The Swimmer by Roma Tearne

The Swimmer

Roma Tearne

A hauntingly atmospheric love story that offers so much more. The topical themes of asylum seekers and terrorism fears make bleak reading at times, but it is so beautifully written that you can’t help but be drawn in. The sadness is justified but there are enough unexpected twists to leave you with of hope for the future - and I'm left feeling so glad to have experienced this book.

Extract
The back of my neck went cold. I stood confused, staring into the darkness. Jack, the only person I knew who could play the piano, was miles away, moored up on the broads. And Jack didn't play jazz. The music went on and on, faint and familiar, jauntily inviting me to move in time with it. There was a small delicious run of notes and then it came to an abrupt end. I heard the lid come down, followed by footsteps going out into the hall. The kitchen door opened and shut gently. Moments later the outside light came on. Instantly I was galvanised and rushed downstairs. But when I reached the back door the garden was in darkness once more.
Parallels
  • Snow White Turtle Doves by Juliet Bressan
  • Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy