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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
This book was tough for me to get through. I felt the narrative was boring and sluggish. I was really looking forward to reading this but was left disappointed. First, I thought it was because I was listening to the audiobook but I find the combination of reader and story was not for me. My mind ended up wandering so many times that I ended up losing the storyline just as many times.
I was hoping that the story would focus on Prentiss and Landry (the previously enslaved individuals) but the white characters seemed to take precedence for much of the story. Again, I really wanted to like it so I stuck with it till the end - but reluctantly.
I was hoping that the story would focus on Prentiss and Landry (the previously enslaved individuals) but the white characters seemed to take precedence for much of the story. Again, I really wanted to like it so I stuck with it till the end - but reluctantly.
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris is spellbindingly spectacular! It is immersive and speculative and heartbreaking and hopeful. The storytelling is hauntingly beautiful with purple prose and well-developed character. BRAVO Harris, The Sweetness of Water is among my favorite reads now!
I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This author is 29? Wow! I'm astonished. A novel of hope, redemption, family, loss. A book that takes you on a journey. The good v. evil is played out perfectly, but there are surprises. Sometimes evil wins and sometimes good. I loved the characters and will be reading this author again!
I read this for my book club through Little Professor and it lives up to the hype! In some ways it was a hard read because of the subject matter, but so important. The book starts in a small town in Georgia about 10 days after Union Soldiers showed up and enforced the Emancipation proclamation. The ensuing chaos in the town and reactions of all the characters fascinated me. It felt honest and not over the top. One reviewer said the novel essentially rewrites Gone With the Wind, and that comparison seems spot on, with the voice of Landry in particular. It’s unfortunately an incredibly timely book as we continue to struggle with the legacies of the injustices of slavery, especially in the Deep South.
I also listened to about 40% on audio and would highly recommend that as well.
I also listened to about 40% on audio and would highly recommend that as well.
Excellent first effort. The characters all drew me in well. Parts of the storyline didn't seem to ring true, but I never wanted to quit this novel. I needed to know how it ends! Solid 3 1/2, maybe it should be 4 stars.
This was pretty amazing. I felt so much hope throughout the book, which, when considering how many sad, terrible, unjust things happened was surprising. The relationships felt so real, as did the characters, that I rejoiced and mourned right along with them. Whenever we got to focus on one character it felt like the whole book was about them, but then as soon as we shifted focus I was right there in the next person's story. Not to mention the friendships and neighbor relations all seemed so real. I have started to write "I especially loved X friendship" but then I think of five more so I can't even narrow it down.
And then on top of that, the micro look at Emancipation as it affected this small Georgia town and it's inhabitants made me think. I think some people think Lincoln waved his wand and poof! People were free and able to go about their business. But of course that wasn't the case - how could you live in a town that just last week considered you property, and still does? Where would you go if your whole life was lived on someone else's land?
An incredible book.
And then on top of that, the micro look at Emancipation as it affected this small Georgia town and it's inhabitants made me think. I think some people think Lincoln waved his wand and poof! People were free and able to go about their business. But of course that wasn't the case - how could you live in a town that just last week considered you property, and still does? Where would you go if your whole life was lived on someone else's land?
An incredible book.
3.5 rounded up to a 4 for some prettily worded sentences. I went into this blind based off popularity on my library’s Overdrive and ended up liking a lot of it There is just so much happening here all at the same time and it starts to get so fantastical and beyond belief.
What was that thing about the “aging whore” who laughed after “revealing herself” in the street?
What was that thing about the “aging whore” who laughed after “revealing herself” in the street?
Beautifully written story. Starts off slow - which I realized was due to character development - but was enjoyable throughout. I absolutely loved George and Prentiss. Two different men who I could find value and strength in both. Glad they crossed paths.
Starting off 2022 with a bang! "The Sweetness of Water" hits multiple genres but centers around the stories of the Walker family upon meeting Prentiss and Landry, two brother slaves freed as a result of the Emancipation Proclamation. There are pretty horrific scenes (a graphic murder and death from infection) but equally beautiful, heart wrenching bonds between husband and wife, and brothers.
This was such a captivating novel a little overwritten in my opinion but still amazing. The beginning does have a slow start and drags to the point you want to put it down. However, there are parts where it picks up and it keeps you engaged momentarily then drags a bit more it’s hard to explain.
But the novel follows quite a few characters two brothers Prentiss and Landry, George Walker, his wife Isabelle, and a few others in and out. After the end of the Civil War the small town of Old Ox must follow suit with the emancipation proclamation. The two brothers Prentiss and Landry now freedmen leave their plantation life behind to seek refuge in the woods. Enjoying their new found freedom they run into George Walker who owns a farm and asks the brothers for assistance in return for pay. One day while taking his daily walk Landry stumbles upon Mr.Walkers son Caleb doing the unimaginable. What he witnessed eventually resulted in his wrongful death.
The author did well giving you a vivid depiction of what‘s happening and the scenery. The character development was great a few were memorable because of their strong presence throughout the novel. There was authenticity to each of them and also a lot of vulnerability shown between the characters which I enjoyed. Prentiss and Landry really gave off the “My Brothers Keeper” vibe and I loved that. It hurt my feelings when Prentiss lost his brother. Now that subplot involving the forbidden romance between the two Confederate soldiers was interesting and well-placed. I knew it was going to happen but didn’t expect it to unfold the way it had.
I’m still new to reading historical fiction but I can say there wasn’t anything 100% exciting about this book. A few juicy moments but the slow pacing makes it kind of boring. So many words with so little being said at times.
Overall, I think the book was pretty decent not a total fav but I didn’t hate it. If you’re into historical fiction you might enjoy this but if you’re just getting into the genre this wouldn’t be my first go to.
Rating: 3.5/5
But the novel follows quite a few characters two brothers Prentiss and Landry, George Walker, his wife Isabelle, and a few others in and out. After the end of the Civil War the small town of Old Ox must follow suit with the emancipation proclamation. The two brothers Prentiss and Landry now freedmen leave their plantation life behind to seek refuge in the woods. Enjoying their new found freedom they run into George Walker who owns a farm and asks the brothers for assistance in return for pay. One day while taking his daily walk Landry stumbles upon Mr.Walkers son Caleb doing the unimaginable. What he witnessed eventually resulted in his wrongful death.
The author did well giving you a vivid depiction of what‘s happening and the scenery. The character development was great a few were memorable because of their strong presence throughout the novel. There was authenticity to each of them and also a lot of vulnerability shown between the characters which I enjoyed. Prentiss and Landry really gave off the “My Brothers Keeper” vibe and I loved that. It hurt my feelings when Prentiss lost his brother. Now that subplot involving the forbidden romance between the two Confederate soldiers was interesting and well-placed. I knew it was going to happen but didn’t expect it to unfold the way it had.
I’m still new to reading historical fiction but I can say there wasn’t anything 100% exciting about this book. A few juicy moments but the slow pacing makes it kind of boring. So many words with so little being said at times.
Overall, I think the book was pretty decent not a total fav but I didn’t hate it. If you’re into historical fiction you might enjoy this but if you’re just getting into the genre this wouldn’t be my first go to.
Rating: 3.5/5