Book Review: Castle Of Water by Dane Huckelbridge

“A unique, inventive exploration of love, loss, and survival.” ―Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale

“A moving, harrowing, and downright literary novel.” ―Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris Apartment

“Brilliant, clever, riveting―pick your adjective, they all apply.” ―Thomas Christopher Greene, bestselling author of The Headmaster’s Wife

Two very different people, one very small island.

For Sophie Ducel, her honeymoon in French Polynesia was intended as a celebration of life. The proud owner of a thriving Parisian architecture firm, co-founded with her brilliant new husband, Sophie had much to look forward to―including a visit to the island home of her favorite singer, Jacques Brel.

For Barry Bleecker, the same trip was meant to mark a new beginning. Turning away from his dreary existence in Manhattan finance, Barry had set his sights on fine art, seeking creative inspiration on the other side of the world―just like his idol, Paul Gauguin.

But when their small plane is downed in the middle of the South Pacific, the sole survivors of the wreck are left with one common goal: to survive. Stranded hundreds of miles from civilization, on an island the size of a large city block, the two castaways must reconcile their differences and learn to draw on one another’s strengths if they are to have any hope of making it home.

Told in mesmerizing prose, with charm and rhythm entirely its own, Dane Huckelbridge’s Castle of Water is more than just a reimagining of the classic castaway story. It is a stirring reflection on love’s restorative potential, as well as a poignant reminder that home―be it a flat in Paris, a New York apartment, or a desolate atoll a world away―is where the heart is.

My Thoughts:

This book came as a recommendation from my favorite reading podcast What Should I read Next? by Anne Bogel. In Castle of Water, two very different people are stranded on an island in the middle of nowhere with very different back stories. Strong-willed, French Sophie is devastated after the crash when her husband is killed. Barry an American finance manager from NYC, is stunned to find himself on a deserted island after making the choice to ditch his current life to pursue his life long passion for art. The two quickly realize they must depend on each other no matter how much they despise one another. In typical fashion, as time passes they form a much different relationship.

What I loved about this is once again what I love about any survival story. The search for supplies, the utter astonishment at their situation, and the will to survive. I enjoyed the story of Barry and Sophie and where it took me. It was wonderfully written and I really enjoyed reading it.

If I had one criticism, it would be how convenient everything seemed to be on the island. I realize that they had to work for things most of the time, but food was hardly a problem. Even though it was the same food day in and day out. Bananas can only be enjoyable for so long and cooked in so many ways. Ha! So with that one note I have, this is definitely a great book.

Check it out!