The Sweetness of Water (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel
In the spirit of The Known World and The Underground Railroad, “a stunning debut” (Oprah Daily) about the unlikely bond between two freedmen who are brothers and the Georgia farmer whose alliance will alter their lives, and his, forever—from “a storyteller with bountiful insight and assurance.” (Kirkus)
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Community Reviews
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The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
358 pages
What’s it about?
The Civil War is ending and brothers Prentiss and Landry have been freed. They walk off the plantation and find refuge nearby in the Walkers' woods. When George Walker comes upon them he hires them both to work his farm for a fair wage. The plan is for them to save money and make their way North after the Walker crops come in. When the Walker's son, Caleb, unexpectedly returns from the war, a chain of events is triggered that will have an impact on everyone at the Walker farm.
What did it make me think about?
How difficult change is- individually and as a society.
Should I read it?
I enjoyed this novel set after the Civil War and during reconstruction. Nathan Harris writes characters that are nuanced and complicated. What a time in history. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction.
Quote-
"What went unspoken was the burden of freedom. Not that Landry missed Mr. Morton's ownership- far from it. No, it was rather that he and his brother had been tethered to each other then. The chains that held them down also held them together."
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Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
358 pages
What’s it about?
The Civil War is ending and brothers Prentiss and Landry have been freed. They walk off the plantation and find refuge nearby in the Walkers' woods. When George Walker comes upon them he hires them both to work his farm for a fair wage. The plan is for them to save money and make their way North after the Walker crops come in. When the Walker's son, Caleb, unexpectedly returns from the war, a chain of events is triggered that will have an impact on everyone at the Walker farm.
What did it make me think about?
How difficult change is- individually and as a society.
Should I read it?
I enjoyed this novel set after the Civil War and during reconstruction. Nathan Harris writes characters that are nuanced and complicated. What a time in history. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction.
Quote-
"What went unspoken was the burden of freedom. Not that Landry missed Mr. Morton's ownership- far from it. No, it was rather that he and his brother had been tethered to each other then. The chains that held them down also held them together."
If you liked this try-
The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
LaRose by Louise Erdrich
Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone
These books are hard to read for me because of the incredibly hard times the characters have to endure, but in the end their resilience shines through and is what makes for such a good book.
I liked being in a different time and place. I found the portrayal of Isabelle and her husband’s relationship interesting. Made me think about relationships.
Highly recommend. Extremely poignant and beautiful. It centers on a southern town not ready to change after the civil war. The end leaves you wanting more. It is very rich and well-written.
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