The Water Keeper

Disclaimer: Charles Martin is ALREADY my favorite author and I adore anything he has ever written so giant bias is in effect. But, WOW! This book! I read it cover to cover in 24 hours. I simply could not put it down. Now I am sad I gobbled it all up quickly instead of savoring it. This man’s talent has just got to be a gift straight from God. His style, characters, themes, EVERYTHING is near perfect. The DOG even has a distinct and loveable personality. The themes of brokeness and redemption are beautifully portrayed. Not going to recap the story, just trust me, it is beautiful and 100% worth reading! Well done Mr. Martin!

Wow! Wow! Wow! I wasn’t sure I was going to survive this one. I am getting to old for this much suspense and action. Don’t start this book if you have anything important to do because it won’t get done until you have read the last page. I have no words. Really. Just no words.

From the time I first met Charles Martin, Christie & their three darling little boys at a hometown bookstore in Clayton, GA, I began a “love affair” with his writing. His writing style, his believable characters, his plots & subplots not to mention his mastery of the English language & beautiful underlying themes & messages all combine to make him one of the VERY BEST of our contemporary authors!
WHERE THE RIVER ENDS has always remained at the top of my list if I was forced to choose my favorites, but, in all honesty, how can one possibly pick a favorite of Charles Martin’s works? Well, THE WATER KEEPER has quickly slipped into contention with RIVER!
I read Charlie’s review…first, in disbelief because I still see him as one of those three cute kiddos Christie was trying to keep corralled in a rather small space while Dad kept signing books for fans who wrapped around the store forever.
Secondly, his description of his Dad was truly heartwarming. A parent would be beyond proud to have a son or daughter write such thoughtful words.
Then came Charlie’s review…say no more..it says all that needs to be said. I did read it in one sitting…YES, Charlie, you were right!!!! Dad’s book is PHENOMENAL! There are more twists & turns than either the Black Creek or the IC.
All I can say is…once again, well done, my friend! Thank you, Christie, for playing such a large part in making all this possible! Charlie, keep writing reviews. You too have your own way with words.

I’ve been a fan of Charles Martin’s books for over a decade now. I first discovered his writing with “When Crickets Cry” and have since read all of his books, some more than once. I had pre-ordered “The Water Keeper” and truly did NOT expect to get it today, on release day, but to my delight and surprise it arrived this morning. I usually don’t finish a novel in a day, but given that we are in quarantine times and I had more time available today, I began and finished the book all in one day. And I loved it! The way Charles Martin develops characters and story-lines always captures my attention and draws me into each novel. He also has a way of throwing in little turns that I don’t anticipate which is another feature that I admire in his writing.

I would absolutely recommend “The Water Keeper” as well as ALL of Charles Martin’s novels. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am certain I will read it again.

Charles Martin has something to say, and he says it very, very well.

My words are inadequate to communicate the genius of this book, so here are some of Charles Martins words (without any spoilers!):

We three were still standing with our jaws open when we heard the sound. [Choosing the sound rather than a sound perfectly sets up several pages of breathless suspense. Such attention to detail makes this Pulitzer Prize-caliber writing.]
Thousands of knive-edged keels and spinning razor blades have cut this water right here. Sliced it into ten billion drops that somehow come back together again. No scar. Nothing can separate it. [As with many Charles Martin books, water and water symbolism are a central focus.]
Pain has a way of exiting the body, and most will let you know when its on its way out. [The main character, Murphy, has exceptional insight into human nature.]
Do you work for the government or something? Or something. [Murphy has an amazing career rescuing victims of human trafficking. Part of the suspense is figuring out who he is and who he works with.]
They will tell her repeatedly that she is free to leave anytime, but they will give her every possible reason and incentive not to. [I learned a lot about how human traffickers–at least ones of the type described in this book–operate.]
[Love] writes over the old memories. Makes beauty out of pain. Love writes what can be. Thats the crazy miracle that is love. The more you pour out, the more you have to pour. [Insight into brotherly/unconditional love.]
I needed to know if the sight, the sound, and the smell of her tugged on me. Or was my emotional connection to her just a function of the trauma we both had suffered in our ordeal? [Hooray for a wise and mature outlook on romantic love.]

Reading The Water Keeper left me:
Breathless – from the tightly woven suspense
Edified – by new insights into love and healing
Educated – about how human trafficking operates
Inspired – with new ways to converse with addicts and other damaged people I encounter
Satisfied – by one of the best denouements Ive ever read–all of the loose threads were nicely tied

Quick synopsis: This suspense centers around the Parable of the Lost Sheep and explores topics of love and moving from captivity to freedom (physically and emotionally). Murphy, a priest and talented secret agent, rescues girls from human traffickers. Along the way, he picks up a ragtag band of people (and a dog) who need to find their way home.

You will love this book if: you love suspense, literature, and being transported to new places; you are a Christian preacher looking for fresh imagery; or you are looking for healing words in a book of fiction. You may not like this book if: you cant stand descriptions of blood or you cant stomach realistic descriptions of the evil of human trafficking. Overall rating: 6 out of 5 (worth buying, rereading, studying, sharing, and even memorizing).

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