I've been trying to think of a way to describe this book. I think the only thing I can really say is "profound".Basically, the book is a recounting of Mel Toews' life, written by his daughter, but from his point of view. It is a graceful story of growing up, dating, getting married, becoming a school teacher, and having kids all in a small, conservative Mennonite town. But it is so much more than that!Mel suffers from bipolar disorder (then called manic depression). In the present of the book, he has been hospitalized and so the book is him looking back on his life, writing what he remembers. Accounts from his past are interrupted with small flashes of his present: conversations with nurses, his children, thoughts on his hospitalization and confused ramblings. I loved this... format I guess I'd call it. The past/present juxtaposition was well done and quite enjoyable to read.But the best part was when Mel would write about his illness specifically. Some of these moments were so profoundly sad that it was hard to read. One quote I don't think I'll ever forget from this book is near the end, when Mel says "There are no windows with in the dark house of depression through which to see others, only mirrors."Perhaps my reaction to this book is so positive because of my interest in mental illness and my intimacy with depression. But I wholeheartedly believe that this book was amazing. Pick it up. Today. This book is about Miriam's father, who suffered from manic depression most of his life. Yet, he was a very successful school teacher for many years, putting much energy and creativity into his lessons in a small school in Steinbach, Manitoba. The book is written in a very interesting way, as if her father is telling the story while in a hospital room after a nervous breakdown, near the end of his life.
What do You think about Swing Low: A Life (2011)?
Very gripping book written from the viewpoint of the author's father.
—DeannaMatute
this book blew my mind it was so good.
—britbrat8301
