To challenge the current is to invite the future.
For young adult readers seeking a story that marries relentless ambition with the complex realities of growing up, Tessa Duder’s classic novel “Alex” is an exceptional find. This first book in the award-winning quartet introduces fifteen-year-old Alex Archer, a fiercely determined swimmer in 1950s New Zealand. Her eyes are fixed on a single prize: a spot on the team for the 1960 Rome Olympics. Duder immediately immerses us in Alex’s world, a grueling cycle of early morning practices, the sting of chlorine, and the ceaseless pressure to be faster. We feel the ache in her shoulders and the fire in her spirit as she navigates a fierce rivalry with her main competitor, Maggie, and balances her demanding training with school, friendships, and the dizzying emotions of first love.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of a socially conservative, post-war New Zealand, a time and place where expectations for young women were often narrowly defined. Without overt exposition, Duder skillfully reveals a society where a girl’s athletic ambition of this magnitude was an anomaly. Themes of perseverance, sexism in sport, and personal integrity are woven into Alex’s journey as she confronts not just the clock, but the societal norms that question her dedication. This historical setting provides a powerful lens for today’s readers who are curious about the world and want to better understand the perspectives of those who broke barriers. Alex’s struggle to be taken seriously as an athlete, her frustration with media portrayals, and her sheer grit will resonate deeply with any young person who has ever chased a seemingly impossible dream against the odds.
Tessa Duder writes with an authenticity born of experience; being a silver medalist swimmer for New Zealand at the 1958 Commonwealth Games, she infuses Alex’s story with a palpable reality. This lived-in detail is what elevates the novel from a simple sports story to a timeless coming-of-age classic, earning it numerous accolades, including the New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year Award. “Alex” belongs in every school library because it serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for one’s dreams is not just about crossing a finish line, but about defining oneself in a world that is not always ready for your strength. The novel is a vibrant and inspiring testament to the enduring power of resilience and the courage to carve one’s own path.
