Based on a true story, we see the intertwined story between Salva of the 1980s and Nya from the late 2000s and the differences and similarities in their individual and communal struggles to survive in Sudan. Centered around the conflict in the area, we see Salva's grit, survival, and leadership as a lost boy in the Sudan war, and Nya's survival and skepticism of peace in the village that is still under some conflict, even years later. Throughout the story, the conflict is about survival not just of themselves, but of the basic needs of their tribes: they all need access water.

Park's telling of this story, eventually introducing Salva and Nya at the end at the new well between the villages, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Her writing keeps you moving, (similar to how Hemmingway's writing functions) devouring page after page. I read this book in mostly one sitting because I had to know what happened. :) Of course, water is an obvious metaphor in this story, but she doesn't overdo it and keeps it rather subtle where it could've been painfully overdone. Highly recommended.

Pairings: under a painted sky, the old man and the sea,