67 pages • 2-hour read
Wally LambA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
592
Novel • Fiction
Connecticut • 2000s
•
Art•
Power & Greed2013
Adult
18+ years
Published in 2013, We Are Water is a literary fiction novel by Wally Lamb. Set in Connecticut during the early Obama presidency, the story follows the Oh family after Annie announces she is divorcing her husband, Orion, to marry art dealer Viveca. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of Annie, Orion, their three adult children, and others, revealing deep family conflicts and personal traumas.
Emotional
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Challenging
59,058 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Reviews for We Are Water by Wally Lamb are mixed. Positively, readers appreciate the complex, deeply human characters and intricate storytelling tackling heavy themes such as family, race, and sexuality. However, some critics feel the novel is overlong with occasional shifts in perspective that disrupt the narrative flow. Overall, it's an emotional, thought-provoking read but may not suit everyone.
A reader who would enjoy We Are Water by Wally Lamb is likely someone who appreciates character-driven narratives exploring complex family dynamics, secrets, and personal growth. Fans of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections or Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper will find Lamb's intricate storytelling engaging and thought-provoking.
59,058 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A co-protagonist who provides a complex narrative, shaped by his perception and introspection. His journey involves questioning his protective instincts.
A narrator marked by a disciplined exterior that hides a turbulent past. His character explores themes of internal conflict and potential for change.
A mediator in the family, known for her patience and conflict-resolution skills. Her journey reveals her role as a truth-teller.
Positioned as the family’s "black sheep," she struggles with impulsivity and addiction. Her journey includes seeking professional help and personal growth.
Serves as the narrative’s primary antagonist, whose actions are central to themes of secrecy and trauma.
Narrates the historical context of the story, highlighting themes of family dynamics and societal norms. Her character offers insight into past events shaping the present.
An elderly art dealer who provides a link between the narrative’s historical and contemporary elements, supporting marginalized artists.
A talented Black painter from the past whose work challenges social boundaries, his legacy influences the present narrative.
Initially viewed with suspicion, her character provides stability and support to Annie, challenging early perceptions.
A character shaped by historical trauma, whose life is intertwined with Josephus Jones’s story. Her journey hints at emotional healing.
592
Novel • Fiction
Connecticut • 2000s
•
Art•
Power & Greed2013
Adult
18+ years
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