Swift River by Essie J. Chambers

This was a beautifully written coming of age story. I listened to it and forgot to write a review WEEKS ago which leads to the only problem I have with audiobooks: I don’t take notes and while I remember thinking “ooh what a creative way to describe that” or “wow that simile or metaphor was perfect” I’ve already forgotten the bulk of the story and have zero helpful feedback for a review 😂It’s a family saga, missing father, mother-daughter relationships, 1980s, prejudice, and abandonment kind of book.

In my hazy memory of the plot, I did feel that some points got dragged out too long but the writing was strong. I think I’ll read a hard copy of her next book so that more of the details stay with me because I was drawn to her prose.

Thanks NetGalley for the arc! I did like it 🤪

Essie Chambers' debut novel, *Swift River*, is a poignant and evocative coming-of-age story that delves into themes of identity, loss, and resilience. Set in 1987 in the fictional New England town of Swift River, the narrative follows 16-year-old Diamond Newberry, the only Black resident in a community once known as a "sundown town." Diamond's father disappeared seven years prior, leaving her and her white mother, Annabelle, grappling with grief and financial instability.

The novel alternates between Diamond's present-day experiences and flashbacks to 1915, revealing the history of Swift River's Black community and the event known as "The Leaving," when Black residents were forced to flee due to escalating racial hostility. Through letters from her Aunt Lena and Aunt Clara, Diamond uncovers her family's past and begins to understand her place in the world. This exploration of heritage and belonging is central to the novel's emotional depth.

Chambers' writing is both lyrical and grounded, capturing the complexities of Diamond's inner world and the nuances of her relationships. Critics have praised the novel for its rich prose and compelling characters. Carole V. Bell of *The Washington Post* describes it as "a rare and rewarding thing: a fast-moving novel that you want to slow down and savor" lauds the book as "a mesmerizing account of inherited trauma," highlighting Diamond's "gutsy" character and the novel's "never a saccharine moment" approach

*Swift River* is a heartfelt exploration of how history shape's identity and the power of uncovering one's roots. With its richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, it is a compelling read for those interested in narratives that intertwine personal growth with historical reckoning.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy!

This was so beautifully written. Although some parts were very challenging to read, including some of the language, the characters were really well developed and the setting described incredibly. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel!

I would definitely recommend! Be aware there are some challenging themes.

I wanted to love this! It started strong, but uneven pacing and a meandering plot kept me from getting fully absorbed. I’m also coming off 3+ months of romantasy and this might have been too slow a book to have as my transition back to lit fic.

This book was good. It follows Diamond, as she has to go through her father disappearing along with being the only black girl in her town. This book hit a lot of difficult topics regarding racial discrimination and racism from other people in her town. Throughout the book, Diamond is also receiving some letters from two relatives that teach her about her family history. This book is really about Diamond’s self-discovery journey. Unfortunately, I did have some issues with the book. While I enjoyed the plot and the storyline was really interesting, there were certain aspects of the plot involving inappropriate relationships between minors/adults that made me really uncomfortable. They really felt like they came out of nowhere and weren’t really necessary for the plot. I may have been okay with it if there had been some trigger warnings at the beginning, but there weren’t. There was also never really a discussion of how these situations were wrong and I felt there could have been space for that to be a conversation. I also felt like the ending was a little abrupt and didn’t answer a lot of the questions/plot points posed throughout the book. Overall, this book addressed racial issues and self-discovery really well, it just unfortunately had some drawbacks for me.

The story behind Swift River by Essie Chambers holds a strong plot. This is a good selection for readers who enjoy jumping around the timeline and narrative. There is a bit of trauma mentioned but not explored in depth so if you’re a reader that doesn’t mind the mention these topics are not heavily disturbing in this narrative.

Not my usual kind of reading, but I unexpectedly loved this story. Wistful, hopeful, and atmospheric. Coming of age story interwoven with the past. Interested to see what this author offers in the future.

It's a family saga or a coming-of-age story, but it jumps around so much that it Is hard to follow if the author had kept the times more together. it would have been a better book.

Essie Chambers' debut novel, Swift River, is a beautifully evocative coming-of-age story set in a New England mill town during the 1980s. The narrative centers on Diamond Newberry, a biracial teenager raised in a predominantly white community, struggling with the mysterious disappearance of her Black father seven years prior.

When Diamond receives a letter from a relative she’s never met, she is introduced to her extended family, which opens her eyes to her roots and her heritage. This powerful connection gives her a deeper understanding of herself, her family’s complex history, and a sense of belonging.

Chambers’ writing is both insightful and layered, offering a moving exploration of race, identity, and the lasting effects of family secrets. The novel alternates between Diamond’s present-day experiences and flashbacks to her past, blending multiple narratives seamlessly to create a rich and textured portrayal of a young girl navigating the tensions of race and identity in a divided community.

Critics have praised the novel for its emotional depth, sharp observations, and the humor that balances the more poignant moments. Swift River is not just a book about finding one's place, but also about understanding the connections that define us, even when they are hidden in the past.

In summary, Swift River is a gripping, heartfelt novel that will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. Essie Chambers has created an unforgettable debut that’s both moving and thought-provoking.

I don’t even know where to start because this book had me all the way in my feelings. It’s one of those stories where you’re not just reading you’re living it right alongside the characters.

The story follows Delilah, who’s just trying to make sense of her life after a major loss, and then there’s Cade, who’s carrying his own baggage but somehow still has this quiet strength about him. The two of them crossing paths feels so raw and real, like nothing is forced. The way their relationship builds is slow, but it’s the kind of slow burn that makes every little moment between them feel significant.

Essie Chambers really knows how to write characters with depth. I loved how Delilah’s journey wasn’t just about finding love it was about finding herself. And Cade? Whew. He’s not your typical “swoop in and save the day” kind of guy, but his presence is steady, and that’s what makes him so compelling.

The setting of the story adds so much, too. You can almost hear the river flowing and feel the peace (and sometimes tension) of those quiet moments they share. It’s the perfect backdrop for such an emotional journey.

This isn’t just a romance it’s about healing, growth, and letting people in when it feels impossible. If you’re looking for a story that hits deep, makes you think, and leaves you feeling hopeful, Swift River is it. Trust me, this one will stay with you.

I expected this book to be a little deeper than it was. I thought it was a good portrait about how hard it is to grow up as a biracial girl living in a small town. It never really came together though and felt like it was rushed at times. I think it had real potential but ended up falling flat for me.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an advanced copy of Swift River in exchange for an honest review.

I really tried to get into this one, but it didn’t work for me. I think me and Jenna are complete opposites, and I should stop reading her picks.

This one just moved too slow and didn’t really have enough going on. Diamond was a likable character, but I needed more out of the book.

Wow! This book was powerful and beautiful and tragically sad yet full of so much hope. As Diamond says, it is a ghost story. This book explores family and community and the twisted histories of both. It’s a coming of age story but also a story of grief and love and searching. This book will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!

A poignant tale of family and resilience, capturing the challenges of adolescence as the hero of the story grapples with the pain of losing her father and searches for her path forward.
Enjoyable, fast read!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC which I read in exchange for my honest review

This was a great first read for 2025. I felt that Diamond was a complex character and I felt that she had a unique voice. She lives in an area where she is the unicorn and really struggles to make sense of who she is. I felt the letters and back story were compelling and provided such a rich tapestry of the family and who Diamond's father was. There was really a lot to unpack in this book and I enjoyed the ride. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

I am beginning to think that Jenna and I are one when it comes to selecting books. There's not a celebrity book club out there that better aligns to my personal literary tastes, which might be best described as upmarket book club chic.

Swift River by Essie Chambers is a thoughtful exploration of identity, race, and belonging - set against the backdrop of a mother-daughter relationship. It's a story about what we inherit and what we find on our own.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

Beautifully written - I felt so immersed in the characters’ story. I was drawn to the strong imagery and the heartbreak embedded throughout the dialogue. While some parts were predictable I found the writing style so beautiful to read. Absolutely loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this book in exchange for my honest review. Diamond was an interesting character, and I wanted to learn more about Swift River. Unfortunately, the plot didn't come together for me. There were some plot holes that just didn't get resolved by the end of the book.

"Swift Rivers" by Essie Chambers is a captivating tale filled with rich descriptions and strong character development. The narrative flows smoothly, drawing readers into its vivid world. While the plot is engaging, some parts feel a bit predictable. Overall, it’s a beautifully written and immersive story that will resonate with fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Swift River by Essie Chambers!