Released: November 2nd 2023
Genre: Drama
John Boyne is best known for The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, but he has also turned to shorter stories, the most recent being his elemental quartet of Fire, Air, Earth and Water. The latter is both emotional and introspective, a tale of reflection and gentle forgiveness.
In modern day Ireland, Vanessa Garvin leaves Dublin and journeys to an isolated island to get away from difficult times. Why has she done this? The truth is gradually revealed as we learn more about her background and family. The novella embraces the more mundane side of life, emphasising the limbo Vanessa finds herself in. She attends a political debate, forms a casual relationship with the young Luke and slowly reconnects with her daughter Rebecca. The book is quite slow in the early going, but this feels intentional from the author.
The use of water is a key motif; it relates to a traumatic event that Vanessa struggles to deal with while also tying into the wider setting. From start to finish, we never leave Vanessa’s viewpoint, always bearing witness to her inner thoughts and the mental journey she undertakes. Her interactions with her husband Brendan are especially revealing. Despite some grim subject matter, the reader can relate to her place in life, a crossroads where a major decision needs to be made.
Recommended?
YES: It takes a bit of time to get moving, but Water eventually turns into a raw and reflective character drama. Staying in Vanessa’s perspective, the book slowly teases out the details and her mental journey to confront the trauma that damaged her family. It’s a short but effective novella. The audiobook adds an extra level of poignancy with some brilliant narration that really pulls you into the emotions of the characters.
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