What are you reading? "Swimming in Paris" by Colombe Schneck

 Noelia's contribution

I came across "Swimming in Paris" by Colombe Schneck while browsing Natalie Portman's book club. Although it is not the kind of book I usually read, I want to step out of my comfort zone, and I knew I had to give it a try. The fortuitous nature of this discovery added to the magnetism of the book. Often, it is in these unplanned moments of exploration that one encounters hidden gems.

Swimming in Paris is a memoir divided into three short stories. First one, adolescence, this story is magnetic, a page-turner, talking about sexual identity, familiar relationships and abortion. The second one, titled "Friendship," specifically explores how she sometimes envies and compares her friends, believing their lives are better than hers, until an event occurs that changes her perspective. And the last story, "Swimming in Paris: a Love Story, she narrates the intricate relation between her, her lover and the city.

Schneck's narrative is characterised by its directness and eschewal of unnecessary embellishments, thereby rendering the profound and occasionally taboo themes she explores in an accessible yet potent manner, beckoning readers to introspection and meditation.

To sum up, I highly recommend this book. I feel compelled to voice a criticism of the book, yet I find myself unable to do so. As I see, this book is perfect for a book club session, I know the members of the club would spend several hours arguing about sex identity, abortion rights, loss and love.

The book

Amazon

Swimming in Paris by Colombe Schneck is a delightful memoir that captures the author’s youthful years in the French capital during the 1980s. Schneck portrays Paris with honesty and nostalgia, blending her personal story with the cultural and social atmosphere of the time. Her narrative is intimate yet universal, offering readers a glimpse into the search for freedom, love, and identity. The prose is elegant but accessible, filled with vivid descriptions that transport us directly into cafés, libraries, and swimming pools. This short but memorable book leaves a lasting impression, celebrating the joy and challenges of self-discovery.

About Colombe Schneck

Wikipedia

Colombe Schneck is a French writer, journalist, and documentary filmmaker born in Paris in 1966. She studied at Sciences Po and built a career in television and radio before dedicating herself fully to writing. Schneck has published several acclaimed novels and autobiographical works, often exploring themes of family, memory, and women’s experiences. Her style combines sensitivity with sharp observation, allowing her to create stories that resonate deeply with readers. With Swimming in Paris, she offers a personal reflection on youth, independence, and the meaning of belonging. Schneck continues to be an important literary voice in contemporary French literature.