Swift River

A Read with Jenna Pick

By: Essie Chambers

Narrated by: Shayna Small, Janina Edwards, Robin Miles

A READ WITH JENNA TODAY SHOW BOOK CLUB PICK | A National Bestseller | Winner of the Ernest J. Gaines Award | Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize | One of The Washington Post's Best Books of 2024 | An NPR Best Book of 2024 | An Elle Best Book of 2024 | A Boston Globe Best Book of 2024 | An NAACP Image Award Nominee

“A book we all need to revive our souls” (Nicole Dennis-Benn): A “powerful novel…[that] broke my heart, and then offered me hope” (Ann Napolitano, New York Times bestselling author of Hello Beautiful) about a complicated bond between mothers and daughters, the disappearance of a father, and the long-hidden history of a declining New England mill town.

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 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 “sparkling” (The Washington Post), “poetic, and propulsive” (NPR) debut of first friendships, family secrets, and finding the courage to let go, Swift River heralds the arrival of a major new literary talent.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Shayna Small infuses teen angst throughout Chambers’s novel. Diamond, a biracial teen, is still reeling from her father’s death eight years ago. Narrating largely from Diamond’s point of view, Small skillfully uses nuanced voicings for the many conversations Diamond has with other characters. Small captures the teen’s pain when Ma has Pop declared dead in order to collect his insurance money. Rebelling, Diamond plans to run away from Swift River, with its racial slurs and body shaming. Small makes Diamond’s pain and confusion palpable when she discovers letters from her Auntie-Cousin Lena, delivered with Southern grace by Janina Edwards, and from Aunt Clara, performed with warmth by Robin Miles. The letters detail the family’s Swift River history and heritage."

Great read

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

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.

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.

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. 🤷🏾‍♂️