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Swift River
What if the price of moving forward is losing the only family you've ever known?
Summer, 1987. On the sweltering streets of the dying New England mill town of Swift River, sixteen-year-old Diamond Newbury is desperately lonely. It's been seven years since her father disappeared, and while her mother is determined to move on, Diamond can't distance herself from his memory. When Diamond receives a letter from a relative she has never met, she unearths long-buried secrets of her family's past and discovers a legacy she never knew she was missing. The more she learns, however, the harder it becomes to reconcile her old life with the one she wants to lead.
So begins an epic story spanning the twentieth century that reveals a much larger picture of prejudice and love, of devotion and abandonment - and will change Diamond's life forever.
Summer, 1987. On the sweltering streets of the dying New England mill town of Swift River, sixteen-year-old Diamond Newbury is desperately lonely. It's been seven years since her father disappeared, and while her mother is determined to move on, Diamond can't distance herself from his memory. When Diamond receives a letter from a relative she has never met, she unearths long-buried secrets of her family's past and discovers a legacy she never knew she was missing. The more she learns, however, the harder it becomes to reconcile her old life with the one she wants to lead.
So begins an epic story spanning the twentieth century that reveals a much larger picture of prejudice and love, of devotion and abandonment - and will change Diamond's life forever.
286 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2024
1368 people are currently reading
41671 people want to read
About the author
Essie J. Chambers
1 book282 followersEssie Chambers earned her MFA in creative writing from Columbia University and has received fellowships from the MacDowell, Vermont Studio Center, and Baldwin for the Arts. A former film and television executive, she was a producer on the documentary Descendant, which was released by the Obamas’ Higher Ground production company and Netflix in 2022. Swift River is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,152 reviews
May 22, 2024
As currently written, this book doesn’t make any sense to me.
The premise of the book is that seven years ago, Diamond’s father (“Pop”) disappears—only his shoes, ID, and some money are left behind on the banks of Swift River. Now, Diamond’s mom wants to have Pop declared dead to claims his life insurance money. Two sub-plots occur where Diamond strikes up communication with her father’s family, and Diamond suddenly forms a friendship with Shelley, someone she has known for years.
Swift River initially started off strong, but according to my notes, “the ending really sucks.”
Now, this comes from Chapter 3 out of 25 but might be considered a spoiler.
While the letters from Aunt Lena shed more light on the town’s history, they don’t provide any clues as to Pop’s whereabouts or what likely happened to him. The mystery plot, the main plot, seems to be dropped, and the progress is poorly benchmarked.
The ending regarding Shelley needs to be rewritten—it doesn’t carry an emotional punch, and it isn’t memorable.
Finally, the more I think about this book, the more questions that I have and not in a good way:
-Why would Mom want to stay in Swift River? She has poor job prospects, the town is hostile, Diamond has no friends, no availability of buses, no family in the area.
-What about Diamond’s bike accident and knee?
-What happened to Rick?
-Big spoiler question:
*Thanks, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):
Electronic text – Free/Nada/Zilch through NetGalley provided by publisher
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The premise of the book is that seven years ago, Diamond’s father (“Pop”) disappears—only his shoes, ID, and some money are left behind on the banks of Swift River. Now, Diamond’s mom wants to have Pop declared dead to claims his life insurance money. Two sub-plots occur where Diamond strikes up communication with her father’s family, and Diamond suddenly forms a friendship with Shelley, someone she has known for years.
Swift River initially started off strong, but according to my notes, “the ending really sucks.”
Now, this comes from Chapter 3 out of 25 but might be considered a spoiler.
While the letters from Aunt Lena shed more light on the town’s history, they don’t provide any clues as to Pop’s whereabouts or what likely happened to him. The mystery plot, the main plot, seems to be dropped, and the progress is poorly benchmarked.
The ending regarding Shelley needs to be rewritten—it doesn’t carry an emotional punch, and it isn’t memorable.
Finally, the more I think about this book, the more questions that I have and not in a good way:
-Why would Mom want to stay in Swift River? She has poor job prospects, the town is hostile, Diamond has no friends, no availability of buses, no family in the area.
-What about Diamond’s bike accident and knee?
-What happened to Rick?
-Big spoiler question:
*Thanks, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):
Electronic text – Free/Nada/Zilch through NetGalley provided by publisher
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta
August 29, 2025
This poignant and engaging coming-of-age narrative delves deep into the life of Diamond Newberry, a young Black girl grappling with the complexities of identity and belonging. Born into a town scarred by the legacy of historical injustices and haunted by the unresolved disappearance of her father, Diamond finds herself caught between the pain of the past and the uncertainty of the future.
Raised by her white mother amidst the harsh realities of poverty and racial discrimination, Diamond struggles to find her place in a community that often overlooks or marginalizes her. Her desire to break free from the constraints of her circumstances is palpable, yet she feels tethered to her hometown by the weight of unresolved trauma and unanswered questions about her father's fate.
As Diamond navigates the challenges of adolescence, she is confronted with the harsh realities of systemic racism and economic hardship, further complicating her search for self-discovery and acceptance. Despite the odds stacked against her, Diamond refuses to be defined by her circumstances, yearning for a sense of agency and autonomy in a world that often feels indifferent to her struggles.
When she receives letters from her estranged aunt, Diamond embarks on a journey of self-discovery, delving into her family's complex history in search of answers and connection. Through these letters, she uncovers untold stories of resilience, strength, and survival within the African American Newberry community, offering her a newfound sense of purpose and belonging.
As Diamond navigates the complexities of family dynamics, racial identity, and personal growth, she finds solace and support in unexpected places. Through the lens of her own experiences, she begins to understand the profound impact of history on her present reality, and the power of resilience in shaping her future.
This powerful and thought-provoking narrative resonates with readers through its nuanced exploration of identity, community, and the enduring legacy of systemic injustice. Through Diamond's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of confronting the past, embracing the present, and charting a path toward a more hopeful future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon&Schuster for sharing this powerful book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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Raised by her white mother amidst the harsh realities of poverty and racial discrimination, Diamond struggles to find her place in a community that often overlooks or marginalizes her. Her desire to break free from the constraints of her circumstances is palpable, yet she feels tethered to her hometown by the weight of unresolved trauma and unanswered questions about her father's fate.
As Diamond navigates the challenges of adolescence, she is confronted with the harsh realities of systemic racism and economic hardship, further complicating her search for self-discovery and acceptance. Despite the odds stacked against her, Diamond refuses to be defined by her circumstances, yearning for a sense of agency and autonomy in a world that often feels indifferent to her struggles.
When she receives letters from her estranged aunt, Diamond embarks on a journey of self-discovery, delving into her family's complex history in search of answers and connection. Through these letters, she uncovers untold stories of resilience, strength, and survival within the African American Newberry community, offering her a newfound sense of purpose and belonging.
As Diamond navigates the complexities of family dynamics, racial identity, and personal growth, she finds solace and support in unexpected places. Through the lens of her own experiences, she begins to understand the profound impact of history on her present reality, and the power of resilience in shaping her future.
This powerful and thought-provoking narrative resonates with readers through its nuanced exploration of identity, community, and the enduring legacy of systemic injustice. Through Diamond's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of confronting the past, embracing the present, and charting a path toward a more hopeful future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon&Schuster for sharing this powerful book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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July 19, 2025
Swift River follows Diamond Newberry through her tumultuous adolescence in the summer of 1987. She is teased relentlessly for her appearance and faced additional scrutiny as a person of colour, all while coming to terms with her pop vanishing 7 years ago. She received a letter from an unknown relative which gives her more insight into her pop and her heritage.
Historical fiction is one of my comfort genres, but unfortunately, I didn't love this one as much as I hoped I would. The writing was beautiful but the delivery was clunky at times. This story is character driven, which naturally sets a slower pace. I did enjoy Diamond's journey of self discovery and the discussions around her oppression, being the only person of colour in Swift River. I heavily admired Diamond's tenacity. It was impossible not to sympathise with what she went through. This story covers some sensitive subjects so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before picking this up.
There was a mystery element slowly driving the plot, however, I found the execution was muddled with unclear timelines that made it difficult to follow along. I was often left with more questions than answers and found the ending anti-climatic. This had great potential and definitely has enjoyable components but it could have done with some fine tuning to deliver a stronger finish. Considering this is a debut novel, I'm excited to see what comes next with this author.
Thank you Hachette Australia & New Zealand and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Historical fiction is one of my comfort genres, but unfortunately, I didn't love this one as much as I hoped I would. The writing was beautiful but the delivery was clunky at times. This story is character driven, which naturally sets a slower pace. I did enjoy Diamond's journey of self discovery and the discussions around her oppression, being the only person of colour in Swift River. I heavily admired Diamond's tenacity. It was impossible not to sympathise with what she went through. This story covers some sensitive subjects so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before picking this up.
There was a mystery element slowly driving the plot, however, I found the execution was muddled with unclear timelines that made it difficult to follow along. I was often left with more questions than answers and found the ending anti-climatic. This had great potential and definitely has enjoyable components but it could have done with some fine tuning to deliver a stronger finish. Considering this is a debut novel, I'm excited to see what comes next with this author.
Thank you Hachette Australia & New Zealand and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2024
1987, Diamond Newberry is sixteen years old, extremely over weight and lonely and she’s the only biracial person in Swift River. Diamond lives with her mother Anna, she has a drug habit and hasn’t been the same since her husband Robert and Diamond’s father went missing seven years ago. Anna and Diamond struggle to make ends meet, they hitch rides into town and Anna is waiting for Robert to be declared legally deceased and claim his insurance money.
Diamond has been secretly saving up to take driving lessons as her mum doesn’t want her to learn, here she meets Shelly and the only friend she has and around the same time Diamond receives a letter from her father’s estranged Aunt Lena, a lady she has never met and she writes about Robert's childhood and the Newberry family history. Diamond discovers she had a Great-Aunt Clara and she was a mid-wife in the mill Town of Swift River in the early 1900’s, and like Diamond she was the only coloured person.
I received a copy Essie J. Chambers debut novel Swift River from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Told from the points of view of three Newberry women, the story jumps around a lot and I must admit I found it confusing and at times hard to follow and I’m not sure if I really got the meaning of the narrative and pieced all together correctly?
The family certainly had a lot of secrets, and Diamond loved her father, she wasn’t ready to move on and then she changes her mind. I wondered did Robert really die and stage his own death by the banks of the river and possibly?
A story about racism and prejudice, love and loss, and comfort eating and dysfunctional families. With a small amount of humour added and I did find it hilarious when Diamond cleaned her bike and to make sure it was stolen and three stars from me. Please read the book to make up your own mind, I could have missed something important, despite rereading parts of it and taking notes and it’s released on the 11th of June 2024.
Diamond has been secretly saving up to take driving lessons as her mum doesn’t want her to learn, here she meets Shelly and the only friend she has and around the same time Diamond receives a letter from her father’s estranged Aunt Lena, a lady she has never met and she writes about Robert's childhood and the Newberry family history. Diamond discovers she had a Great-Aunt Clara and she was a mid-wife in the mill Town of Swift River in the early 1900’s, and like Diamond she was the only coloured person.
I received a copy Essie J. Chambers debut novel Swift River from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Told from the points of view of three Newberry women, the story jumps around a lot and I must admit I found it confusing and at times hard to follow and I’m not sure if I really got the meaning of the narrative and pieced all together correctly?
The family certainly had a lot of secrets, and Diamond loved her father, she wasn’t ready to move on and then she changes her mind. I wondered did Robert really die and stage his own death by the banks of the river and possibly?
A story about racism and prejudice, love and loss, and comfort eating and dysfunctional families. With a small amount of humour added and I did find it hilarious when Diamond cleaned her bike and to make sure it was stolen and three stars from me. Please read the book to make up your own mind, I could have missed something important, despite rereading parts of it and taking notes and it’s released on the 11th of June 2024.
April 3, 2024
4.5 Stars
This story revolves around young Diamond Newberry, who shares some moments of happiness in her younger years, her insecurities over her weight, her life before her father disappears, and the years that follow. Life had always seemed different, especially in her younger years, but it seems her family always gets attention because Diamond’s father is African American, and her mother is not. When her father disappears, rumours abound, while the most prominent one suggests that he drowned. All these combined just add to her insecurities, which become a weight that is heavier on her shoulders than an already insecure teenage girl should have to handle.
This goes back and forth in time as old memories surface, giving a glimpse into their families lives in the ‘before’ time.
Diamond has always felt like an outsider, but as she will soon be eligible to apply to get a drivers license, which she plans to do without sharing that with her mother, she joins a friend in taking driving lessons from one of the school faculty, which proves to be…interesting.
There are many flashbacks to the past, moments when her mother and father took her places that come back to in as she tries to navigate the new life her mother and her now have to come to terms with. Old letters from the past, balanced against the present, begin to add a new element to her thoughts on the future. A way to escape the sadness of the past,
A heartrending and moving story of family, the traumatic teenage years made even more difficult as she navigates letting go of the heartbreak of the loss of her father, and finding the path to her future.
Pub Date: June 4, 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Simon & Schuster
This story revolves around young Diamond Newberry, who shares some moments of happiness in her younger years, her insecurities over her weight, her life before her father disappears, and the years that follow. Life had always seemed different, especially in her younger years, but it seems her family always gets attention because Diamond’s father is African American, and her mother is not. When her father disappears, rumours abound, while the most prominent one suggests that he drowned. All these combined just add to her insecurities, which become a weight that is heavier on her shoulders than an already insecure teenage girl should have to handle.
This goes back and forth in time as old memories surface, giving a glimpse into their families lives in the ‘before’ time.
Diamond has always felt like an outsider, but as she will soon be eligible to apply to get a drivers license, which she plans to do without sharing that with her mother, she joins a friend in taking driving lessons from one of the school faculty, which proves to be…interesting.
There are many flashbacks to the past, moments when her mother and father took her places that come back to in as she tries to navigate the new life her mother and her now have to come to terms with. Old letters from the past, balanced against the present, begin to add a new element to her thoughts on the future. A way to escape the sadness of the past,
A heartrending and moving story of family, the traumatic teenage years made even more difficult as she navigates letting go of the heartbreak of the loss of her father, and finding the path to her future.
Pub Date: June 4, 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Simon & Schuster
October 12, 2024
It only takes a couple paragraphs of Swift River to realize you are reading something special. I fell right into Diamond’s story. The story is told mostly in 1980 when her father disappears, and 1987, in the aftermath of that when she is a teenager, with letters sharing important history in her family interspersed throughout. The mystery of what happened to Diamond’s father is central to the story.
I really loved Diamond, and both her Ma and Pop, too. During troubled times, it was clear her parents were always doing the best they could for her. The love between each of them was so tender and palpable. The atmosphere of the setting was always present, and the straightforward writing kept me immersed in the story.
Swift River deals with important messaging about racism and the intergenerational impact of historic and present injustices. Diamond’s forebears left the south in search of an easier, more prosperous life, only to find oppression and injustice in other forms. A thoughtful and important story with strong and endearing characters.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
I really loved Diamond, and both her Ma and Pop, too. During troubled times, it was clear her parents were always doing the best they could for her. The love between each of them was so tender and palpable. The atmosphere of the setting was always present, and the straightforward writing kept me immersed in the story.
Swift River deals with important messaging about racism and the intergenerational impact of historic and present injustices. Diamond’s forebears left the south in search of an easier, more prosperous life, only to find oppression and injustice in other forms. A thoughtful and important story with strong and endearing characters.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
June 20, 2024
It's summer 1987, and in the New England town of Swift River, sixteen-year-old Diamond Newberry is troubled as usual. Ever since Diamond's father, Robert Newberry, disappeared seven years ago, she's the only Black person in town. Diamond is lonely and overweight, and she observes, "I am so fat I can't ride my bike anymore, so I let it get stolen on purpose....The bruises and stinging raspberries all over my body from weekly falls are constant reminders that the bike doesn't want me anymore."
Diamond lives with her mother, a White woman named Annabelle (Anna), who's very loving, but inept and addicted to prescription pills.
Since Anna's husband Robert has been gone for seven years, she hopes to get a death certificate, for the insurance money. Anna has a police report saying Robert's shoes, wallet, and keys were found beside the fast moving Swift River, but Anna hasn't filled out the proper papers, doesn't have witness statements, hasn't put a death notice in the papers, etc. So Anna has to go back and get her ducks in a row.
It's not clear whether Robert is dead or alive, but he vanished after being accused of theft, and after the police had taken to constantly driving by the house. Many people have reported seeing Robert here or there, but Diamond puts it down to racism - to White people being unable to distinguish one Black man from another.
Diamond and her Ma live in a dilapidated house with Robert's battered car still in the yard, but Anna doesn't drive and she and Diamond have to hitchhike or walk everywhere - including the Goodwill store where they buy their clothes.
Diamond has dreams though, and admits, "By the time I turn seventeen I want: a birthday party with German chocolate cake and friends, new clothes with the store smell still in them, [and] shoes that fit. I imagine leaving this place, leaving Ma. That thought hurts too much and I pinch it down to nothing." Still, Diamond is saving money from her part-time cleaning job at the Tee Pee Motel, and she's secretly signed up for Driver's Ed - to get her driver's license.
In the midst of this angst, Diamond gets a package from her Auntie Lena, whom she's never met. The package contains some keepsakes and a letter in which Auntie Lena says she's a nurse based in Atlanta, but is currently living in Woodville, Georgia. There she manages Newberry Fine Fabrics, the family business established way back in 1915, when the Newberrys migrated from Swift River to Woodville.
Diamond and Auntie Lena embark on a correspondence, and Diamond learns a lot about her history and her relatives. Auntie Lena says she and Diamond's father Robert grew up in Woodville together until the boy was seven-years-old. At that time, Robert's father took him up to Swift River, to be raised by Aunt Clara. When Robert grew up he met Anna in Swift River, and they fell in love, got married, and had Diamond.
The story shifts around between three time periods: 1987, 1915, and 1980.
1987
In 1987, Diamond is living with her doting mother whom she both loves and from whom she wants to escape. In short, Diamond wants to live in a place with people who look like her. Diamond also dreams of going to college and being a botanist. Diamond becomes friends with a Driver's Ed classmate named Shelly, who's 'a loose girl' with a good heart.
Diamond and Shelly's interactions with the driving teacher, Mr. Jimmy, are quirky and - for Shelly - inappropriate.
1915
In 1915, toxic discrimination leads to an exodus of all Black people from Swift River, in an incident called 'The Leaving.'
The ONLY Black person who remains in Swift River is Aunt Clara, an apprentice to the local doctor, who says he'll help her go to medical school at Howard University. Aunt Clara's voice and story are heard in letters she sends to her sister (Auntie Lena's mother) in Georgia.
1980
In 1980, nine-year-old Diamond and her parents take a trip south and have some trouble in town. Later that year, Robert disappears.
In the course of the story we learn about the historic racism in Swift River, which in 1915, was a 'sundown town.'
At that time, Swift River had signs all over town reading, "N....., don't let the sun go down on you in Swift River."
Things are less toxic in 1987, though Diamond is uncomfortable being the only Black person in Swift River. I was surprised that Robert and Anna, an interracial couple, (apparently) didn't experience overt discrimination on that score. Diamond IS called a name by a classmate in elementary school, which causes a small brouhaha.
The story has humor and heart, one of the high points being Diamond's family, who love one another, but have a hard time getting by in difficult circumstances. For one thing, Ma and Pop disagree about visiting relatives in Georgia. It's good to see Diamond mature over the course of the story, and take charge of her life.
Swift River was Jenna Bush Hager's June, 2024 'Book Club Pick.' Hager noted, "Swift River is a story filled with secrets: community secrets and family secrets. It is a book that made me cry and then filled me with enormous hope."
I enjoyed this well-written, enlightening book. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley, Essie Chambers, and Simon and Shuster for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
July 9, 2024
I was actually attracted to this book because of the timeline and there was a missing person involved. It was so much more than that. Its a coming of age story along with dyfunctional family with a lot of secrets. What I enjoyed most about this book was the main character Diamond. I connected with her and her emotions and what she was going through. With this book you really need to be on the ball as the people and timeline goes back and forth frequently.
April 28, 2024
I’d never heard of the Sundown Laws that enforced a curfew on the Black residents of entire towns. The post Civil War North was supposed to be a place of refuge for runaway slaves and free Blacks, but after reading this book, I can see how racism threatened the freedom and opportunities of generations of African Americans.
I loved Diamond, the young heroine of this novel, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a coming-of-age story.
I loved Diamond, the young heroine of this novel, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a coming-of-age story.
April 29, 2025
There was a lot for me to like about this book, a lot of the themes and situation should have made it pretty much right up my alley (fat MC that's not on a weightloss journey or even really feeling bad about being fat, fraught girl friendship that's also laced with love, delicate family relationships, small town hatred...). Unfortunately the letter aspect of it just didn't work for me and it really got in the way.
November 4, 2024
Swift River by Essie Chambers
is a coming-of-age story set in the fictional New England town Swift River in the 1980s. The book follows Diamond Newberry, a Black girl finding her way in life in mostly white community with a white mom and a black dad. Diamond's father disappears her life with her mother becomes a constant struggle survive. She is teased for her weight and pushed away by her peers. She finds peace in her love of music and her dreams of becoming a singer. Swift River is a novel that explores themes of identity, family, prejudice, and resilience. Characters are complex and though relatable. Diamond shows examples of her strength and great tolerance throughout.
is a coming-of-age story set in the fictional New England town Swift River in the 1980s. The book follows Diamond Newberry, a Black girl finding her way in life in mostly white community with a white mom and a black dad. Diamond's father disappears her life with her mother becomes a constant struggle survive. She is teased for her weight and pushed away by her peers. She finds peace in her love of music and her dreams of becoming a singer. Swift River is a novel that explores themes of identity, family, prejudice, and resilience. Characters are complex and though relatable. Diamond shows examples of her strength and great tolerance throughout.
June 7, 2024
*Read with Jenna June 2024 book pick.
SWIFT RIVER is about a young girl (Diamond Newberry, 16) coming into her own. Being biracial, poor, overweight and friendless doesn’t quite fit the mold of her peers, or the townspeople for that matter being she’s the only Black resident in town since her Pop disappeared (shoes/items found) on the edge of the local river.. 7 years earlier. Add to the fact that Swift River, a small mill town in rural New England, was once a “sundown town,” .. that legacy of racial discrimination still runs deep.
Her Ma is now trying to get Pop declared legally dead in order to collect his life insurance to buy their home. She wants to learn to drive (secret kept from Ma) to leave Swift River. She also wants to find her Pop’s people.. her people. A paternal cousin Lena writes to her from Pop’s birthplace in Georgia giving her insight into her family line, and she finds a new friendship (and misadventures!!) with a white classmate who also feels the need to leave.
The alternating timelines flash back from the present, to Diamond as a little girl with her Pop in the 1980s, and even goes further back to 1915, through handwritten letters from her paternal great Aunt Clara who was the only Black remaining in town after an event called “The Leaving” of the entire Black community. All driven out due to the heinous practices as a “sundown town.”
[“sundown town” refers to a town where a predominantly white community excludes Black people with laws, harassment, terrorism, or violence - - the name comes from signs that were often posted right at the welcome sign, warning Black people that if they were caught after sunset, they might be killed.]
Chambers explores family dynamics, identity, body image, acceptance, bullying, racism and provides an insightful look into generational trauma. I loved Diamond’s character, she’s quite resilient and downright gutsy. Chambers shows how Diamond feels like an outsider, a universal experience we’ve all felt. Emotional. 4.5 stars — Pub. 6/4/24
SWIFT RIVER is about a young girl (Diamond Newberry, 16) coming into her own. Being biracial, poor, overweight and friendless doesn’t quite fit the mold of her peers, or the townspeople for that matter being she’s the only Black resident in town since her Pop disappeared (shoes/items found) on the edge of the local river.. 7 years earlier. Add to the fact that Swift River, a small mill town in rural New England, was once a “sundown town,” .. that legacy of racial discrimination still runs deep.
Her Ma is now trying to get Pop declared legally dead in order to collect his life insurance to buy their home. She wants to learn to drive (secret kept from Ma) to leave Swift River. She also wants to find her Pop’s people.. her people. A paternal cousin Lena writes to her from Pop’s birthplace in Georgia giving her insight into her family line, and she finds a new friendship (and misadventures!!) with a white classmate who also feels the need to leave.
The alternating timelines flash back from the present, to Diamond as a little girl with her Pop in the 1980s, and even goes further back to 1915, through handwritten letters from her paternal great Aunt Clara who was the only Black remaining in town after an event called “The Leaving” of the entire Black community. All driven out due to the heinous practices as a “sundown town.”
[“sundown town” refers to a town where a predominantly white community excludes Black people with laws, harassment, terrorism, or violence - - the name comes from signs that were often posted right at the welcome sign, warning Black people that if they were caught after sunset, they might be killed.]
Chambers explores family dynamics, identity, body image, acceptance, bullying, racism and provides an insightful look into generational trauma. I loved Diamond’s character, she’s quite resilient and downright gutsy. Chambers shows how Diamond feels like an outsider, a universal experience we’ve all felt. Emotional. 4.5 stars — Pub. 6/4/24
June 25, 2024
Thank you to Essie Chambers and Simon & Schuster for the copy of this book!
I love a debut novel. I think it's so fun to meet an author right when they start out in their career and watch them grow into their own unique voice: the thing with this one is that it certainly didn't feel like a debut novel to me. Essie Chambers has a voice I can only think to describe as timeless. She created such dimensional characters and didn't sacrifice plot. She created unique voices that felt true and honest. Quite honestly, I was wary given that it was a 'Reads with Jenna' book (NO HATE, I PROMISE. I just feel like those book club books are always 3 stars average for me??) but it truly blew me away. Highly, highly recommend this one!
I love a debut novel. I think it's so fun to meet an author right when they start out in their career and watch them grow into their own unique voice: the thing with this one is that it certainly didn't feel like a debut novel to me. Essie Chambers has a voice I can only think to describe as timeless. She created such dimensional characters and didn't sacrifice plot. She created unique voices that felt true and honest. Quite honestly, I was wary given that it was a 'Reads with Jenna' book (NO HATE, I PROMISE. I just feel like those book club books are always 3 stars average for me??) but it truly blew me away. Highly, highly recommend this one!
May 11, 2025
Swift River erzählt die Geschichte der 16-jährigen Diamond, die nach dem Verschwinden ihres Vaters in einem strukturell rassistischen, emotional kargen Umfeld aufwächst. Geborgenheit findet sie vor allem im Essen, in Büchern und zunehmend in kleinen, vorsichtigen Beziehungen zu anderen – seien es ihre neue Freundin Shelly, neuer Kontakt zu ihrer Cousine Lena oder ihre Fahrstunden, die ihr zum ersten Mal echte Selbstständigkeit ermöglichen. Ihre Mutter dagegen schafft es nicht, Diamond wirklich zu unterstützen.
Die Coming-of-Age-Geschichte von Diamond ist feinfühlig und schmerzhaft ehrlich. Besonders berührend fand ich ihre Entwicklung: Sie beginnt, sich von den Projektionen und Erwartungen ihres Umfelds zu lösen, findet neue weibliche und Schwarze Vorbilder, und erkennt langsam, dass sie mehr verdient als das, was ihr Umfeld ihr bisher gegeben hat.
Zusätzlich gibt es eine historische Rahmenhandlung, die erklärt, warum Diamond die einzige Schwarze in der Stadt ist. Die Erzählung um Clara, die als Schwarze Frau Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts trotz massiver Diskriminierung in Swift River blieb, hat mich ebenfalls beschäftigt, auch wenn ich mir manchmal etwas mehr Kontext gewünscht hätte. Dass sich die Schwarze Bevölkerung der Stadt zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts kollektiv gezwungen sah, Swift River zu verlassen, ist ein zentrales, aber wenig dokumentiertes Thema. Der Roman deutet hier auf reale rassistische Vertreibungen hin, ohne sich dabei zu sehr in historischen Details zu verlieren – was einerseits Raum für Interpretation lässt, andererseits ein wenig Orientierung erschwert.
Was Swift River besonders macht, ist die zarte Hoffnung, die sich durch die oft schmerzhafte Handlung zieht: Trotz Verlust, Isolation und einem Mangel an Fürsorge gelingt es Diamond, sich selbst eine Zukunft zu erschließen – langsam, tastend, aber stetig. Eine bittersüße Geschichte über Identität, Herkunft und die Suche nach einem Ort, an dem man wirklich gesehen wird.
Die Coming-of-Age-Geschichte von Diamond ist feinfühlig und schmerzhaft ehrlich. Besonders berührend fand ich ihre Entwicklung: Sie beginnt, sich von den Projektionen und Erwartungen ihres Umfelds zu lösen, findet neue weibliche und Schwarze Vorbilder, und erkennt langsam, dass sie mehr verdient als das, was ihr Umfeld ihr bisher gegeben hat.
Zusätzlich gibt es eine historische Rahmenhandlung, die erklärt, warum Diamond die einzige Schwarze in der Stadt ist. Die Erzählung um Clara, die als Schwarze Frau Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts trotz massiver Diskriminierung in Swift River blieb, hat mich ebenfalls beschäftigt, auch wenn ich mir manchmal etwas mehr Kontext gewünscht hätte. Dass sich die Schwarze Bevölkerung der Stadt zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts kollektiv gezwungen sah, Swift River zu verlassen, ist ein zentrales, aber wenig dokumentiertes Thema. Der Roman deutet hier auf reale rassistische Vertreibungen hin, ohne sich dabei zu sehr in historischen Details zu verlieren – was einerseits Raum für Interpretation lässt, andererseits ein wenig Orientierung erschwert.
Was Swift River besonders macht, ist die zarte Hoffnung, die sich durch die oft schmerzhafte Handlung zieht: Trotz Verlust, Isolation und einem Mangel an Fürsorge gelingt es Diamond, sich selbst eine Zukunft zu erschließen – langsam, tastend, aber stetig. Eine bittersüße Geschichte über Identität, Herkunft und die Suche nach einem Ort, an dem man wirklich gesehen wird.
June 5, 2024
Thank you #partners @simonbooks @simonaudio & @librofm for my #gifted copies. 💕 #simonbooksbuddy
Swift River
Essie Chambers
6/4
🔖 Read with Jenna Book Club pick
This debut coming-of-age novel follows Diamond Newberry, the only Black resident of Swift River since her father's disappearance seven years ago. Poor, overweight, and born to a white mother and Black father, Diamond is no stranger to hardship. As she grapples with the unknown circumstances of her Pop's disappearance, and the myriad complexities of growing up in Swift River — with it's legacy of racism and white supremacy — Diamond longs to find her place, her people, and her peace. At its core, this is a novel of identity, belonging, self-discovery, and complicated relationships, set within an old New England sundown town.
Compelling, engaging, and exquisitely written, Swift River is a must read! Chambers beautifully captures the turbulence and triumphs of growing up, giving readers an insightful, multilayered narrative, with richly drawn characters, and captivating prose. Chambers is a skilled wordsmith, making me pause numerous times to appreciate her use of words.
"Swift River is a valley town. Once the Sun starts to set behind the two ranges that surround us, they look like outstretched, muscly arms, tricking us all into feeling protected. Keeping us from ever leaving."
I love the way the story is told, through alternating timelines (between 1987 and Diamond's childhood with Pop), as well as through letters from her paternal relatives. And I really appreciate the way it all tied together. 💕
🎧 Narrated by a terrific threesome of talented women: Shayna Small (primary narrator), Janina Edwards, and Robin Miles breathe so much life into this story and these characters, making an already-wonderful story even richer and more compelling.
📌 Available now!
Swift River
Essie Chambers
6/4
🔖 Read with Jenna Book Club pick
This debut coming-of-age novel follows Diamond Newberry, the only Black resident of Swift River since her father's disappearance seven years ago. Poor, overweight, and born to a white mother and Black father, Diamond is no stranger to hardship. As she grapples with the unknown circumstances of her Pop's disappearance, and the myriad complexities of growing up in Swift River — with it's legacy of racism and white supremacy — Diamond longs to find her place, her people, and her peace. At its core, this is a novel of identity, belonging, self-discovery, and complicated relationships, set within an old New England sundown town.
Compelling, engaging, and exquisitely written, Swift River is a must read! Chambers beautifully captures the turbulence and triumphs of growing up, giving readers an insightful, multilayered narrative, with richly drawn characters, and captivating prose. Chambers is a skilled wordsmith, making me pause numerous times to appreciate her use of words.
"Swift River is a valley town. Once the Sun starts to set behind the two ranges that surround us, they look like outstretched, muscly arms, tricking us all into feeling protected. Keeping us from ever leaving."
I love the way the story is told, through alternating timelines (between 1987 and Diamond's childhood with Pop), as well as through letters from her paternal relatives. And I really appreciate the way it all tied together. 💕
🎧 Narrated by a terrific threesome of talented women: Shayna Small (primary narrator), Janina Edwards, and Robin Miles breathe so much life into this story and these characters, making an already-wonderful story even richer and more compelling.
📌 Available now!
June 10, 2024
*3.5 stars rounded up.
Diamond Newberry is the only black kid growing up in the New England town of Swift River. But that's not her only problem: she's also quite obese and her father, Robert Vaughn Newberry, disappeared when she was seven. So her life has been quite tough; she has no friends and her mother Annabelle hasn't been stable enough to provide decently for them. Now, seven years have passed, and Annabelle's hope is to have Robbie declared dead so she can finally get her hands on his insurance money. THEN all their problems will be solved. But Diamond has other plans. She's been learning to drive and her father's aunt Lena from Georgia has been in secret contact, finally filling in the details about their family, so Diamond is getting a sense of who she really is.
Diamond is an interesting character whose experiences shed light on dealing with racial issues, the problem of weight shaming and a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship. The story ends leaving us hoping for the best for Diamond.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this debut novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Diamond Newberry is the only black kid growing up in the New England town of Swift River. But that's not her only problem: she's also quite obese and her father, Robert Vaughn Newberry, disappeared when she was seven. So her life has been quite tough; she has no friends and her mother Annabelle hasn't been stable enough to provide decently for them. Now, seven years have passed, and Annabelle's hope is to have Robbie declared dead so she can finally get her hands on his insurance money. THEN all their problems will be solved. But Diamond has other plans. She's been learning to drive and her father's aunt Lena from Georgia has been in secret contact, finally filling in the details about their family, so Diamond is getting a sense of who she really is.
Diamond is an interesting character whose experiences shed light on dealing with racial issues, the problem of weight shaming and a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship. The story ends leaving us hoping for the best for Diamond.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this debut novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
May 30, 2024
The premise of this book had me so intrigued!
I really enjoyed the first half of this novel. It felt like a very singular story. A story that I hadn’t read before. A story of “sundown towns,” family history and a biracial girl named Diamond.
Unfortunately, the second half lost me🙁 There was a specific troupe in this book that I just don’t like (message me if you want to know) and that was a me problem. As a whole, the second half felt to rushed and I had so many unanswered questions and I don’t want to say there were plot holes, but it felt like there were plot holes if that makes sense.
Bit of a mixed bag overall.
Thank you so so so much @Simonbooks for the ARC!! Pub date: 6/4/2024.
I really enjoyed the first half of this novel. It felt like a very singular story. A story that I hadn’t read before. A story of “sundown towns,” family history and a biracial girl named Diamond.
Unfortunately, the second half lost me🙁 There was a specific troupe in this book that I just don’t like (message me if you want to know) and that was a me problem. As a whole, the second half felt to rushed and I had so many unanswered questions and I don’t want to say there were plot holes, but it felt like there were plot holes if that makes sense.
Bit of a mixed bag overall.
Thank you so so so much @Simonbooks for the ARC!! Pub date: 6/4/2024.
June 21, 2024
This was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I loved the main character, Diamond, with her wry but vulnerable teen-aged narrative voice. I wasn’t as enamored with the epistolary part of the novel, a story-telling device used to provide the history of Diamond’s estranged paternal relatives and the racism they endured. It felt like two different novels with two different purposes, fighting for dominance.
A 3.5 for me, rounding up for the memorable Diamond and her coming-of-age tale. The relationship between Diamond and her mother was particularly well done, and felt absolutely on point.
A 3.5 for me, rounding up for the memorable Diamond and her coming-of-age tale. The relationship between Diamond and her mother was particularly well done, and felt absolutely on point.
August 13, 2025
This book made me feel all the feelings. So raw and beautiful. Chambers words were gorgeous and stayed with me long after I finished the book. The ending brought tears to my eyes. Brava! Can’t wait to see what she come up with next.
July 17, 2024
I really struggled to get into groove with this debut. I appreciated how stories were interwoven past and present and there were some compelling characters but it lacked urgency for me. I never really felt its beating heart. Interesting and promising but a little flat.
November 7, 2024
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.
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.
September 15, 2024
It is rare for me to give a book a 1 star review but I felt this book barely deserved that. I was highly disappointed in the ending. The last few chapters just misdirected the story line. The story should have been about a young black teenager girl learning to manage and figure out her life, but apparently we just need to throw teenage sex into the story. I thought it was a story about her trying to find her dad or realize why he left, sure there was also her figuring out her relationship with her mom, and her secret correspondence with her aunt. Which I thought might give more understanding to her family life, but then we have a confession by letter of her aunt having a same sex relationship. Yes, those are okay situations and life choices but I didn't feel like they hardly had anything to do with the story line. I felt the author threw those in to the last chapters because she needed to go with popular situations of the social day, not that they supported the story. Honestly I am embarrassed that I read this book. But felt strongly I needed to share my thoughts and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
Diamonds are forever. This book was something. Extremely well done. What a story! Painful, layered, frustrating, beautiful. I love the back and forth through time via the letters. I loved the music and how the music alluded to time and place and helped set the scenes. The humming, the Rolling Stones, Tears for Fears. Excellent use of sound to add to the dynamic.
I love how vivid the voice of each character was; especially Diamond in all of her complexity. The portrayal of how pain shows up physically was very realistic and sharp. I could easily see this book being adapted into a movie or TV show; the translation to screen seems seamless.
There were many acts of violence committed against Diamond by her mother; things that pissed me off and opened my eyes. I have way more thoughts on this book, I’ll come back for another take on a review in the future.
I love how vivid the voice of each character was; especially Diamond in all of her complexity. The portrayal of how pain shows up physically was very realistic and sharp. I could easily see this book being adapted into a movie or TV show; the translation to screen seems seamless.
There were many acts of violence committed against Diamond by her mother; things that pissed me off and opened my eyes. I have way more thoughts on this book, I’ll come back for another take on a review in the future.
July 14, 2024
The audiobook was so good that I listened to it in one day. Loved it!
February 10, 2024
16-year-old Diamond Newberry is secretly taking driving lessons in the summer of 1987 in Swift River. She and her Ma have been hitchhiking all over the place since her Pop vanished seven years ago. Diamond faces some sizable (no pun intended) challenges: she is constantly bullied about her weight, and, with her Pop’s disappearance, she is the only Black person left in Swift River. As the story opens, Ma seeks to legally declare Pop dead so that she and Diamond can (finally) get his life insurance money, reclaim their house from the bank, and start a new life.
When Diamond begins getting letters from a relative she has never heard of, she starts to get an idea of where she fits in her family’s history and gains the greater picture of prejudice against her race in Swift River. What Diamond will do with this newfound knowledge will guide her in considering her future options and in refining her relationships with her Ma and her best friend.
I enjoyed this book, but found it hard to follow at times. There was quite a bit of jumping around in time, specifically with the relatives’ letters, and I found it difficult to keep track of it all. The overall gist of the story was clear, however, and I appreciated the ways in which the author brought about an understanding of how family history, familial relationships, and friendships guide us in facing the future. Diamond is a character that I won't soon forget.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for giving me access to this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
When Diamond begins getting letters from a relative she has never heard of, she starts to get an idea of where she fits in her family’s history and gains the greater picture of prejudice against her race in Swift River. What Diamond will do with this newfound knowledge will guide her in considering her future options and in refining her relationships with her Ma and her best friend.
I enjoyed this book, but found it hard to follow at times. There was quite a bit of jumping around in time, specifically with the relatives’ letters, and I found it difficult to keep track of it all. The overall gist of the story was clear, however, and I appreciated the ways in which the author brought about an understanding of how family history, familial relationships, and friendships guide us in facing the future. Diamond is a character that I won't soon forget.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for giving me access to this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
July 1, 2024
3.5 ★
“I think about what Swift River would be like if the Black people hadn't left, if it was full of normal, like this family, if roots stretched back to olden days when my people filled the streets and went to church and worked in their gardens and ran a whole mill.“
Swift River is a character-driven coming of age story that follows Diamond. She’s navigating growing up in general, and faces a lot of adversity related to both race and class, being the only black person that lives in her town, after her father’s disappearance. It’s a story of mystery, resilience, loss, family secrets, history, and more.
I think the writing is magnificent. You definitely feel immersed into the story and truly just want to give Diamond a hug. I enjoyed the puzzle pieces clicking together and Diamond finding herself and gaining confidence. It was easy to feel connected to Diamond through the flashbacks and family history that was learned through the letters. That said, the letters and timelines were a bit confusing and difficult for me to follow at times. I wish some of the mysteries had more definitive answers and it was less open-ended (that’s just my personal preference).
Overall a great debut that will leave you thinking about it after.
Content warnings: racism, classism, fatphobia, adult/minor relationship, sexual content, death (of a parent), grief, drug abuse, police hostility
“I think about what Swift River would be like if the Black people hadn't left, if it was full of normal, like this family, if roots stretched back to olden days when my people filled the streets and went to church and worked in their gardens and ran a whole mill.“
Swift River is a character-driven coming of age story that follows Diamond. She’s navigating growing up in general, and faces a lot of adversity related to both race and class, being the only black person that lives in her town, after her father’s disappearance. It’s a story of mystery, resilience, loss, family secrets, history, and more.
I think the writing is magnificent. You definitely feel immersed into the story and truly just want to give Diamond a hug. I enjoyed the puzzle pieces clicking together and Diamond finding herself and gaining confidence. It was easy to feel connected to Diamond through the flashbacks and family history that was learned through the letters. That said, the letters and timelines were a bit confusing and difficult for me to follow at times. I wish some of the mysteries had more definitive answers and it was less open-ended (that’s just my personal preference).
Overall a great debut that will leave you thinking about it after.
Content warnings: racism, classism, fatphobia, adult/minor relationship, sexual content, death (of a parent), grief, drug abuse, police hostility
March 2, 2024
Reading “Swift River” before its full release was truly a gift. This novel further reminds of the beauty in the way words can convey and hold so much. The character-building in this novel was done with such care and honesty that you could feel their joys and sorrows. This novel explored so many realms of life: the highs and lows that coming-of-age and navigating the complexity of one’s identity brings as well as explored the immense impact of intergenerational trauma due to racism, erasure, and historical displacement.
I truly appreciated the structure and inclusion of the letters from Diamond’s relatives. This novel reminded me of the power of letter writing and how they serve to document lived realities as well as bring healing and understanding to loved ones long after one has passed. A letter is a way of affirming life and preserving both its beauties and horrors. I look forward to more of Essie Chamber’s writing and am deeply grateful this novel exists.
****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****
I truly appreciated the structure and inclusion of the letters from Diamond’s relatives. This novel reminded me of the power of letter writing and how they serve to document lived realities as well as bring healing and understanding to loved ones long after one has passed. A letter is a way of affirming life and preserving both its beauties and horrors. I look forward to more of Essie Chamber’s writing and am deeply grateful this novel exists.
****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****
June 13, 2024
This book is just outstanding. If this is her first novel I can’t wait to see what she’s writing in 20 years. It’s a heartbreaking and beautiful story of love, loss, alienation, and the necessity of community. She writes: “our instincts, our deepest intuitions, are really our ancestral memory, our people speaking through us.” I love this concept so much, and this is just one of the little gems she’s planted all throughout the book. I’m calling it - this is the best book of the summer.
July 3, 2024
DNF at 40% The main character is overweight and rather than writing about her struggle in a nuanced way, the author resorts to body shaming. The way the character's body was described was terrible. Had the rest of the book been well written and interesting, I probably could have looked past it. Unfortunately, the quality of writing just wasn't there. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters and lost interest.
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