This novella tells the simple story of Johnny and Diane Laski, a sculptor and his wife, and their attempt to bring a new life into the world, set against the backdrop of a cold Maine winter, deep in the country. In the language of a poet, William Kotzwinkle tell the story of the couple's quiet night drive to the hospital, their long labor, and their, ultimately, unsuccessful breech birth. Unafraid of his subject, Kotzwinkle destroys any sentimental illusions about the "beauty" of childbirth to the distance of birth from death; he remind us of how closely the two are intertwined, of the frightening power of the life force, and of the unpredictability and uncanniness of death. And yet, his small book is not without hope: "It's just us again," Johnny remarks to his wife as they are returning home from the hospital, yet in them the potential for beginning is still alive the beginning, which, as Plato wrote, "is like a god which as long as it dwells among men saves all things."
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Swimmer was first serialized in Redbook in 1975 and then published as a paperback the same year. LJ's reviewer found the story of a couple's struggle to come to terms with the death of their newborn child "effectively and feelingly told" (LJ 11/1/75). This marks the book's hardcover debut.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
This is a little book with the largest of themes: birth and death. To tell precisely what happens...would be like paraphrasing a poem. Suffice it to say that Kotzwinkle projects powerful feelings of love and loss. Swimmer in the Secret Sea appeared first in Redbook and was among the O. Henry Prize stories of 1975. It is good to see that it has achieved a life of its own --New York Times Book Review
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More About the Author
William Kotzwinkle is a celebrated satirist in the US as well as being author of several favourite books, including ET the Extra-Terrestrial and of course, the New York Times listed bestselling Walter the Farting Dog. He lives on an island off the east coast of America.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
to read and re-read,
By A Customer
This review is from: Swimmer in the Secret Sea (Paperback)
It must be 20 years ago that I first happened on this uncommonly good book and I still remember it vividly, and recommend it frequently. The simplest of stories: a much-awaited first child, a stillbirth, and the aftermath for the young parents, but the telling--poetic, haunting, near-perfect, one of the finest modern novellas of loss, grief and transcendance. Buy two--you'll want to give one to a friend.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The lonely ocean of Mr. Kotzwinkle...,
By Darrel (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Swimmer in the secret sea: A novel (A Flare book) (Paperback)
This beautiful book is a lasting testament to the failed pregnancy of a simple and poetic couple. A thin book, but as profound as it is brief. It's the kind of book that makes you want to force it into a friend's hand and watch his/her face as they silently read it. I can't imagine a more moving account or a more glistening example of bravery than this.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Heartbreaking in its brevity,
By
This review is from: Swimmer in the Secret Sea (Hardcover)
This tiny novella is a powerfully gut-wrenching story that honestly portrays the sorrow of stillbirth without any sugar coating. Worth seeking out by all but expectant parents (the subject matter would just be too painful to read).
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