The Swimmers

While this short book, roughly divided into 3 narratives, felt a bit disjointed at times (the abrupt transition / subtlety of connection was especially evident to me between parts 1 & 2), I still profoundly enjoyed each part individually. The writing was touching and distinct in each story. As someone who is a creature of habit and enjoys partaking in rituals that ground me, I could relate to Part 1 well (even though it got silly towards the end). Part 2 made me feel sad for the state of our profit-oriented world that seems to have lost a part of humanity. Part 3 really moved me, and I have a soft spot for immigrant narratives. All in all, I would love to read more of Otsuka's work.