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1980: Two boys fall in love in 1980s Poland
Swimming in the Dark
What you need to know before your trail
Poland, 1980. Anxious, disillusioned Ludwik Glowacki, soon to graduate university, has been sent along with the rest of his class to an agricultural camp. Here he meets Janusz – and together, they spend a dreamlike summer swimming in secluded lakes, reading forbidden books – and falling in love.
But with summer over, the two are sent back to Warsaw, and to the harsh realities of life under the Party. Exiled from paradise, Ludwik and Janusz must decide how they will survive; and in their different choices, find themselves torn apart.
Travel Guide
Explore the world of 1980s Poland BookTrail style
History
Ludwik’s family have been forced to leave their home near Lwow. The Soviets took over their houses and shoved them onto trains heading to the city. In the war, Poland had been divided by Russia and Germany and the lessons they learn at school are not telling them the truth. They find out aboutg the truth from their families that the people of their city fought against the Nazis and when the Soviets arrived, they thought they were their allies.
Wroclaw
Ludwik and Beniek live in the same neighbourhood in Wroclaw, in Poland. They go to the same church and bible school, play in the street together and do what normal kids do. One day they go to summer camp and their world changes. Beniek is Jewish so that adds even more tension to the mix.
“Beniek was a reminder that I had unleashed something terrible into the world, something precious and dangerous”.
When Beniek leaves for Israel:
“Tears started to slide down my cheeks like melted butter”.
BookTrail Boarding Pass: Swimming in the Dark
Destination/location: Poland Author/guide: Tomasz Jedrowski Departure Time: 1980s
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