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Swimming Across the Hudson
ISBN: 979-8-88747-205-8 (paperback)
LCCN: 2024908688
322 pages
© Doug Lalli 2024
When college senior Alan Agnalini has an unexpected (and somewhat disastrous) sexual encounter with his close friend Brooke, he dismisses the idea that a pregnancy might follow. Five years later he spots her from a distance on a Manhattan street, but now he becomes obsessed with the question of a possible pregnancy. Eventually he tracks Brooke down and gets his answer, Why, though, doesn’t he quite believe what she’s telling him? . . . Fast forward a year-plus. Alan meets Marissa—a Jersey girl who, to her credit, made it through high school. Although Alan’s impulse is to run in the opposite direction, his attraction to Marissa is both intense and reciprocated, and soon the two are involved in a torrid love affair. What he doesn’t know is that Marissa has an unlikely connection to Brooke that will ultimately change the trajectory of his life—and not in a good way.
REVIEWS
Swimming Across the Hudson, by Doug Lalli, is a poignant novel that follows the life of Alan Agnalini, a young Italian-American from New Jersey, through seven gripping parts. Alan’s story unfolds as he navigates university life, reconnects with an old friend, faces a divorce, and grapples with [an unexpected event in his life]. The narrative explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the unpredictability of life, leaving readers with a deep appreciation for the complexities of human relationships.
Doug Lalli’s writing style is not only direct and accessible but also possesses an inherent depth that resonates with readers. His ability to seamlessly weave Alan’s state of mind and childhood experiences into the narrative is truly commendable. While the writing may appear straightforward, it is far from simplistic. Each part of the story evokes a poignant response, leaving a lasting emotional imprint on the reader’s heart. The coincidences, twists of fate, and characters’ decisions all ring true, avoiding any hint of contrivance. The story unfolds organically, prompting readers to ponder the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of death. Moreover, it fosters a profound sense of empathy for the flawed yet inherently human characters.
At the heart of Lalli’s novel lies a deeply introspective journey, where the protagonist . . . grapples with the unpredictable tides of life, love, and loss, embodying the essence of contemporary fiction with every page turned. Dive into this emotionally charged contemporary tale, and join Alan Agnalini’s quest for self-discovery and redemption, a journey that promises to resonate long after the last page is turned.
—Literary Titan
A novel about growing into our unknown potential, Swimming Across the Hudson, by Doug Lalli, is a slowly unfurling tale of the families we belong to and the ones we choose.
When his first unforgettable lover reappears in twenty-something Alan's life, there might not be enough therapy in the world to sort out his mixed bag of emotions. Their final fling had some decidedly long-lasting effects, and this revelation turns his already unsteady life upside down, forcing him to decide what kind of future he wants. As his father['s] latest relationship begins to fray, Alan tries not to see a carnival mirror reflection of his own destiny, even as he navigates new and confusing sources of love, mistrust, and increasing anxiety.
The structure of the narrative is creative and suspenseful, peeling back increasingly vulnerable layers of each character both temporally and emotionally. While the prose is strong, the plot and heart of this tale lie in the dialogue, which is effortless and impactful at every turn, bringing hard conversations and painful truths into sharp focus. From deep father-son chats to raw emotional reflections on immaturity, responsibility, broken hearts, and missed opportunities, this book holds nothing back on intimacy in its storytelling.
With excellent execution, a believable cast, and relatable conflicts, Swimming Across the Hudson is a dark-horse standout of contemporary fiction.
—SPR
“A compelling slice-of-life tale that will keep readers engaged to the very end.”
—Kirkus Reviews