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The Swimmer

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The Swimmer by John Cheever is a haunting and thought-provoking short story that delves into the unsettling aspects of suburban life. The story follows the main character, Ned, as he embarks on a journey through swimming pools in his neighborhood, reflecting on his past and the changes in his life. The narrative style of Cheever keeps readers engaged, with a simple yet genius idea that culminates in an ending that leaves a lasting impact, giving readers chills and prompting introspection.

Characters:

The characters are reflective of suburban archetypes, particularly the protagonist Ned, whose journey symbolizes broader themes of existential questioning.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its technical proficiency and a haunting quality, effectively conveying deep themes of existential despair.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot offers a critique of societal values and explores the protagonist's ambiguous transformation amidst a backdrop of suburban life.

Setting:

The setting is rooted in suburban America, specifically highlighting various residential swimming pools as significant backdrops.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging, allowing for a thorough exploration of the protagonist's journey across different settings.

Notes:

The Swimmer is a 1968 film starring Burt Lancaster.
It is based on a short story by John Cheever.
The story critiques upper middle class lifestyles and the American dream.
There are references to Greek mythology in the film.
The film is seen as part of a weird shift in Hollywood during the late 1960s.
It explores themes of happiness and the emptiness of a life focused on material comforts.
The protagonist, Ned, swims through various pools while navigating his personal issues.
The Swimmer is regarded as one of the best short stories of the last century.
It has been described as haunting and thought-provoking by many readers.
The story is often linked with suburban themes and the dark side of American life.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The story includes themes of alcoholism and emotional distress, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Here is the preface to 12 magnificent stories, originally part of The John Cheever Audio Collection, in which John Cheever celebrates - with unequaled grace and tenderness - the deepest feelings we have.

As Cheever writes in his preface, "These stories seem at times to be stories of a long-lost world when the city of New York was still filled with a river light, when you heard the Benny Goodman quartets from a radio in the corner stationery store, and when almost everybody wore a hat."

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