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byronic_reader 's review for:
The Sweetness of Water
by Nathan Harris
Let me start with, I was not prepared. I was not prepared for the emotions that will hit square in my face or the heaviness that will follow me after finishing the book. The Sweetness of Water is a book that I'll be thinking about for a long time just because of Landry and Prentiss.
By now, everyone knows what this book is about and how beautiful this one is. So, this is going to be another my experience post starting with the characters. I just want to say that I am in absolute love with the characters. Such well rounded characters that were likeable after a long time. Phew! Thank God for that. My heart cried for Landry. Sweet Landry is used as a punching bag of sorts by his 'master' that resulted in a whole lot of physical disabilities and him going mute.
He is such a curious boy who likes to explore nature. I couldn't help but cry while reading his section. And I am angry, so angry at Harris for writing Landry in a way he did.
The other characters were equally captivating each with a quirk of their own. Apart from Landry, I liked Mildred. I think I needed some time to separate myself from the book to see things. There was the obvious issue of pacing where the first 100 pages were dragging. However, the second and third half went in a jiffy.
Also, the way Harris focused on his characters is interesting. I have to accept that this is a different account of the aftermath of the Civil War, where the people of both races have to accept and move on. Harris is skilful in capturing the pandemonium of the aftermath but the focus on the white characters does take out the focus from the black people. Yes, I do see the good whites and their benevolence and how it didn't sit well with the town that's harbouring the fantasy of enslaving people again.
But we are not shown the bigger picture. It's like watching a Marvel movie through a pinhole camera. A wonderful experience but not enough. If he had balanced between Prentiss and the Walkers equally, it would've been a different story. Anyhow, this book has ended on a positive note which I appreciate. There are so many metaphors here in the play but I don't feel like dissecting at the moment. I do have lukewarm feelings about this book, but Harris is a wonderful writer, one I'll follow in the future if he releases any more books. And debut under 30, that also has been longlisted for the booker, now that's a feat. Do read this book for Landry and Prentiss and the hope that blooms when you close the book.
By now, everyone knows what this book is about and how beautiful this one is. So, this is going to be another my experience post starting with the characters. I just want to say that I am in absolute love with the characters. Such well rounded characters that were likeable after a long time. Phew! Thank God for that. My heart cried for Landry. Sweet Landry is used as a punching bag of sorts by his 'master' that resulted in a whole lot of physical disabilities and him going mute.
He is such a curious boy who likes to explore nature. I couldn't help but cry while reading his section. And I am angry, so angry at Harris for writing Landry in a way he did.
The other characters were equally captivating each with a quirk of their own. Apart from Landry, I liked Mildred. I think I needed some time to separate myself from the book to see things. There was the obvious issue of pacing where the first 100 pages were dragging. However, the second and third half went in a jiffy.
Also, the way Harris focused on his characters is interesting. I have to accept that this is a different account of the aftermath of the Civil War, where the people of both races have to accept and move on. Harris is skilful in capturing the pandemonium of the aftermath but the focus on the white characters does take out the focus from the black people. Yes, I do see the good whites and their benevolence and how it didn't sit well with the town that's harbouring the fantasy of enslaving people again.
But we are not shown the bigger picture. It's like watching a Marvel movie through a pinhole camera. A wonderful experience but not enough. If he had balanced between Prentiss and the Walkers equally, it would've been a different story. Anyhow, this book has ended on a positive note which I appreciate. There are so many metaphors here in the play but I don't feel like dissecting at the moment. I do have lukewarm feelings about this book, but Harris is a wonderful writer, one I'll follow in the future if he releases any more books. And debut under 30, that also has been longlisted for the booker, now that's a feat. Do read this book for Landry and Prentiss and the hope that blooms when you close the book.