This is the story of Alex, a fictional New Zealand swimming champion in the 1950s. Alex is on a mission to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rome. Along her journey she will fall in love and know the pain and heartache when someone dear to you dies too young. Alex faces intense competition from her swimming rival, Maggie, and her overbearing mother, but with her supportive family and much hard work and dedication she just may be able to achieve her goals. Tessa Duder has written an insightful book, a true reflection of the inner turmoil that is the teenager's lot - not to mention the pressure of one whose every success - and failure - is held up to public scrutiny. Very good read. ( )

Great characterisation. Final swim a recurring framing device. Main character a very confident, balanced person in herself despite overheard comments about "not fitting in" and Andy's death. ( )

Great book, and the movie does the book justice. ( )

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