Memory of Water is a story that revolves around the preciousness of water. Seventeen year old Noria has come of age to inherit her ancestral destiny as Tea Master along with the mantel of guardian of the purest, natural spring water hidden in caves on her family’s property. In this futuristic world where water is a rare resource, it becomes a secret fraught with difficulties and danger. The powers that be will do everything in their quest to find this natural wonder to own for their benefit and Noria must protect this knowledge and maintain her family’s tradition.
When Noria sees her community suffering through water rationing and a crackdown on supplies, she decides to help those she can with extra supplies. Unfortunately, Noria unwittingly divulges this secret to a trusted friend which sets in motion a plan to flee that goes wrong.
This story takes place in a time where the climate has changed, and the world collapsed. There is an atmosphere of poverty and a life of day-to-day struggle to survive. They live with piles of plastic rubbish heaps in an insect infested environment; however, they have technology which serves as a form of communication and surveillance.
The story explores struggles with honour and betrayal, as Noria carries the knowledge of the ancestor’s treasure, a secret burden, and a choice she feels she must make for others to survive. The disintegration of society is highlighted when basic needs are not meet, especially in reference to climate change, when human traits of greed and treachery takeover to survive.
While all this might sound dire, I would recommend Memory of Water as it is an engaging read that grips you until the end. Written in lyrical prose it brings out the beautiful qualities of water.
Deborah
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