The River Drowns the Able Swimmer

From the end of the nineteenth century through the Cultural Revolution and into the present, this epic and intimate memoir follows three generations of convention-breaking women as they define themselves against a backdrop of China’s turbulent history

The River Drowns the Able Swimmer opens with Xujun Eberlein’s grandmother, born to a destitute peasant family on the precipice of a new era, of which her partially bound feet become a symbol. Decades later, a young woman, who will become Xujun’s mother, dedicates herself to the promises of the Communist Revolution, thus forming the world Xujun and her siblings grow up in. As the century unfolds, Xujun experiences the typical pains and euphorias of childhood, but not without the indelible imprint of politics drastically—and tragically—altering the course of her family’s life. Eventually, she marries an American scholar and leaves China for the United States, but the questions of an individual’s role in history and the double-edged nature of political idealism continue to haunt her. She excavates her past and uncovers secrets about her family, and about Chinese history in the process.

Elegantly and intimately written, this exploration of the struggle to build a life of one’s own amid the perturbations of capital-H history is heart-wrenching, insightful, and undeniably resonant with our current moment.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs