“A unique, inventive exploration of love, loss, and survival.” –Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale “A moving, harrowing, and downright literary novel.” –Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris Apartment “Brilliant, clever, riveting–pick your adjective, they all apply.” –Thomas Christopher Greene, bestselling author of The Headmaster’s … –Thomas Christopher Greene, bestselling author of The Headmaster’s Wife
Two very different people, one very small island.
For Sophie Ducel, her honeymoon in French Polynesia was intended as a celebration of life. The proud owner of a thriving Parisian architecture firm, co-founded with her brilliant new husband, Sophie had much to look forward to–including a visit to the island home of her favorite singer, Jacques Brel.
For Barry Bleecker, the same trip was meant to mark a new beginning. Turning away from his dreary existence in Manhattan finance, Barry had set his sights on fine art, seeking creative inspiration on the other side of the world–just like his idol, Paul Gauguin.
But when their small plane is downed in the middle of the South Pacific, the sole survivors of the wreck are left with one common goal: to survive. Stranded hundreds of miles from civilization, on an island the size of a large city block, the two castaways must reconcile their differences and learn to draw on one another’s strengths if they are to have any hope of making it home.
Told in mesmerizing prose, with charm and rhythm entirely its own, Dane Huckelbridge’s Castle of Water is more than just a reimagining of the classic castaway story. It is a stirring reflection on love’s restorative potential, as well as a poignant reminder that home–be it a flat in Paris, a New York apartment, or a desolate atoll a world away–is where the heart is.
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I loved this book! It has everything…wonderful characters, an unforgettable setting, and a plot that unfolds at a pace that feels just right. It reminds me of the simplicity and beauty behind The Old Man and the Sea, with a modern sensibility and a thicker plot. Well done!!
This book has been on my Kindle for a while – and I can’t exactly remember how it found me. I’m in a “clean out the Kindle” Kon-Mari thing and this book gave me so much joy – and heartbreak. Amazing characters, beautiful writing – with the right amount of what needs to be said and what doesn’t. I’m so glad this book found its way to my Kindle.
I’m glad I kept at this book. It didn’t captivate me right off the start but it kept gnawing at me and by the end I was all in. Stay with it!
Loved this story. A long, artistically drawn love story of two people surviving with little else than each other, their strong wills and their collective contributions to daily survival.
This book has one of the best openings I’ve read in a long time. If it doesn’t make you want to read the book, then I would be very surprised. The rest of the book starts off well, too. I was surprised by how similar the plot elements were to the movies, Six Days Seven Nights and Castaway. But I liked both of those movies–it was just kind of baffling how close they were. I have to admit I skipped some of the long sections of dialogue that didn’t seem to be going anywhere, but I did feel compelled to finish the book. I did want to know what happened, and therefore I think it’s a worthwhile read.
If you’re a fan of CASTAWAY, this book would grab you. The characters and circumstances are quite different and the authors treatment of the plot is spellbinding. Loved it!
A most enjoyable read. Implausible? Yeah probably, especially about the contact lenses. But well written, funny, endearing, and with people you’ll care about. Might make you look at bananas in a new way. Give this one a try.
Enjoyed the book until the unresolved ending. I would have liked to understand how the ending came to be, absolutely no explanation. Otherwise, book held my attention. Have read other books with the same premise, so not much new here.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the different ways that Barry and Sophie adapted to their situation interesting. I also found the little “histories” inserted interesting. You know from the first chapter that Barry survives but how is entertaining.
Loved this book!
Very exciting. And written in a subtle intriguing manner. Never thought I’d like it after reading the initial description. I was right. I didn’t like it. I loved it!
I just loved this book. As I read it , it was like a movie.
Both adventure story and romance, the writing quality itself was excellent and a joy to read.
A rare look at survival and romance on a isolated island. Wonderful story.
Unexpectedly well written.
I always like survival stories. This was a bit more of romance, but I didn’t consider it a waste of time.
I took a few days to recover before commenting on this reading experience. Upon finishing, my emotions were all over the place and I couldn’t truly define all that I was feeling. What I now know after that respite is that Castle of Water deserves my 5 star rating. This book might not be perfect for every person, but the barrage of emotions I can attribute to this story are a testament to the author’s evocative writing. I want to dive back in and demand more words, pages, and chapters of Barry’s life. I’m not quite ready to leave him and Sophie.
Castle of Water was harrowing, heartbreaking, and also hopeful. It was not a romance, but it had romantic elements and I cared for this couple and their outcome. The events they experienced felt realistic and their reactions warranted. I was invested in every single moment. While I hurt over what this couple endured, I am content with the author’s journey and conclusion. I’m thrilled over the discovery of this novel and look forward to more.