Marianne Wiggins' Properties of Thirst has been met with praise for its compelling storytelling and rich historical detail. Critics have lauded the novel's depth and character development, though some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it is considered a thought-provoking and immersive read that resonates deeply with its audience.

Readers who revel in the lyrical prose and character depth found in novels like The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver or The Shipping News by Annie Proulx will savor Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins. Ideal for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling with themes of family dynamics and environmental consciousness.

Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins is set in early-1940s US during World War II, centering on Rockwell "Rocky" Rhodes, who owns an estate in California and grapples with the presumed death of his son, Stryker, stationed at Pearl Harbor. The narrative alternates between Rocky's past with his late wife, Lou; the creation of the Manzanar internment camp by government staffer Schiff; and Schiff's love for Rocky's daughter, Sunny. The novel explores themes of familial expectations, grief, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The novel refers to death by suicide and racism and includes racial slurs directed at Japanese people.

Contemplative / Emotional / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Hopeful

Marianne Wiggins

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Properties of Thirst and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Properties of Thirst Summary and Study Guide

Background

Properties of Thirst Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Properties of Thirst Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 Properties of Thirst Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-7

Properties of Thirst Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-11

Properties of Thirst Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Properties of Thirst Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Properties of Thirst Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Properties of Thirst Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Properties of Thirst Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Properties of Thirst Essay Topics

Properties of Thirst

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Properties of Thirst?

Reading Age

Book Details