This is a book that was translated from a Chinese writer.  The setup is a bit different in that it is from the perspective of three men, and a couple of dogs that have already died.  They are in the afterlife and have been waiting for each other to all join together in the afterlife.  At first it was a bit confusing, but once you know the characters it is easier to follow. 
While it is the perspective of three men, the story centers around one woman Ah Yan, which means swallow; hence the title.  Each of these men love Ah Yan in their own way and yet each of them leave her and are a bit selfish with their love for her. This novel takes place in China and centers around WWII, but this is not your typical WWII novel.  
I really enjoyed this novel.  I have read many novels set in China and many novels about WWII, but nothing like this.  It really focuses on relationships and how convoluted, confusing and trying they can be, and yet you still want to have them and depend on them for your livelihood.