Book Reviews of Dreaming Water

What a touching story, full of hope and grace and a quest for making every moment last. Beautifully written. This book makes you feel good!

I had read Women of the Silk and Language of the Threads, and really liked them, so I was anxious to read another of Tsukiyama's books. I liked this book, but it was different than her others. The characters are interesting, and the insight each of them give makes you think. I enjoyed it.

Nicely reviewed by Library Journal (found at amazon):

From Library Journal
Tsukiyama's fifth novel details a short span in the life of Cate and Hana, a mother and daughter coping with the onslaught of Werner's Syndrome. This syndrome, which ages a person abnormally, makes Hana look and feel 80 rather than 38. Yet she yearns for all the good things that life will never bring her, and Cate, recovering from the sudden death of her husband, cares lovingly for Hana. When Hana's best friend, Laura, arrives with her teenaged daughters to visit, Hana has a chance to reconnect with this troubled woman after a long absence. Laura and her children are able to help Hana and Cate face the future's uncertainties, while at the same time Hana and Cate discover that they are able to help Laura's girls grow up in numerous unseen ways. Tsukiyama (Women of the Silk) writes beautifully about courage and love, showing us the importance of daily kindnesses and highlighting the beauty found in the relationships among mothers, daughters, and friends. Highly recommended. Ellen R. Cohen, Rockville, MD

Gail Tsukiyama has a vivid way of writing. She makes you feel comfortable with the people she introduces you to immediately. It's almost as if you know the characters of her story personally. This story is touching, compassionate, loving and sometimes funny. I love her books, and hope she continues to write more.

Hana is suffering from Werner's syndrome, a disease that makes a person age at twice the normal rate: at thirty eight Hanna has the appearance of an eighty year old. Despite the dark premise, Dreaming Water is a heartwarming story of a mother's courage, a daughter's strength and the power of a friend's love. An illuminating story of growth and redemption.

Highly readable novel about a girl who has a congenital condition that makes her grow old at more than twice the rate of normal people. Told from the point of view of the character as well as her mother and others, this book gave insight into the vast range of emotions that can accompany a very unusual physical ailment such as this.

This is one of my favorite authors. Her writing and descriptions just flow. 5 Star Read.

What a beautifully written story, enjoyed reading this book.

I love mysteries, but the synopsis of this book intrigued me. I'm glad I read it. I was rapt from beginning to end. I love the way the author told the story from each individual's own perspective. Very entertaining. Loved it!

Excellent insightful story.

Gail Tsukiyama is an amazing writer. She has woven another unique story. Loved it!

A mother's courge, a daughtter's strength, and a friend's love are profiled.

Highly readable novel about a girl who has a congenital condition that makes her grow old at more than twice the rate of normal people. Told from the point of view of the character as well as her mother and others, this book gave insight into the vast range of emotions that can accompany a very unusual physical ailment such as this.