The Union of Synchronized Swimmers

“Cristina Sandu’s spare and sparkling prose is intimate and visceral. A deeply moving story about six women who dare to dream bigger than their muddy river, whose lives splinter from their tight synchronized formations into an unflinching, often unforgiving world. An exquisite and powerful read.”

—Lindsay Zier-Vogel, author of Letters to Amelia

“With structural, determined prose, Cristina Sandu embodies the Eastern bloc cryptology of storytelling where strings of non-verbal cues and mistranslations become ways of speaking. Sandu evokes that eerie Soviet sense of hope, brimming with futility and grace.”

—Yelena Moskovich, author of The Natashas

“Skilfully crafted and defined, airy, and multi-layered. Highly praised for the themes of detachment as well as the description of externality and differentness. A work greater than its size gives a chance to pause, feel, and reflect on what one has read.”

—Toisinkoinen Literary Prize Jury

“The kind of book you could read in one sitting, one breath, or spread out over weeks of indulgent moments.”

—Maggie Henrikson, Carmichael's Bookstore

“For a quick, inspiring read, pick up a copy of The Union of Synchronized Swimmers… Whether you consume this small translated tome in a single gulp or choose to savor it, sip by sip, you’ll be exposed to some new ideas, ideals and even hope.”

—Linda Bond, Auntie's