The Water Thief by Claire Hajaj
Book Review: 5 out of 5 star rating
Nick’s father has died and it has caused him to take a hard look at his life. He’s living in London, works as an engineer and is engaged to the lovely Kate. Yet he decides to leave that safe life and go off to a poor village in Africa to help build a children’s hospital. He hopes to absolve his long-time guilt over an incident involving a childhood friend. He stays at the home of Dr. Ahmed, his wife Margaret, and their children JoJo and Nagode. There he’s faced with a moral dilemma. The people are dying from a lack of water. The Governor is charging exorbitant fees for water delivery. Nick learns that there is a solution to the village’s problem – a water well can be dug. But the Governor won’t consider it. Nick so desperately wants to help these people that he makes a decision that will impact all.
This book completely tore my heart open and made me take a hard look at my own life. I so admired Nick’s determination to help these people. He wants to do the right thing and truly doesn’t understand why those in power wouldn’t feel the same. He’s so torn by his love for Margaret and his respect for her husband. And JoJo, this young boy on the edge of manhood who longs to become an engineer like Nick, absolutely broke my heart. The author does an amazing job of bringing JoJo alive and detailing his descent into hopelessness. The characters in this book will long live in my heart and memory. This is one of the most thought-provoking, soul searching books I’ve ever read.
This is a masterpiece of a novel, exquisitely written, intense and profound, a book that should be required reading for all. It should be given every prestigious award for literary excellence. I most highly recommend it.
This book was given to me by the publicist in return for an honest review.
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