The Water Takes

Pam is in her mid-70s, widowed and hiding from the world. When she starts looking after her 10 year old neighbour Charlotte so her parents can have a break an unlikely friendship blooms and cracks open Pam's hard exterior. But when sinkholes start appearing things get dangerous and Charlotte ends up permanently with Pam. Everything starts being swallowed by the water, and there's only so long they can stay in one place.

This was absolutely stunning. Pam made me think of my own nana (who has died) so it was bittersweet to read from her POV. I've also always wanted a daughter called Charlotte so I felt emotional reading this as I could picture it being my nana and daughter. Pam's voice was darkly humorous which I loved, and her determination to keep Charlotte safe even though she'd been so closed off to other people for so long was endearing. Charlotte herself was amazing for such a young age - forced to grow up fast but taking everything in her stride and the relationship she formed with Pam was lovely to see. Even though this is a bit dystopian, it felt so real and I felt so emotionally invested in the lives of these two characters. I will be thinking about this story for a long time and I can't recommend it highly enough!