The Waters and the Wild by Eilish Fisher (illust. David Rooney)
I had the pleasure of reading The Waters and the Wild earlier in the year. This magical book pulls at the reader’s heartstrings. Starting off this book is set in Arizona in the US of A, and then Rowan and her mother move to a completely different life in the county of Wicklow on the Emerald Isle of Ireland. Irish Folk-lore, and nature is the essence of this hauntingly beautiful poetry styled novel for young readers.
The blurb for The Waters and the Wild:
A beautiful novel in verse about grief, family and the power of hope from Eilish Fisher, award-winning author of Fia and the Last Snow Deer. Rowan was raised in the desert. Growing up all she’s known is sunshine, warmth, love. Then her beloved Dad dies, everything changes. Now Rowan and her mum have moved from the hazy heat of the desert to the cold landscape of Ireland. Each of them hoping that living in the town Rowan’s Dad called home will bring them closer to him.
But as soon as Rowan arrives, she knows something’s not right. Why is it so cold even in August? Why do lights turn on without warning or kettles boil with no one pressing a switch? Even more mysterious is The Wall. It surrounds the town, but no one can tell Rowan who built it or how long it’s stood, or why it’s forbidden to cross over to the other side. So, when she spots a crack in the stone, Rowan can’t resist the temptation to explore. In the woods beyond, she discovers a strange horse whom she feels an instant connection with, a bond that brings the return of warmth and hope . . . but at what price?
The Waters and the Wild was published last year in 2025 by Puffin Books, part of the Penguin UK chain. The age rating for this book is from 9 years and up to 12-year olds, although many adults like myself will enjoy this read, as will mature early readers.
Unique
This book is unique, in the sense that it is a verse book, which is becoming more are more popular, amongst both adult and children’s books. I think that it gives readers, especially those with shorter attention spans, limited time and reading difficulties, a stress-free more enjoyable read, as it is much easier to dip and dive back in and out at the reader’s leisure. As a poet and a fan of poetry books, I especially like seeing these verse style books in shops and libraries. I read Toffee by Sarah Crossan, some years back and am absolutely dying to read Ruth Ennis book a retelling of the much-loved classic ‘The Little Mermaid, entitled Shorelines. It eagerly awaits on my bed-side locker, calling to me each night as I take my ritual medications and moisturise my face.
The art-work by David Rooney – well what can I say? It is beautiful. I want loads of poster style postcards from this book to blue-tac to my writing quarters wall. He did 40 illustrations for the book using pencils. This project, and Eilish’s story helped him feel closer to his Late partner Susanne.
Themes in The Waters and the Wild are grief, loss, family, friendship, change, and how the power of nature brings lots of healing qualities. Having participated in a Creative Grief Therapy Programme, we were told how both nature and creativity are brilliant for both our physical and mental well-being.
(c) Grace O’Reilly
Order your copy of The Waters and the Wild online here.
And read more from Grace O’Reilly on Writing.ie here.
