Joy D's Reviews > Swift River

Diamond is a mixed-race teen living in Swift River, a small town in the northeastern US. Her father disappeared years ago. His shoes were found near the river, but no one knows what really happened to him. Diamond and her mom must wait seven years for him to be officially declared deceased, so they can collect his insurance. Her mother has trouble keeping a job and becomes addicted to painkillers. Swift River had enacted restrictions in the past, which led to its black residents leaving town. Diamond feels isolated and has trouble making friends.

The storyline is told in dual timelines – Diamond in 1987 and the time of her father’s disappearance in 1980. In addition, there are letters from Diamond’s aunt, which provide her father’s backstory and that of their Aunt Clara in the early twentieth century. It is a mostly character-driven story with a slim plotline related to the mystery of what happened to Diamond’s father (but I would not recommend reading it as a mystery). It takes a while to ramp up and the pace quickens toward the end. This coming-of-age storyline addresses racism and classism. It is well-written and flows well. Diamond is a great character. She has a good heart, and more than her share of difficulties, so it is easy to root for her. I think the ending is the weakest part, but it is a debut, so I look forward to seeing what Chambers writes next.