WATER takes place in an ashram (a place for widows) in 1930s India. The story centers on the ill-treated lives of the widows who occupies the ashram, specifically around an 8-year old widow named Chuyia (her parents sent her off to marry a 44 yr old Brahmin when she was 6), and her friend, a beautiful widow-prostitute named Kalyani who falls in love with a young upper-class idealist. The backdrop of the story is the rise of Mahatma Gandhi as India's spiritual leader and India's struggle for independence from Britain.

WATER immerses you in the fascinating customs and traditions of Indian culture while delving into such unconscionable degradation and oppresion of women of its past who wanted nothing more than to regain their dignity and freedom.

This novel left me in awe. I can not emphasize enough how greatly I enjoyed reading it. I read a lot of books but not many of them evoke such strong emotions. It is absolutely beautiful.

This is a beautiful and haunting story told from colonial India. The story is crushingly sad and given hope again, tragedy and triumph all filmed beautifully. Definitely one of the best movies I've ever seen - it will stay with you long after you turn it off. The book really captures the story wonderfully. Highly recommended!