The First Rule of Swimming by Courtney Angela Brkic

Unexpected and unusual, captivating and a bit confusing. Set on a fictitious island in Croatia, this book tells the story of two sisters, Jadranka and Magdalena and their family and how it was affected by the wars and communism. From the island of Rosmarina to the costal city of Split to New York City, the sisters and their family members tell their stories in various times and places. Part of the story is told by the dying grandfather, whose thoughts we are privy to as they wander in and out of times and places and parts are told by their uncle and mother, but Magdalena tells most of this touching story. This book is intriguing and I do recommend it.