She brought two plates to the table, returned moments later with two cups of coffee.

Here, for instance, is a simple dinner scene between George and Isabelle: At its best, it works magnificently, and I was deeply moved by the trials of many of the characters. It is a boldly sentimental novel, spending most of its time in its characters’ emotional worlds. Grief hangs heavily over the early chapters of this book, a kind of stillness and gathering that soon gives way to a more action-packed, propulsive story than you might first imagine, as Prentiss, Landry and the Walkers come under threat from Old Ox’s disgruntled former slavers. George and his wife Isabelle grieve for their son Caleb, reported dead after deserting the Confederate army. It’s only weeks since the Civil War ended, and Union soldiers occupy the town to keep the peace. Although content for the moment in their freedom in the woods, George soon invites them to work on his land, which has until now lain fallow. But in the woods he finds something else, two newly freed brothers from the property next door, the younger Prentiss, and the giant, mute Landry who delights in the small moments of beauty among cruelty, the sweetness of water of the title. These woodland jaunts are regular recreation for him, stalking a black, hairy beast that sometimes walks on two legs, sometimes on four, a beast he and his father have been after since childhood. Compare Standard and Premium Digital here.Īny changes made can be done at any time and will become effective at the end of the trial period, allowing you to retain full access for 4 weeks, even if you downgrade or cancel.The Sweetness Of Water begins with wealthy landowner George Walker walking in the woods on his property near the fictional Georgian town of Old Ox. You may also opt to downgrade to Standard Digital, a robust journalistic offering that fulfils many user’s needs. If you’d like to retain your premium access and save 20%, you can opt to pay annually at the end of the trial. If you do nothing, you will be auto-enrolled in our premium digital monthly subscription plan and retain complete access for $69 per month.įor cost savings, you can change your plan at any time online in the “Settings & Account” section. For a full comparison of Standard and Premium Digital, click here.Ĭhange the plan you will roll onto at any time during your trial by visiting the “Settings & Account” section. Premium Digital includes access to our premier business column, Lex, as well as 15 curated newsletters covering key business themes with original, in-depth reporting. Standard Digital includes access to a wealth of global news, analysis and expert opinion. During your trial you will have complete digital access to FT.com with everything in both of our Standard Digital and Premium Digital packages.

The sweetness of water novel