The River Swimmer by Jim Harrison

The River Swimmer by Jim Harrison presents two compelling novellas that delve into the intricacies of human relationships and personal growth. In 'The Land of Unlikeness,' Clive, a sixty-year-old art history academic, revisits his family's Michigan farmhouse, rekindling old passions and confronting his past. Meanwhile, 'Water Baby' follows a farm boy drawn to the mystical allure of the water, embarking on a transformative journey across Lake Michigan. Harrison's prose is celebrated for its freshness, wit, and profound humanity, making this a memorable exploration of life's challenges and triumphs. /n/nHarrison's work is often compared to literary greats like Richard Ford and Anne Tyler, and this collection is no exception. The novellas are richly drawn, offering a striking portrait of characters grappling with love, art, and the passage of time. The magical realism in 'Water Baby' adds a layer of enchantment, while 'The Land of Unlikeness' provides a deeply human and relatable narrative.

Reviews

Bill and Dave's Cocktail Hour · Bill · 2025-05-14

captivating 4.00

The title story recounts the fantastical adventures of a young man with an obsession for water, offering a unique and captivating narrative. The novellas are a testament to Harrison's storytelling prowess.

Bill from Bill and Dave's Cocktail Hour finds 'The River Swimmer' to be a captivating read, particularly the title story which follows a young man's obsession with water. The fantastical elements and vivid storytelling make the novellas a standout in Harrison's body of work. Bill appreciates the unique perspective and the emotional depth that Harrison brings to his characters, making their journeys both engaging and memorable. The writing is evocative and the themes are universal, resonating with readers on a deep level.

Quick quotes

The title story recounts the fantastical adventures of a young man with an obsession for water.

Among his exploits is an epic swim across Lake Michigan, a journey that is as much about self-discovery as it is about physical endurance.

Harrison's prose is as lush and varied as the landscapes he describes, and his characters are as flawed and fascinating as any in contemporary literature.

The New York Times · Michiko Kakutani · 2013-01-20

profound 4.50

The novellas capture the essence of human struggle and the search for meaning, with vivid descriptions and deep emotional resonance. The characters' journeys are both poignant and universal.

Michiko Kakutani of The New York Times praises Jim Harrison's ability to delve into the complexities of human nature. The novellas in 'The River Swimmer' are rich with vivid descriptions and emotional depth, offering a profound exploration of the characters' struggles and triumphs. Kakutani highlights the universal themes that resonate with readers, making the stories both poignant and relatable. The writing is evocative, drawing readers into the characters' worlds and leaving a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

Water is Thad's first love, and it is in the river that he encounters the 'water babies,' aquatic infants who may be the souls of lost children.

The novellas burn brightly with what he calls, at one point, 'unmitigated cupidity,' not just in the sense of greed, but in the sense of a desire for life itself.

Harrison's prose is as lush and varied as the landscapes he describes, and his characters are as flawed and fascinating as any in contemporary literature.

NPR · Maureen Corrigan · 2013-01-09

intimate 4.25

The novellas present a smaller scale story, focusing on one character's journey over two weeks, with a deep emotional impact. Harrison's writing is both intimate and universal.

Maureen Corrigan of NPR highlights the intimate and universal themes in 'The River Swimmer.' The novellas focus on a single character's journey over a short period, yet the emotional impact is profound. Corrigan praises Harrison's ability to capture the essence of human struggle and the search for meaning in a compact narrative. The writing is intimate and evocative, drawing readers into the character's world and making their journey both relatable and memorable. The novellas are a testament to Harrison's storytelling prowess and his deep understanding of the human condition.

Quick quotes

The new novella is much smaller in scale, giving us two weeks rather than two generations of time and focusing mainly on one character rather than a family.

Both novellas burn brightly with what he calls, at one point, 'unmitigated cupidity,' not just in the sense of greed, but in the sense of a desire for life itself.

Harrison's prose is as lush and varied as the landscapes he describes, and his characters are as flawed and fascinating as any in contemporary literature.

Appears in Lists

Essential Jim Harrison – A Reading List