Nathan Harris's The Sweetness of Water is widely praised for its lyrical prose and poignant depiction of post-Civil War America, capturing complex characters and profound themes of freedom and humanity. However, critiques mention occasionally slow pacing and predictability in certain plot elements. Overall, it’s celebrated for its emotional depth and historical resonance.

Readers who enjoyed The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead or The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead will appreciate The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris. The novel’s exploration of post-Civil War America, complex characters, and nuanced look at human relationships will captivate those interested in historical fiction and social justice themes.

Set in the fictional town of Old Ox, Georgia, immediately following the Civil War, The Sweetness of Water follows two formerly enslaved men, Prentiss and Landry, as they adjust to their newfound freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation. The men meet George Walker, who offers them work on his farm. Challenges arise when George's son, Caleb, returns from the war, revealing a secret relationship with August Webler that leads to a tragic incident. The novel addresses issues of racism, starvation, and emotional suffering experienced by formerly enslaved Black individuals. The book includes depictions of antigay bias, racial slurs, and racially-motivated violence.

Mysterious / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Emotional / Contemplative

- The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2021, marking a remarkable debut for the author.
- The novel is set in the Reconstruction Era South, and it explores themes of unity and the human condition in a transformative period in American history.
- Nathan Harris was inspired to write The Sweetness of Water while pursuing his Master of Fine Arts at the Michener Center for Writers, emphasizing the importance of creative writing programs in nurturing new literary voices.

Nathan Harris

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Sweetness of Water 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.

The Sweetness of Water Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

The Sweetness of Water Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-11

The Sweetness of Water Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-18

The Sweetness of Water Chapters 12-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-25

The Sweetness of Water Chapters 19-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

The Sweetness of Water Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Sweetness of Water Character Analysis

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Themes

The Sweetness of Water Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Sweetness of Water Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Sweetness of Water Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Sweetness of Water Essay Topics

The Sweetness of Water

Before You Read

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