The Swimmers

A debut novel by a bold New Zealand talent tackles the subject of assisted dying with wit and pathos. When an affair ends badly and takes her career down with it, 26-year-old Erin leaves Auckland to spend the holiday weekend with her aunt, uncle, and terminally ill mother at their suburban family home. She learns that her mother has decided to take matters into her own hands and end her life, and Erin must summon the strength she would normally find in the water to prepare for the loss of the fiery, independent woman who raised her alone and one last swim together in the cold New Zealand Sea.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Gallic Books

Longlisted for the prestigious Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards 2021, Claire Fuller's debut novel is a captivating and poignant exploration of life, love, and loss. Set against the backdrop of a family of former competitive swimmers, the story revolves around Erin, a 26-year-old outcast who finds herself grappling with the impending end of her mother's life.

With wit and pathos, Fuller tackles the sensitive subject of assisted dying, delving into the complex emotions and moral dilemmas that arise when a loved one makes the decision to end their own life. Erin's journey is a poignant one, as she navigates the tumultuous aftermath of an affair that has derailed her career and leaves her feeling lost and alone. Seeking solace, she travels to her suburban family home for the holiday weekend, where she is confronted with the reality of her mother's terminal illness.

Tasked with fulfilling her mother's final wishes, Erin must summon the strength she would normally find in the water as she prepares for the loss of the fiery, independent woman who raised her alone. In a series of emotionally charged encounters, she navigates the eccentric neighbourhood, confronts her complicated family dynamics, and struggles to find a sense of closure in the face of impending loss.

One last swim together in the cold New Zealand Sea becomes a symbolic act of remembrance and healing, a moment of connection between Erin and her mother that transcends the boundaries of time and space. Through its vivid portrayal of family relationships, societal pressures, and the complexities of human emotion, "The Outcast" is a stunning debut that showcases Claire Fuller's talent for storytelling and her ability to touch the hearts of readers.

Longlisted for the prestigious Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards 2021, Claire Fuller's debut novel is a captivating and poignant exploration of life, love, and loss. Set against the backdrop of a family of former competitive swimmers, the story revolves around Erin, a 26-year-old outcast who finds herself grappling with the impending end of her mother's life.

With wit and pathos, Fuller tackles the sensitive subject of assisted dying, delving into the complex emotions and moral dilemmas that arise when a loved one makes the decision to end their own life. Erin's journey is a poignant one, as she navigates the tumultuous aftermath of an affair that has derailed her career and leaves her feeling lost and alone. Seeking solace, she travels to her suburban family home for the holiday weekend, where she is confronted with the reality of her mother's terminal illness.

Tasked with fulfilling her mother's final wishes, Erin must summon the strength she would normally find in the water as she prepares for the loss of the fiery, independent woman who raised her alone. In a series of emotionally charged encounters, she navigates the eccentric neighbourhood, confronts her complicated family dynamics, and struggles to find a sense of closure in the face of impending loss.

One last swim together in the cold New Zealand Sea becomes a symbolic act of remembrance and healing, a moment of connection between Erin and her mother that transcends the boundaries of time and space. Through its vivid portrayal of family relationships, societal pressures, and the complexities of human emotion, "The Outcast" is a stunning debut that showcases Claire Fuller's talent for storytelling and her ability to touch the hearts of readers.

Weight: 172g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913547479