A review by veeples
The Waters: A Novel by Bonnie Jo Campbell

emotional funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It took me quite a long time to get into this book. What was there was interesting enough to keep from DNF-ing this book, but the slow pace and the slow cadence of the narrator felt like a bit of a slog. What I did eventually come to appreciate about this book is how it presents us with small time mythologies that create what feels like inescapable fates. A romance that felt fated to coalesce. An old healer who would and could never die. The idea of greatness belonging to one man. Being the chosen and most beloved youngest girl destined to inherit all that she loves. Yet, this book deconstructs all of these in really interesting ways, breaking not only communal mythologies but self-imposed ones. The change is painful for most of those involved, as change usually is, but what comes out is something still tender and worthwhile and precious, as we hope things will be at the other side of change. 
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