The Seduction of Water by Carol Goodman is a novel that weaves together mystery, fantasy, and complex family relationships. The story follows Iris, a teacher, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery after her mother's mysterious death. Throughout the book, Iris delves into her mother's past, uncovering secrets and unraveling the mysteries surrounding her family history. Set in the Hudson Valley and New York City, the book incorporates elements of mythology and folklore, adding depth to the narrative. The plot unfolds slowly, with some readers finding the pacing challenging, but ultimately leading to a satisfying resolution.

Characters:

Characters are diverse and multi-dimensional, with the protagonist facing personal challenges that resonate with readers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by smooth, engaging prose with elements of mythology, creating a comforting and familiar reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around the protagonist's quest to uncover the mystery of her mother's death, blending myth with personal discovery, though the pacing can feel sluggish.

Setting:

The setting is a beautifully described hotel in the Catskills, intertwined with elements of Irish mythology.

Pacing:

Pacing is uneven, beginning slowly and becoming more engaging later, which may challenge some readers' patience.

“That old story,” my mother would say. She’d say it in exactly the same tone of voice as when my father complimented her dress. Oh, this old thing, she’d say, her pale green eyes giving away her pleas...

Notes:

The protagonist, Iris, is a teacher and aspiring writer trying to uncover the mystery of her mother's death.

Iris's mother was a fantasy writer who created two successful fairy tales.

The setting of the story is a hotel in the Catskills, featuring elaborate gazebos.

The book incorporates elements of Irish folklore, particularly the legend of selkies.

Many readers find Carol Goodman's novels comforting, similar to comfort food.

The narrative structure includes layers of storytelling, a hallmark of Goodman's writing style.

Readers appreciate Goodman's smooth prose and engaging storytelling voice.

The plot unfolds slowly, with much of the tension building over time.

The book features a reluctant romantic subplot that doesn't overshadow the main story.

Some reviews noted that the book might not be the best introduction to Goodman's work due to its pacing issues.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Medium content warnings are present, including themes of loss and infidelity.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate level of romance in the book, which is intertwined with the protagonist's journey and not overwhelming.

From The Publisher:

Many years ago, Iris Greenfeder's mother disappeared. They were living at Hotel Equinox where Iris's father was the manager and where her mother wrote delicate, powerful fantasies. Then one day, she took a train and never returned. She was found dead in a hotel fire in Brooklyn, registered as another man's wife.

Returning to Hotel Equinox, Iris needs to find the truth about her mother; there are some clues in her writing, and others in the memories of those who knew her. Kay Greenfeder, it seems, was a women without a past. But as Iris begins to untangle the secrets of years before, she realises that the past was very different to what she had believed, and much more dangerous...

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About the Author:

Carol Goodman graduated from Vassar College, where she majored in Latin. After teaching Latin for several years, she studied for an MFA in fiction. Her writing has been published in a number of literary magazines. She currently teaches writing and lives in Long Island, USA.

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The Seduction of Water

Carol Goodman