Reviews

Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins

janmaj's review against another edition

Difficult writing style, veered off track from what drew me to the story in the first place.  Wordy, detailed and not really about the internment camp after all. 

herohe's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious relaxing sad slow-paced

3.25

sewjoy1's review against another edition

challenging dark informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Characters very diverse and well developed. Gives you plenty of perspectives with "big corporations" v "individuals", those born to money v those who work hard to earn it, military personnel v non-military, "foreign born" v "native Californian", Jewish, Japanese, French, rural, and city characters. Excellent writing using educated language while remaining approachable with lots of "stream-of-thought" descriptions of feelings. 

daschneider's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The writing first strikes one as unusual in its rhythm and syntax, but it is gorgeous throughout. Everyone is unequivocally who they are and so characters are distinct and unique. Loved it. 

opal360's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

5.0

A beautiful, immersive read - the kind that doesn't come along very often, and fully deserving of its many starred reviews. 

I felt that there would have been a case for bringing another established writer with literary chops on board, to help bring the unfinished manuscript to completion. While I loved the book, two or three key storylines were left unfinished and I had a strong sense that the writer had originally intended to give more closure.

For instance, I am fairly sure she would have had the youngest twins reunite, especially given the many references to the work of Shakespeare, where this trope is used.

thompsoncatherine's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

rkindred93's review against another edition

challenging dark slow-paced

brandongryder's review against another edition

5.0

Easily the best book I’ve read in 2023. Absolutely perfect.

happamaki's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition

5.0

It took two goes for this novel to connect with me, but once it did, oh my! Power through the first chapter, suddenly everything will click and you are on a remarkable journey. Sitting here in the parched Western US the story had particular resonance, but “Properties of Thirst” will strike the heart of any human being. A remarkable book.

Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read this extraordinary book.