The Water Cure
272
Novel • Fiction
Remote Island • Contemporary
2018
YA
18+ years
The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh follows sisters Grace, Lia, and Sky, who live on a secluded island fortified by their father, King, to protect them from violent men. Raised to fear men and subjected to King's oppressive control, their lives unravel when he disappears and three strange men arrive, catalyzing a series of events that ultimately lead the sisters to fight back and seek a new life beyond the island. This book addresses sexual violence, trauma, and abuse.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Melancholic
Contemplative
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Sophie Mackintosh's The Water Cure captivates with its lyrical prose and eerie atmosphere. Critics appreciate the novel's feminist themes and psychological depth. However, some find its pacing slow and character development lacking. Overall, it is hailed for its haunting and thought-provoking narrative, though not without some reservations.
Readers who enjoy dystopian narratives and intense psychological drama will appreciate Sophie Mackintosh's The Water Cure. Similar to Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, this novel appeals to those intrigued by feminist themes and speculative fiction, exploring issues of control, trauma, and survival in a haunting, atmospheric setting.
29,499 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Water Cure was longlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize, marking a significant early achievement in Sophie Mackintosh's career as a novelist.
Sophie Mackintosh cites influences such as Margaret Atwood and Angela Carter, infusing elements of dystopian and feminist literature into her work.
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The author completed The Water Cure while studying for a Creative Writing MA at the University of London's Royal Holloway, showcasing the novel as part of her academic endeavors.
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272
Novel • Fiction
Remote Island • Contemporary
2018
YA
18+ years
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