Swimmer Among the Stars

by Kanishk Tharoor
Swimmer Among the Stars cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Short Story Collections
Technical
  • ID: 3839
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781509822140
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2017-04-06
  • Reviews: 3

Swimmer Among the Stars is a captivating collection of stories by Kanishk Tharoor, praised for its exuberant exploration of time and space. The book features a diverse range of narratives, from the last speaker of a dying language to a lonely elephant's voyage across continents. Each tale is crafted with the richness of ancient fables and the creativity of modern masters, offering a unique and enchanting reading experience. Tharoor's stories are reminiscent of the Arabian Nights, Italo Calvino, and Jorge Luis Borges, showcasing his extraordinary talent as a storyteller. The collection includes a variety of settings and characters, from diplomats trapped in orbit to a cook who uses precious stones in his cuisine. This book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the boundless imagination of its author.

Reviews
The Edge · 2020-05-15
great 4.00

The book is noted for its nuanced exploration of various territories with grace, humour, and creativity. It is considered a hidden gem.

This reviewer appreciates the nuanced territories that Tharoor explores in his book, noting the grace, humour, and creativity with which he tackles each subject. They consider it a hidden gem that deserves more attention. The reviewer also highlights the thoughtful and imaginative leaps in storytelling that make the book a delight to read.

Quick quotes

    Tharoor steps into several nuanced territories in this book, but he brings his questions with grace, humour, and creativity which makes each story compelling.

    It is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.

    The book is a delight to read for its imaginative leaps in storytelling.

Lonesome Reader · 2017-04-09
excellent 4.50

The book is described as deeply thoughtful and a delight to read for its imaginative storytelling. It is praised for its thoughtful and imaginative approach.

This reviewer finds the book to be deeply thoughtful and a delight to read, particularly for its imaginative leaps in storytelling. They appreciate the thoughtful approach that Tharoor takes in his writing, making each story engaging and thought-provoking. The reviewer also notes the delightful and imaginative elements that make the book stand out.

Quick quotes

    Swimmer Among the Stars is a deeply thoughtful book as well as being a delight to read for its imaginative leaps in storytelling.

    Tharoor's writing is engaging and thought-provoking.

    The book stands out for its delightful and imaginative elements.

NPR · 2017-03-16
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised for its empathy, rich voice, and immaculate craftsmanship. It successfully blends various themes and emotions, making it a compelling read.

This reviewer highlights the author's ability to infuse the stories with resonance, making them deeply moving and thought-provoking. They appreciate the empathy and rich voice that Tharoor brings to his writing, which allows the book to succeed in being both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. The reviewer also notes the immaculate craftsmanship that goes into each story, making it a standout collection.

Quick quotes

    It's a testament to the author's empathy, rich voice, and immaculate craftsmanship that the book succeeds in being all these things.

    Tharoor's stories are deeply moving and thought-provoking.

    The book blends various themes and emotions seamlessly.

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