The Water Cure

by Sophie Mackintosh

Imagine being raised on an isolated island, taught that men are literally toxic to women, and then conditioned to survive a world where genders are pitted against each other.

The book focuses on the survival of three sisters trying to break free from the patriarchy of their own isolated world. It becomes a twisted paradox of sorts.

But is it really a dystopia novel?
Not in the traditional sense of what we usually find in the dystopia genre. We don't get the usual world building we often see in dystopian narratives but we do get the sisters' version of their "world" in isolation.

The author, Sophie Mackintosh, is quoted in an Observer article of this debut novel, stating: “When we think about dystopias we often think about stories involving a lot of world-building, fleshed-out concepts and action. I wanted to write a different sort, a quieter one if you will, focusing on the family rather than on the wider world,” she says. “What I was interested in exploring was the microcosm; their sisterly bonds, new desires, the ritualistic ways we keep ourselves safe.”
Source: Observer

And with her interview with NPR she's quoted: "I see my novel as being more of a quieter dystopia, more of a microcosm than the books that concentrate on the wider world. I do think there's a place for it within these books. I really love these books. And I'm really excited that they're getting more love and awareness, this kind of - this feminist dystopian genre. I think there's room for all kinds of stories. And just because it kind of focuses on one family instead of what's happening outside doesn't mean it's less relevant or necessary, I think."
Source: NPR interview with Sophie Mackintosh

But maybe a more distinct clarity to the microcosm plot would have allowed many readers to understand this better. Since the author is quite vague, particularly about the outside world, we are primarily left to our own interpretation of these things while reading.

What is clear though, is that the story revolves around deception, manipulation, power and vulnerability. The sadistic rituals, all in the name of "protecting" them, is, in and of itself, a form of oppression; using violence and fear as a way to control and manipulate. Regardless, it's still a unique approach to a dystopian setting that is often left unexplored in most novels.

The writing style is fantastic and the dialogue is smooth. I was hoping the narrative would have more emotional depth and substance but overall I still really enjoyed the book.