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civil war nathan harris beautifully written sweetness of water historical fiction highly recommend well written character development post civil debut novel newly freed must read prentiss and landry freed slaves great read end of the civil small town recently freed war south southern town
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4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful historical fiction, realistic characters, familiar dynamics
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021
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This work of historical fiction by new author Nathan Harris, takes place just after the end of the Civil War, in a small town in Georgia. The story primarily revolves around the recently freed brothers Prentiss and Landry, the farmer George that hires them, and his wife Isabelle. I don't want to spoil the plot, so I'll just give my general thoughts:

The pacing of the story is somewhat slow, but this also allows time for the nuances of the character's relationships to be fully fleshed out. The slower pace of the story also seemed to fit with my mental image of the time period, so it didn't bother me much. Just be prepared for a slower build, though it moves a bit more quickly about halfway through.

Historical fiction is not usually my favorite genre, but I was impressed with how these characters seemed so familiar and relatable, while still fitting in with the time period in the story. Harris was able to capture the tensions of family, relationships, and fear of change; that all still seem relevant today. The brave person from a different background supporting people from another culture, despite what others may think of them, resonates in modern times as well. Difficulty communicating in relationships also seems to transcend time, and I suspect many readers will find at least one dynamic that feels familiar to them.

This was certainly impressive for a first book, as Harris seems to be great at creating realistic character dynamics and a powerful, emotional story. I will look forward to reading more from Harris in the future.
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Jacob Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021
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I couldn’t put this book down. This is an instant classic. Highly recommend
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Jessica Peters
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a great book
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2021
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This book was amazing. I read this book ravenously. I haven't read a 300 page book from start to finish in a day since high school. It is beautifully written with emotion and care. If you want civil war gay romance, murder, betrayal, and strong female characters, this book is for you. Absolutely wonderful.
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3.0 out of 5 stars Not a first rate writer yet
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2021
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Although the subject matter is compelling, The Sweetness of Water is not a great book. Hopefully, Nathan Harris will not be too satisfied with this debut novel because he has plenty to learn. To be sure, this is not a bad book. The two African American characters are quite believable. The setting is well drawn and the book’s plot is interesting.

However, the writing style is much too flowery for this gritty novel. I swear that the author, when he is at a loss for the right word, opens his dictionary to the most obscure, most archaic word and chooses it to finish his sentence. Using words like “screed” and “suppurate” neither fit his style nor the time of which he writes. Many of the characters are stereotypes: Morton could be Simon Lagree. Many of them like George and Isabelle just seem a bit off, baffling in their behavior. Often the narrator rambles, mistaking length for substance.

I opened this book with much anticipation. Yes, I was disappointed. Although unfair, it was difficult not to compare Nathan Harris with established black writers like Colson Whitehead. Harris has a long way to go; I pray he gets there.
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Happy Lady Sara
3.0 out of 5 stars Hard to get through
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2021
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For me, this author was difficult at times to follow. Many time I had to reread passages to see whom was speaking. I found this novel hard to get through, I wanted it to end because it was like work ploughing through the pages. I stayed with it because I kept hoping it would get better but it never did. However, I appreciated the story in that it gave insight of those, who were not slaves but had compassion for those less fortunate. The author was able to capture the demons that others carried as well even though they weren’t held in bondage. After reading this novel, I concluded that, there are some, whose feelings as a society, have not changed since the times in the novel. I looked forward to feeling happy and hopeful at the end but I just felt numb as though not a lot has changed as far as racial harmony. As an African American, I will continue to appreciate the Isabelles and Georges that I meet. I will also be more sensitive toward the Calebs. I did not give this novel a higher rating because I forced myself through it. I related this to, not liking an actor because he played his part so well. Overall, I would not read this author again.
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MDH in Iowa
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Reading
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2021
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I was quickly pulled into the story and found it hard to put down. I'm most impressed with the author's ability to make each character real, displaying a depth of human observation and understanding unique to his young age. One can't help but compare the social issues from the story to the present day. We have made little progress.
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JAArvada
5.0 out of 5 stars A stirring and emotional tale of two brothers facing their new life as freedman.
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2021
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Five stars for this author's telling of what it could have been like for slaves as they experienced the first hours, days...and months of life in freedom. The fears, uncertainty...mistrust. Putting their feet, for the first time in their lives, onto soil outside of the confines of a few acres of land where they were forced to endure every moment of their days where their actions were controlled. Never knowing when they might be subjected to another horror of a beating, or seeing a family member sold...never to be seen again.
Harris does a masterful job of intertwining the lives of these brothers with the family that offers them their first humane treatment. A family that dares to challenge the hatred and bigotry of a town.
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bdoc
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Voice in Historical Fiction!
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2021
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Extremely well written. Parts were sad but there was hope. Different lives come together to tell a powerful story! One of the best books of 2021.
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RP FRAZER
5.0 out of 5 stars A wise and measured story, beautifully told
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 27, 2021
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Chosen from this year’s (2021) long list, I was not disappointed. The fate of the brothers, Landry and Prentiss, on George and Isabel’s farm in the period immediately following the conclusion of the American Civil War really mattered to me. In fact every character the author Nathan Harris brings to the page makes an indelible mark. The writing is measured, elegant and wise way beyond the author’s age. It is an extraordinary fact that The Sweetness of Water is his debut novel. I look forward to the others that will surely follow. If another book on that Booker list wins the prize I’ll be surprised.
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Chirpy
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply superb.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2021
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There is simply only one word which can be used to describe this book. SUPERB. Nathan Harris has written a book which is quite simply unputdownable. The characters he creates will live with the reader long after the story is told. Gripping story, thought provoking and unforgettable. Thank you, Nathan, for writing a book of such unbelievable quality, I will never forget it.
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Babyboomer
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a wonderful read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 19, 2021
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I loved this book. This story. Beautifully written with characters so real that I really cared what happened to them. Vulnerable but with a strength and desire to survive and to be themselves.
The action takes place after the Civil War in America showing the aftermath in a small Southern town. A wonderful read. I cared so much about all the characters in the story.
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Euphemia Black
3.0 out of 5 stars Civil rights
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 6, 2021
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This is not easy to read when you think how far America has come since the civil war - not nearly far enough in black lives matter issues. George gives jobs and a home to Prentiss and Landry and unwittingly sets of a chain of events ending in deaths and ruined lives. It is left to Isabelle to salvage what she can out of the ruins. I did skip a lot of the extended descriptive parts but enjoyed the story. Almost four stars.
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JC
5.0 out of 5 stars A remarkable novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2021
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I have continued to carry this book in my mind long after I finished reading it It has been described as a remarkable first novel but it's just a remarkable novel by any standards. Nathan Harris captures the period - just as the American Civil War is ending - in an incredibly vivid way and he seems to get to the hearts and souls of the characters he writes about. I was very engrossed and very moved by this book and I greatly recommend it.
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