The Weight of Water: A Novel Tag: Author of Resistance and Strange Fits of Passion (Paperback)

It tells the story of Jean, a news photographer who sets out on a sailboat to a remote island off the coast of New Hampshire, accompanied by her husband, Thomas, her five year old daughter, Billie, her brother-in-law, Rich, and his girl friend of several months, Adaline. The purpose of her visit is to photograph the scene of a nineteenth century double murder that saw two Norwegian, immigrant women hacked to death, which murders were much ballyhooed at the time as the crime of the century.

While there, she discovers an uncatalogued translation of the personal journal of the ostensible lone, female eyewitness, Maren Hontvedt, who seemed to have survived the carnage. Written in a somber and ruminative tone, the journal of Maren's life and of the events that led up to the carnage forms a core of the story. Maren's journal provides a framework for looking at the angst of Jean's present, which is haunted by passion, jealousy, and betrayal. It is through Maren's story that Jean herself comes to terms with her own personal tragedy.

Alternating between Jean's unraveling present and the secrets of the past, the book provides a compelling, absorbing and suspenseful narrative, keeping the reader in its thrall. The two juxtaposed dramas come together in a primal and tragic climax. Those who read this book will find themselves haunted by it.

Instead of addressing the suspense and the poignant tale of family struggles, I grasped the protagonist's worries about infidelity this time. Hasn't every woman imagined her loved one having an affair? Maren had seen the signs and been absolutely sure that she was cheated on. Is it instinct or paranoia? Anita weaves these feelings in amidst a haunting tale of murder and intrigue during the 1800's. I have read all of Anita's books, but this one is by far one of my favorites. I found it hard to put down and the characters' emotions spoke to me. Shreve makes me care about her characters. There were times I wished I could reach into the book and shake some sense into Maren. The historical references and suspenseful plot add appeal to this irresistible novel. The Weight of Water is still riveting and memorable the second time around. I cannot recommend this beautiful novel enough!