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.

**George Walker**  
The novel’s aging protagonist, originally from Nantucket, who decides to start a peanut farm and forms a bond with two formerly enslaved brothers, navigating post-Civil War cultural tensions.

**Isabelle Walker**  
George's wife and Caleb’s mother, who transitions from a Southern socialite to a supportive partner for her husband and a compassionate friend to the young men working on their farm.

**Caleb Walker**  
The son of George and Isabelle, who grapples with his identity and place in a post-war Southern town after returning home under complex circumstances following his service in the Confederate Army.

**Prentiss**  
The older of two formerly enslaved brothers, Prentiss seeks a better future and forms a significant connection with George and his family while working on their farm.

**Landry**  
Prentiss's younger brother, who is nonverbal and finds solace in the forest around the Walker's farm, contributing to the farm and the community in his own silent way.

**August Webler**  
Caleb's friend and former lover, deeply tied to his Southern roots and family expectations, leading to complicated personal relationships and moral conflicts.

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