Rituals of Swimming

Book Review

William Golding's «Rituals of Swimming» is the first novel in the trilogy «To the Ends of the Earth», which won the Booker Prize in 1980. Critics note that the book offers a profound exploration of human nature and social structures through the lens of a sea voyage. Set on a ship sailing from England to Australia in the early 19th century, Golding masterfully uses the metaphor of the ship as a microcosm of society, where various classes and characters collide. The main character, Edmund Talbot, keeps a diary in which he describes the events on board, including the tragic incident with Reverend Colley. Critics emphasize that Golding creates complex and multi-layered characters, and skillfully conveys an atmosphere of tension and moral dilemmas. The language of the novel is rich and detailed, allowing the reader to delve deeper into the psychological and social aspects of the narrative. «Rituals of Swimming» is regarded as a powerful work exploring themes of power, hierarchy, and human frailty.