Linny and Nancy discuss Nathan Harris’ debut novel, The Sweetness of Water. The novel centers on the unlikely relationship between newly-freed slaves and a pacifist farmer in Georgia. Nancy enjoyed Harris’ evocative writing that draws the reader into a slower time, with a gauzy veiled past. She also enjoyed that, although the setting is the past, the theme of racial prejudice and anger over passing ways of life felt contemporary. Linda remarks that many characters in the book are bewildered and lost in this period of transition. Linda talks, too, about how the soldiers brought home stories and experiences of their actions as Confederate soldiers. Linda wasn’t surprised at the white neighbors’ indignation that the lead character, George Walker, paid newly-freed slaves the same wage that would be paid white men. Linda like the symbolism of the town’s name, Old Ox, that is set in its old ways. Linda and Nancy like how George changes over the course of the novel and how he finally decides he will take a stand against injustice. They also like how George’s wife, Isabelle, also sacrifices prestige and comfort to start an entirely new life. Linda notes how water reappears as a symbol throughout the book. Nancy thinks the water may symbolize first, that water is essential for life, and two, that it represents freedom and that, too, is essential. Linda thinks water may be almost baptismal in its healing. Linda talks about the pond also being a safe place two ex-soldier lovers meet, until it’s not. Nancy liked how the two lovers are shown coping in two very different ways and the interaction of class differences, also. Linda talks about how the entire town is destroyed by a fire meant to hurt George and how that symbolizes how hatred and bigotry harm not only the victims but also the perpetrators. Linda shares to quotes by Gandhi that are important to her. Linda asks Nancy to recall their high school band days to reinforce that we are all in life together! Nancy likes the interconnectedness Harris shows between the characters. Nancy thought the book was sad and there was a lot of suffering. Linda acknowledges that it was a time of suffering, but she feels that many of the characters end up as better people at the end. Nancy and Linda discuss the symbolism of the black hairy beast George, like his father before, has futilely hunted throughout their lives. They also talk about Isabelle’s relationship with Caleb, which Nancy found nearly unbearable in its grief. Linda, again, saw it as a more hopeful relationship. Linda talks about the choice people have to become better. Nancy recalls a saying her former pastor had, “You can get bitter or you can get better.”