We Are Water

Wally Lamb

67 pages 2-hour read

Wally Lamb

We Are Water

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

Wally Lamb

We Are Water

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Connecticut • 2000s

Theme
Family

Art

Power & Greed
Topic
LGBTQ+
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.0

59,058 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read We Are Water?

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.

4.0

59,058 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

An accomplished artist and central protagonist, whose creativity is key to her personal journey. Her story bridges past and present narratives.

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.

Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Connecticut • 2000s

Theme
Family

Art

Power & Greed
Topic
LGBTQ+
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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