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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
V slow start, I wasn’t really into it until the last third. Such a good story/plot but it didn’t hook me like it should have. Kinda boring honestly. Writing is good but it gives a fake deepness to the characters… I feel like I don’t actually know anything about any of them besides Prentiss.
Let me start with, I was not prepared. I was not prepared for the emotions that will hit square in my face or the heaviness that will follow me after finishing the book. The Sweetness of Water is a book that I'll be thinking about for a long time just because of Landry and Prentiss.
By now, everyone knows what this book is about and how beautiful this one is. So, this is going to be another my experience post starting with the characters. I just want to say that I am in absolute love with the characters. Such well rounded characters that were likeable after a long time. Phew! Thank God for that. My heart cried for Landry. Sweet Landry is used as a punching bag of sorts by his 'master' that resulted in a whole lot of physical disabilities and him going mute.
He is such a curious boy who likes to explore nature. I couldn't help but cry while reading his section. And I am angry, so angry at Harris for writing Landry in a way he did.
The other characters were equally captivating each with a quirk of their own. Apart from Landry, I liked Mildred. I think I needed some time to separate myself from the book to see things. There was the obvious issue of pacing where the first 100 pages were dragging. However, the second and third half went in a jiffy.
Also, the way Harris focused on his characters is interesting. I have to accept that this is a different account of the aftermath of the Civil War, where the people of both races have to accept and move on. Harris is skilful in capturing the pandemonium of the aftermath but the focus on the white characters does take out the focus from the black people. Yes, I do see the good whites and their benevolence and how it didn't sit well with the town that's harbouring the fantasy of enslaving people again.
But we are not shown the bigger picture. It's like watching a Marvel movie through a pinhole camera. A wonderful experience but not enough. If he had balanced between Prentiss and the Walkers equally, it would've been a different story. Anyhow, this book has ended on a positive note which I appreciate. There are so many metaphors here in the play but I don't feel like dissecting at the moment. I do have lukewarm feelings about this book, but Harris is a wonderful writer, one I'll follow in the future if he releases any more books. And debut under 30, that also has been longlisted for the booker, now that's a feat. Do read this book for Landry and Prentiss and the hope that blooms when you close the book.
By now, everyone knows what this book is about and how beautiful this one is. So, this is going to be another my experience post starting with the characters. I just want to say that I am in absolute love with the characters. Such well rounded characters that were likeable after a long time. Phew! Thank God for that. My heart cried for Landry. Sweet Landry is used as a punching bag of sorts by his 'master' that resulted in a whole lot of physical disabilities and him going mute.
He is such a curious boy who likes to explore nature. I couldn't help but cry while reading his section. And I am angry, so angry at Harris for writing Landry in a way he did.
The other characters were equally captivating each with a quirk of their own. Apart from Landry, I liked Mildred. I think I needed some time to separate myself from the book to see things. There was the obvious issue of pacing where the first 100 pages were dragging. However, the second and third half went in a jiffy.
Also, the way Harris focused on his characters is interesting. I have to accept that this is a different account of the aftermath of the Civil War, where the people of both races have to accept and move on. Harris is skilful in capturing the pandemonium of the aftermath but the focus on the white characters does take out the focus from the black people. Yes, I do see the good whites and their benevolence and how it didn't sit well with the town that's harbouring the fantasy of enslaving people again.
But we are not shown the bigger picture. It's like watching a Marvel movie through a pinhole camera. A wonderful experience but not enough. If he had balanced between Prentiss and the Walkers equally, it would've been a different story. Anyhow, this book has ended on a positive note which I appreciate. There are so many metaphors here in the play but I don't feel like dissecting at the moment. I do have lukewarm feelings about this book, but Harris is a wonderful writer, one I'll follow in the future if he releases any more books. And debut under 30, that also has been longlisted for the booker, now that's a feat. Do read this book for Landry and Prentiss and the hope that blooms when you close the book.
Amazing. Absolutely heartbreaking, but amazing.
Set in Georgia shortly after the Civil War, George Walker is out for a walk in his woods one day when he happens upon two emancipated slaves. Having just heard his son was killed in combat, George is desperate to cling to anything, and so he invites the two to help him create a peanut farm on his land. Thus begins an emotional rollercoaster, as George and his family realizes that not all share their opinion about emancipation, and a fire of hatred spreads through the town. Few will remain standing in the ashes, and all will be scared by the outcome of George's actions. Everything about this book was mesmerizing, and it's easily one of the best books published this year.
Set in Georgia shortly after the Civil War, George Walker is out for a walk in his woods one day when he happens upon two emancipated slaves. Having just heard his son was killed in combat, George is desperate to cling to anything, and so he invites the two to help him create a peanut farm on his land. Thus begins an emotional rollercoaster, as George and his family realizes that not all share their opinion about emancipation, and a fire of hatred spreads through the town. Few will remain standing in the ashes, and all will be scared by the outcome of George's actions. Everything about this book was mesmerizing, and it's easily one of the best books published this year.
This took me on an unexpected and remarkable journey. Reconstruction era stories typically feel redundant and hopeless, but this was the opposite. I cared and I hoped and I rooted for the Walker family every step of the way. Marvelous writing and beautiful tone.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I think I went into this story expecting something different than what it was. Dont get me wrong the writing was beautifully done but my issue was plotting and pacing. I think I'll have a hard time recalling many aspects of this. It wasnt a bad book but it didnt stick with me.
This was very well done. I found the first half to be engaging and suspenseful at times, and the last fourth to be contemplative and philosophical.
I am a little disappointed that we spent as much time with Isabelle at the end as we did. I would much rather have learned more about the life Prentiss and Caleb left to live.
Very well done, though, and I’ll absolutely pick up more from this author.
I am a little disappointed that we spent as much time with Isabelle at the end as we did. I would much rather have learned more about the life Prentiss and Caleb left to live.
Very well done, though, and I’ll absolutely pick up more from this author.
Taking place in Georgia right after the Civil War, the novel centers around two different sets of characters. Prentiss and Landry, brothers and newly freed slaves, are trying to make their way north to earn a better life for themselves. George and Isabelle Walker are quietly mourning the presumed death of their son who fought for the Confederacy and never returned home. When George's path crosses with Prentiss and Landry, the three find solace in shared trauma and grief. This was a beautiful story about love, loss, and loyalty. It's also the story of survival and endurance. It was a slow start, but then it got really good and I had a hard time putting it down. I really liked this one!
Nothing groundbreaking, but still solid and well-written. The story felt more reflective than emotional, perhaps even a little too generalized at times. Features many valuable analogues to modern race-relations, and explores the nuances and complexities during moments of major social change. Approachable, interesting, and worth reading.
A story of two brothers who are emanicipated slaves, an eccentric white man and his tolerant wife, and some bad guys. The brothers' back story was hard to read, effectively painful. There are dramatic twists to the story, and it runs out of steam part way through, but then it draws the reader back in through detailed character descriptions.
Worth reading, but prepare yourself for those difficult moments!
Worth reading, but prepare yourself for those difficult moments!