He struggles to even say the word 'homosexual,' yet being able to say it holds the key to his freedom. Ludwik cannot face his own sexuality until forced to, very late in the novel. Neither lover feels free to allow anyone else to know about their relationship. The homophobic atmosphere of Poland and Poland's Soviet dominators prevents the fullness of the relationship Ludwik craves. The two young men confine their encounters to infrequent events, yet each man realizes he deeply loves the other. As their relationship develops, anti-semitism sweeps Ludwig's young lover away, never to be found again.Ī few years later, Ludwik meets Janusz, reigniting his preference for other men. This book is like an onion with many layers to peel, any one of which can bring you to tears.Īs a boy, Ludwik experiences feelings for another boy who shares his feelings. Yet, the story of the relationship between two men exists in a climate even more toxic than that of Baldwin's classic.

Anyone who has read that novel will find it almost unimaginable that this one is as good! It is as powerful and as emotionally devastating as Baldwin's, dealing with so much more than the pain of same-sex relationships. It portrays the forbidden relationship between two men who love one another.

Giovanni's Room is one of the most influential novels in literature. Swimming in the Dark makes a few references to Jomes Baldwin's Giovanni's Room. Incredible! If you want only one word to sum up a book, 'incredible' is the word, and this is the book.

Tomasz jedrowski swimming in the dark