1980. Shy, anxious Ludwik has been sent along with the rest of his university class to an agricultural camp. Here he meets Janusz - and together they spend a dreamlike summer falling in love.

But with summer over, the two are sent back to Warsaw. Confronted by the scrutiny, intolerance and corruption of life under the Party, Ludwik and Janusz must decide how they will survive; and in their different choices, find themselves torn apart.

'An affecting and unusual romance' Observer

'A new classic' Evening Standard

'A beautiful novel, and at its heart an amazing love story' BBC Radio 4 Open Book, Editor's Pick

'Jedrowski is an authentic new international star' Edmund White

'A remarkable, beautiful tale, utterly new and entirely credible ... This book radiates sensuality, humour, and human truths' Literary Review

Recommended by Adam Matthews

Adam finished his undergraduate in writing and publishing in 2021 and has been working at Boffins ever since! He especially likes to read queer fiction, sociology and biographies.

A queer romance that I like to re-read just to stew in the affliction it left in me. It's 1980 soviet Poland and Ludwik is a sweet, bookish boy falling in love with a man for the first time. But communist tensions are high, especially for a gay man who yearns for a better life in the West. This book ruined me, you must read it.

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