Swift River

By: Essie Chambers

Narrated by: Shayna Small, Janina Edwards, Robin Miles

A READ WITH JENNA TODAY SHOW BOOK CLUB PICK | A National Bestseller | A Most Anticipated Book from Today, Real Simple, Time, Los Angeles Times, and BookPage

“The book we all need to revive our souls” (Nicole Dennis-Benn): A sweeping family saga about the complicated bond between mothers and daughters, the disappearance of a father, and the long-hidden history of a declining New England mill town.

“A powerful novel about how our family history shapes us. Swift River broke my heart, and then offered me hope.” —Ann Napolitano, New York Times bestselling author of Hello Beautiful

It’s the summer of 1987 in Swift River, and Diamond Newberry is learning how to drive. Ever since her Pop disappeared seven years ago, she and her mother hitchhike everywhere they go. But that’s not the only reason Diamond stands out: she’s teased relentlessly about her weight, and since Pop’s been gone, she is the only Black person in all of Swift River. This summer, Ma is determined to declare Pop legally dead so that they can collect his life insurance money, get their house back from the bank, and finally move on.

But when Diamond receives a letter from a relative she’s never met, key elements of Pop’s life are uncovered, and she is introduced to two generations of African American Newberry women, whose lives span the 20th century and reveal a much larger picture of prejudice and abandonment, of love and devotion. As pieces of their shared past become clearer, Diamond gains a sense of her place in the world and in her family. But how will what she’s learned of the past change her future?

A story of first friendships, family secrets, and finding the courage to let go, Swift River is a sensational debut about how history shapes us and heralds the arrival of a major new literary talent.

©2024 Essie Chambers (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Great read

I enjoyed the book and the reading of it. Different reading than I expected but quite good

Life For Some Not All

I found this novel very relatable. Listening to the struggles, of a young mixed race couple and their young child. Highlighting their relationship especially the father and family dynamics while striving to care financially for his young family. Really sort of hit home as you see your own family members dealing with the same issues while praying for only the best for them.

Diamond had a sad life.

The themes layered and the metaphors and similes were well done. Through it all, a young Diamond persevered and was destined for excellence.

A Exquisite Coming of Age Story

I was riveted to the story on the first page. The authors writing is so beautiful and colorful. I laughed, I cried and I was up all night listening. The narration is phenomenal ****chef’s kiss.

Swift River

Decent for a debut, but I got lost during translation. The mom sounded confused all the time but I loved that she loved her daughter. Dad’s disappearance bothered me and the back and forth family letters sounded like the aunt was more about her life vs Diamond. Then the end of book was rushed.
The reason I downloaded the book was because it was recommended. For that reason, I may keep in my library. Otherwise, I’d return it. Perhaps I still have some hidden biases that surfaced during and after reading this book. The mixed children I’ve read about and those I’ve met often seem confuse. This story is no different.
What surprised me most is that the book was published by Simon & Schuster - I just wonder who’s a friend of a friend because this book would NEVER make it otherwise. Sorry. 🤷🏾‍♂️

This story touched me in so many ways and connected me to my own generational story.

Great narration helped bring each of the characters to life. I especially enjoyed the older characters and the "Valley girl" narrater.

Achingly beautiful

The novel dignifies the ostracism of living with small town racial and economic oppression without patronizing or preaching. Instead, the narrative voices of the biracial protagonist and her black kin removed in time and proximity weave together to show the trauma of racism and the resilience of these characters, who somehow always choose love. This is a stunning and deeply human story

Loved how the story was told through letters!

I truly enjoyed the characters in Swift River and how I felt I knew everything about them. The details from the generational letters were wonderful. Great story!

A Meh Story with an Awful Narration

The characters are all very unlikeable. The narrator giving them voice makes it worse.

Listening to Diamond crave a gray, discarded burger from the ground made me wretch.

The mother’s voice made me want to stop listening altogether.

I kept waiting for it to get better.

It never did.

Outstanding

I laughed, i cried, brilliant and imperfect characters. Highly recommend this tale of generations and generational wealth for a black family. Inspiring