Customer Reviews

Eternal on the Water

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Eternal on the Water is one of those books that should be a slam-dunk. Good story, compelling themes, interesting context (especially all the crow lore), great title, talented writer. Why, then, was I never completely enthralled and often downright annoyed?

First the good--Monninger writes lovely prose, especially his descriptions of the natural world. You can see it, hear it, feel it, smell it. His approach to structure is another matter. The whole Indonesian section seemed like it belonged in a different book. But perhaps the most irritating thing about the book is that every single character is "exceptional." Everyone from the two main characters down to the Yellowstone Park Ranger is attractive, brilliant, wise, patient, kind, loving, generous...not to mention politically correct. The dialog was unrelentingly witty.

Couldn't just one person have been average? Or flawed? Nobody got pissed off, nobody was impatient or moody or selfish. Just once I wanted Jonathan and Mary to disagree about what to eat or what movie to see or where to put the window. I know there are probably people like Mary (who in Joan's words is "too good for this world") but Heaven deliver me from a whole novel full of them.

Eternal On The Water is a thought-provoking story about love and loss and difficult decisions. It is the story of Cobb and Mary, two people who never expected to meet and fall in love while on a camping trip in Maine. As they get to know more about each other it soon becomes evident that Mary has something she must tell him, that she may carry the gene for a fatal genetic disease, which will impact their future life together.

The novel opens with Mary's death and Cobb proceeds to tell us their story. Knowing the ending changed the way I viewed the characters. There was no longer any suspense as to whether they would end up together. Although they kept referring to each other as soul mates, I never really felt the passion that would be expected. There was no big build-up to romance. They were likable characters and I could sense their deep commitment to each other, but the romance was lacking.

I enjoyed the novel's backdrop of the wilderness and nature. The folklore and stories about the animals: crows, bears, wolves and turtles to name a few, added interest. Mary's life is in the outdoors, the connection is deep and we can appreciate that through her stories.

I received this novel as part of the Barnes and Nobel First Look Book Club. For the most part I found it enjoyable even though it is not the type of book I would usually be drawn to. The story got a little slow at times but it picked up the pace again towards the end and it was worth staying with the book. There are some important messages and discussion points in this book about life and death and doing both on your own terms. This would make an excellent choice for a book club read.

I loved this book. It is a raw, emotional love story. As it is described, it is about a couple who meet and fall in love on a river. But the characters face an unexpected turn...and that is where the emotion comes in and their love being eternally on the water. I won't be giving a long, heart-felt review of this book, as I will start the emotional process all over again, or I may give away spoilers, so I will keep this short and sweet. Read it. It is a Nicholas Sparks-style of writing, and it tugs at your heart. I was pulled into the story from the mysterious events at the beginning and wasn't let go until I read the very last page. I need tissues with this book....lots and lots of tissues. I am sure will need them too! This is, most definitely, a 5 star book and I will recommend this book to all who ask for a wonderfully written, heart- felt, love story. I was extremely pleased with reading this book.

*A copy of this book was provided for review by Pocketbooks/Simon and Schuster.*

ETERNAL ON THE WATER is a tender and original love story which alerts us from the beginning that one of our primary characters will die in the Maine wilderness. Yet knowing what is to come does not diminish our enjoyment of the novel, for Mary, our heroine, is unique and fascinating, and her relationship with Jonathan and experiences kayaking the Allagash river are emotionally and intellectually engaging.

Jonathan Cobb is a New Hampshire teacher who meets his soulmate in the northern Maine woods, falls instantly in love and marries her despite the likelihood of her having a terminal disease. Mary, in particular, is a delight - witty, straightforward, knowledgeable, athletic, articulate, courageous, silly and loving. A biologist, she is an expert on crows and ravens and their mythology. She tells knock knock jokes, restores antique furniture and each year guides the Chungamunga girls - a specially chosen group of girls with debilitating illnesses - down the Allagash river. The chapters involving the Chungamunga girls are especially vivid and magical. In the course of the novel, we also meet such intriguing characters as Wally the cook, Francis, an emotionally challenged student, and Mary's brother Freddy who lives and works among turtles and coral reefs in Indonesia.

Eternal on the Water manages to be both magical and realistic, combining unusual characters and circumstances with witty but ordinary banter and dialogue, as well as details of daily life. The novel draws us into another dimension where we are both enchanted by the singing of the Chungamunga girls while very aware of the limitations imposed by illness and impending death. Mary's determination to take charge of her destiny is also particularly inspiring.

Yet although Monninger transports us into another world, he also grounds us via earthy details - the requirements of kayaking, "everything knives," a black gum tree, or learning the proper way to eat a peanut butter sandwich. His simple, direct yet fluid use of languages keeps us flowing with the river to its inevitable destination.

I loved this novel, but also believe it has a major faultline in its structure. The interlude in Indonesia does not belong, and disrupts the narrative and the mood. Living in New England, I also had a difficult time believing in characters who could kayak in 39 degree weather, capsize in 34 degree water, and remain freezing and wet for miles without even catching cold. I also aware that this story could only happen to characters who had considerable leisure time, secure financial resources and adequate health insurance. For many of us, that in itself is alternate reality.

Eternal on the Water is a poignant novel which gently tugs on our hearts while awakening us to the beauty we can create in our lives not just in spite of but also BECAUSE OF our confrontation with death. I highly recommend it.

I loved this novel. I had not read anything by Joseph previously but the cover of his book captured me. It is truly stunning - and captures well what is inside on the pages of this compelling story. You will be moved to tears in parts reading an exquisite story of love, loss, nature, tenderness, compassion and so much more. What rich characters too. I highly recommend.

Having just recently finished this novel, I can say that it is a wonderful piece of literature. The characters are people that I would like to get to know and become friends with and who become real to the reader. The descriptions of places and events make you feel that you are in the room, or on the river, or at the beach observing the interplay of the people. Scenes are by turns funny, touching, heartwarming and heart wrenching. Although I am a "guy," I found my sight becoming misty and my throat closing up during particularly warm or sad parts of the book.
Let me just say, that no matter what your favorite kind of book is (SciFi/Fantasy for me), this book is worth the investment of your time and heart.

My title says it all ... Magical, Mystical, and Spiritual.

I knew nothing of the disease of the female character. At the end of the book I wanted to not only know more but to contribute to finding the cure.

Very unique story-telling regarding the Chungamunga Girls and bears and crows and poetry. This is not a book you will soon forget.

I'm planning a trip to Maine. Now I just have to find some more Joesph Monninger books to read, as he is a new author for me.

Eternal on the Water is a beautifully written story and instantly makes Joseph Monninger my new favorite author. From the first pages, I was engaged with the characters; they were all very "real" people to me and I would have loved to spend time with each and every one of them. The story flowed from Monninger's fluid language.
So, rather than me trying to describe what drew me to this story, let me just direct you to it--it's a reading journey that is well worth the trip.

Joseph Monninger's book, Eternal on the Water, is that rare book that holds your attention with its beauty, insight, tenderness and kindness, rather than with an artificial "Hollywood arc." You won't feel your emotions skillfully jerked. Rather, they will build slowly as you get to know these wonderful people. A lovely book that will be your companion for a sweet day. At least in my case; I devoured it. You may, or may not cry at the end. But if you do, as I did, it won't feel cheap.

Lovely book, I have shared it with three friends so far. Beautifully written love story about living your life and making choices that are authentic and deeply personal.