The Water That May Come
By Amy Lilwall
review by Louise Cannon
Better late than never as they say. This book was well worth the wait as I waded through some family health issues, looking longingly for a time I would have chance to publish my review on a book that’s worth a shout out about.
I thank Fly On The Wall Press, an indy publisher worth checking out their book, for a copy of The Water That May Come in-exchange of a review. All opinions are my own.
Check out the synopsis and then onto my review below.
Synopsis
As rising seas threaten to engulf Britain, four lives are on the brink: Pinko, a privileged heir clinging to decadence; Jane, a working-class veterinary nurse racing to reunite her family; her pregnant teenage daughter Ashleigh, grappling with impending motherhood; and humble young artist Gavin. With sanctuary beckoning across the Channel, each faces impossible choices. Who will they save? What will they sacrifice?
A lyrical, thought-provoking novel which blurs borders and challenges notions of identity and belonging. In a future where we all may become refugees, it asks: how far would you go to stay afloat?
Review
We all know that seas will rise, we’ve all known since the 90’s at the very least, but still it is happening right now and this book tackles that, in part and a very human story.
In some ways, it feels dystopian, but the sad truth is, it’s all closer to reality than you may think or dare to realise, with seas rising faster than what was predicted. This book shows not just the environmental implications, but the very real human cost that knows no boundaries nor class.
Set between 2023 and 2032 in diary form, in Pinko, Jane, Ashleigh and Gavin, we see a mixture of privilege, the working class, teenage angst and impending motherhood and a little of the bohemian in an artist.
They are characters that easily compel you into the story of how life was and what life became. It shows how life is taken for granted in a way and whatever struggles people have now aren’t anywhere near what’s to come in the very near future. Identity and a struggle to survive against the elements and disappearing of everything people know, including cities are well written. It poses questions about how you may react to such huge environmental consequences and can you rely on those you could before? What happens to those loyalties and bonds that were formed in better times? The psyche of people is interesting and is more than highlighted in this book, especially at times of unusual stress, panic and displacement.
It isn’t a preachy book, but it serves as a warning and does a fine job at it too.
The end holds some surprises and could this be the first of many books we see of these characters?
I highly recommend The Water That May Come. It is better than I was expecting and I feel it has a lot to offer readers, including those in book clubs.
When we walk we see things that we would have missed if we drove. Things like birds, cats, & squirrels. When we walk we have fun spending time together. We talk and learn how walking can help to care for our planet. Join Siena and her dad as they walk to school and discover every little step counts.
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 