The Ways of Water: A Novel

In the novel "The Ways of Water," Josie Belle Gore, the daughter of a Louisiana train engineer and Texas seamstress, travels with her itinerant family through the deserts of the American West and revolutionary Mexico. She learns that water is precious and her role in her family is to save it. When her family is separated, Josie embarks on an odyssey that takes her from New Mexico to San Francisco, where she must make peace with the past and good on her promise to the family she loves. The novel is inspired by the author's family lore and is a lyrical tale of loss, hope, and forgiveness set in the rugged beauty of the turn-of-the-century Southwest.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press

As the daughter of a Louisiana train engineer and Texas seamstress, Josie Belle Gore embarks on a remarkable journey alongside her itinerant family as they traverse the arid deserts of the booming and busting American West and the revolutionary lands of Mexico. Along the way, Josie discovers two unwavering constants in her life: the preciousness of water and her unwavering role within her family to safeguard and preserve it.

However, when unforeseen circumstances tear her family apart, Josie sets out on a solitary odyssey that takes her from the rugged landscapes of New Mexico's Jornada del Muerto to the bustling cities of Bisbee, Tucson, Los Angeles, and finally the post-WWI era of San Francisco. Throughout her journey, Josie encounters a spectrum of emotions, including betrayal, the grip of a pandemic, and the weight of survivors' guilt. Yet, amidst the adversities, she also witnesses the profound compassion and generosity extended by both friends and strangers.

As Josie arrives in San Francisco, a city that seems to beckon like a river meeting the sea, she finds herself with nowhere else to run. In this moment of clarity, Josie realizes that she must confront the past and fulfill her promise to the family she cherishes. Drawing inspiration from her family's rich lore, The Ways of Water unfolds as a lyrical tale of loss, hope, and forgiveness set against the breathtaking backdrop of the turn-of-the-century Southwest. Like Josie, the region is experiencing its own growth and development, navigating its own unique challenges and transformations.

Through her experiences, Josie learns to embrace the complexities of life and to find solace in the beauty of the natural world. She discovers the power of forgiveness, both for herself and others, and the importance of cherishing the moments spent with loved ones. The Ways of Water is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring strength of family bonds. It reminds us of the importance of cherishing the resources we have and the responsibility we hold to protect and preserve them for generations to come.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 140 x 217 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647425838