Caterpillars Can't Swim

by Liane Shaw

[rohshey]

I was attracted to this novel because of its lgbt subject matter as I have come to develope a special place in my heart for the said genre. While it didn’t blow my mind, it was a satisfying read.

This book embodies the innocence of youth, with its uncoloured view of the wider world. That then slowly gets deconstructed as they grow and are exposed to other people and their opinions. Both boys (Ryan and Jack) need to find themselves, make up their own minds while blundering through this thing called life.

Caterpillars can't swim captures that essence of growing up and making a realisation of something that always was – and in some cases – blaringly obvious. This aspect of the novel is what really had me silently cheering.

However, ultimately the book felt a little flat for me. Maybe because I enjoy a more angsty, or adventure based story. So it’s personal preference of the overall experience I’m basing my rating on – not content alone.