Today I am reviewing The Swimmer by Joakim Zander for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the Book (from the publisher): Early 1980s, Damascus. A nameless American spy abandons his newborn child to an uncertain fate. His inability to forgive himself for what he has done leads him on a lifelong quest to escape his past that will take him to Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq – anywhere where the danger and the stress allow him to forget.
Thirty years later, European Union aide Klara Walldéen is learning to navigate the world of politics – the lines between friend and enemy, truth and lies. But Klara has just seen something she should not have: a laptop containing information so sensitive that people will kill to keep it hidden. Suddenly, she is thrown into a terrifying chase through Europe, with no idea who is hurting her and why.
Their stories converge one stormy Christmas Eve in the Swedish Archipelago, where blood is spilled, shocking discoveries are made, and the past inevitably catches up with the present.
My Review: This is Zander’s first novel and he hits it out of the park. Already a best-seller in Europe, it has been translated into English and is now debuting here in America. This is a spy story in the best tradition of spy stories. With a decidedly 21st century take on spies and clandestine operations, it explores the ramifications of covert actions on those involved, the innocents caught in the crosshairs, and those who know too much.
Zander interweaves the stories of the American spy, older, weary, a man who has seen too much over his career and who, in the end, must seek redemption; Klara, a young Swedish woman working in Brussels for the EU who finds herself in possession of dangerous information; and George, a young man working in Brussels whose only desire is to work his way to the top of the shadowy company where he is employed. Zander moves back and forth between these individual stories beautifully. I was thoroughly caught up in them, all the while trying to figure out their connection to each other. As those connections became clearer, the suspense started to build, almost unbearably, until the final pages.
Zander writes time and place beautifully. Damascus, Brussels, Paris, the Swedish Archipelago – each one is distinct and vivid. He uses flashbacks which serve to give us hints as to the past and how it has informed the present. In fact, this thriller is one big puzzle in the best possible way. As a reader, I don’t want to be able to figure things out too quickly. I want to be surprised, to feel a quickening as I start to put things together. I stand in awe of the way in which Zander has masterfully told his story. To be able to write the overall arc of the story, while all the while sharing bits and pieces of each character’s story until they merge into the greater story is quite a feat.
The characters are multi-dimensional and fascinating. Just how they all come together in the final pages of The Swimmer is something you’l have to discover for yourself.
This is an amazing tale, told by a very talented author. You won’t be able to put it down.
About the Author: Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Joakim Zander has lived in Syria and Israel and graduated from high school in the United States. He earned a PhD in law from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and has worked as a lawyer for the European Union in Brussels and Helsinki. The Swimmer is his first novel; rights have been sold in 28 territories. Zander currently lives in southern Sweden with his wife and two children.
One of you will be the lucky winner of a copy of The Swimmer. Leave a comment on this post to be entered. I’ll pick a winner on Sunday night. Good luck!
New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page today.
Happy Friday.
Sounds like an exciting read!
This sounds like something I would like to read. I don’t want to figure out the ending too soon. Your reviews are always so good and make me what to start reading it right away.
This sounds like a good book, Claudia. One I would enjoy. Thanks for the review. xo Diana
Because of your book reviews I have learned about so many new authors. I could have missed out on so many good books, thank you for sharing.
I really enjoy your blog each morning.
Your review was captivating. This novel sounds enthralling and great. Thanks.
Sounds like another exciting book. My TBR list is so long but there is always room for another great book!
I love it when a book gets my heart beating faster! Thanks for the opportunity! ;)
Once again you have piqued my interest and made me want to rush out to find this book. I really enjoy your reviews and allmost always enjoy the books you recommend. Please keep telling us about your new and exciting authors.
Dorothy
From what you have described here about these people..I would like to know more..count me in..
I do love me a good spy thriller! Thanks for the giveaway.
This sounds like one my husband and I would both enjoy!
Exciting. I would be thrilled to win a copy. Thanks for the chance to win.
This sounds like a book I would really enjoy. Thanks so much for your review and the opportunity to win a copy of the book!
Love spy novels!
I’m glad you enjoyed this one! It sounds like the kind of book that I’ll have to carry around and read whenever I have a spare minute because I’ll simply HAVE to know what happens next.
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
This books sounds exciting enough to melt this dreary snow! need some excitement in my life these days! Your reviews always make me want to Rush to the bookstore!
Sounds like an absolutely luscious read! Now if only the snow would eventually melt so I can lay n my hammock and read!
Hi Claudia! I love your book reviews! This sounds like a book that you could lose yourself in and pass many interesting hours reading! I love a good spy thriller! Thanks for the opportunity to win this! Francine
Sounds like a fantastic book read. Thank you for your wonderful reader advisory talents,
they are very appreciated. I am hooked on Nordic mystery writers.
Sounds Fabulous! What a great read. Thank you for the review.
Your great reviews make me want to read each book. This one sounds like one I couldn’t put down.
I’m always kind of surprised by how many “first novel” books I end up loving. Sounds like Zander has hit this one out of the park! I’ll put The Swimmer on my list to read. Thanks for your reviews Claudia. When I’m looking for something new to read I know where to come!
Sounds like a good read. If I don t win, I will put it on my list to buy. Patty Mc
Thanks for the review and the opportunity to win this book. Thoroughly, enjoyed your playlist blogs and look forward to more. Thanks Isabel
I’m too late for the contest, aren’t I? I’m so sorry because I’ve read so many good reviews of this book.