It’s Hard to Sing While You’re Swimming

When Jerry returns to Ireland for the first time in many decades, he takes with him a long forgotten diary to remind him of his past. The diary is detailed and musical, a ringing reminder of Australia in the 1970s. But the diary also floods Jerry with guilt as it reveals violence, betrayal and the loss of a unique friendship.

Can an individual ever forgive himself for murder? When is redemption possible? Jerry struggled with the realisation that if he left the sins of the past behind, attributing those sins to a long lost youth, then he must also leave behind his dear friend. He couldn’t just abandon the memories of fishing, seagulls, the river in winter and of course, singing while they were swimming.