The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan

How did I get the book? I bought it / StorytellersInc Book Club

Genre: Contemporary / Verse

Synopsis: Armed with a suitcase and an old laundry bag filled with clothes, Kasienka and her mother leave Poland and head for the UK to find her father. Life is lonely for Kasienka. At home her mother’s heart is breaking and at school Kasienka finds it impossible to make new friends. While the search continues, Kasienka is kept afloat by William, a boy she meets at the local pool who understands what it means to lose someone and who swims with Kasienka towards her new life.

200words (or less) review: As with many of my books, I purchased The Weight of Water because it came so highly recommended. It is the first book I’ve read that is entirely in verse. Previously I’ve not enjoyed reading stories in this format but The Weight of Water completely changed my mind.

Kasienka is intelligent, her story telling observant and intense. There were quite a few moments that really touched me. Her mother bought Kasienka to the England so they could find her father (Tata). Unlike her mother, Kasienka isn’t certain they should find him, he left without a word.

While The Weight of Water short on words it is an epic journey for emotions. Having been the foreign new girl myself I really understood and sympathised with Kasienka. While it would be easy for her to curl up she continues, head held high. I really liked her growth as well as how Kasienka and her mother’s relationship grew.

The Weight of Water is an amazing book, beautifully written and touching.

Recommend it?

Absolutely

Originally posted 16 January 2013 & Book of the Month January 2013