Poles Apart
This article is only a portion of the full article. If you are already a premium subscriber please login. If you are not a premium subscriber, please subscribe for access to all of our content.

Swimming in the Dark
by Tomasz Jedrowski
William Morrow. 191 pages, $26.99

SET in Communist-era Poland in 1980, Tomasz Jedrowski’s first novel, Swimming in the Dark , is a compelling and tragic story in which two young men fall passionately in love. Jedrowski has woven a brilliant tale about two people in love who are torn apart by a political divide and a difference in values. It is also a unique perspective into a politically and socially dark period.

            When Ludwik, the narrator, first meets Janusz, he is immediately captivated by Janusz’ brooding good looks and masculine appeal. The two men set off for a few weeks on a trip through Poland’s countryside, falling deeply in love.