Water: A haunting, confronting novel from the author of The Heart’s Invisible Furies (The elements, 1)

I blindly chose this book by its cover without knowing anything about John Boyne or the book itself. In under 200 pages John Boyne succeeds to create a unique atmosphere with a complex main character in a situation which is not only hard for her but for her whole surrounding. While dealing with a difficult and heartbreaking situation, the protagonist fights for her life as a woman and also as a mother. I could feel and taste the water - the storm inside and outside - with all the trouble knowing that you can’t survive with too much or without it.The huge surprise for me with this book is that the women in this book are very convincing, strong and affectionate in their vulnerability. And this is written by a man. I liked the portrayal of the societal value of men and women in this book, and how the reader’s mind is challenged in different scenes and dialogues.

This is a beautifully written and powerful book about guilt and being a woman. Especially being a woman in Ireland which is obviously not that easy.The first thing Vanessa does when she arrives on a remote island: she changes her name to Willow. And then she cuts her hair. She is hiding on that island from a scandal at home. Her husband was accused of a horrendous crime, her first born daughter is dead and her second daughter does not speak to her. So she moves to a cottage without WiFi and television to think about her life. In Dublin she led a life of wealth and privilege but when confronted with things her husband may have done she does not want to see. Willow is such a real life character. I could relate to her. When you read her story it is easy to judge her and say “I would have acted differently”. But would you really have?As I said, the book is about grief, guilt and how women are held accountable of the bad things men do. The book is short and sharp, there are no unnecessary words, every sentence is needed and there is no filling in for more pages. This is, simply said, a great book I would highly recommend reading. Men and women. I was hooked from page one.This is my third book from this author and I really don’t know why I did not read all of his books. John Boyne is a gifted writer and I am looking forward to what he is up to next.