A review by voela321
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris

challenging emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This story centers around 2 families at the end of the Civil War. 2 brothers, formerly enslaved, are coping with their new found freedom in a part of the country that wants them only as enslaved people.  The Walkers- a white couple in the South who did not necessarily support the Confederacy—hire the brothers to work their farm, believing their son died in the war. When son Caleb returns—having deserted and run away from the war—all 3 Walkers develop a relationship with the brothers. Caleb is involved in a secret homosexual relationship and it’s discovery by one of the brothers leads to tragedy upon tragedy that affects everyone. This is a beautiful book, both tragic and hopeful. In the end it is Isabelle (Mrs Walker) who is left to stand up and lead the way forward. Highly recommend this book. 
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