47 pages 1 hour read

Graham Swift

Waterland

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1983

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Waterland by Graham Swift follows Tom Crick, a history teacher reflecting on his life and the tumultuous histories of two intertwined families in the English Fens. Through a blend of personal recollections and historical storytelling, Tom navigates themes of tragedy, madness, and mystery as he unravels complex events, including love triangles, family secrets, and a mysterious death, all against a backdrop of regional and historical significance. Topics addressed include incest, mental health issues, and abortion.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Waterland by Graham Swift is widely applauded for its intricate storytelling and profound exploration of history and memory. Reviewers appreciate its reflective, multi-layered narrative and evocative prose. However, some critiques highlight its complex structure and dense passages as potentially challenging for readers. Overall, it remains a valued literary work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Waterland?

A reader who enjoys deep historical narratives intertwined with complex personal stories, fans of Ian McEwan's Atonement or Julian Barnes' Flaubert's Parrot will appreciate Waterland by Graham Swift. They seek rich, reflective prose exploring themes of memory, time, and the intricate layering of past and present.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

British Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

History: World