Vividwater by Jacqueline Owens

In this dystopian world, AotearoaNZ is selling most of its drinkable water overseas, while locals die of thirst. Alex reluctantly works for WaiOra, the main water agency. She needs a job and the extra water allowance. But then Alex’s great love returns from China, and Alex is thrust into a dangerous world of intrigue and she rediscovers what is important to her.

Vividwater is set in Wellington and it perfectly imagines a future world that is sort of functioning like the corporate, office-based world we know at this time. In this future world, society hasn’t yet collapsed and people are still keeping up appearances, going to their offices if they still have work. But this is now a society where water is not just a way to stay alive. For those who have plenty, it is a sign of wealth and status.

Alex is working as a professional memory machine, aka a mnemopath, and her existence is mundane and hand-to-mouth, until Lawrence, her great love, who left to go to China, returns. Lawrence is a genius in the lab, and also a man of integrity. When they reconnect, Alex rediscovers her ideals and her passion for life again, thinking beyond day-to-day survival.

Vividwater is a well-created dystopian world that feels very believable, and the central characters are well-drawn and compelling. It’s got a palpable sense of intrigue, where you are never sure who is on what side, as the characters jockey for position and status in a world where water is the only currency in town.

While reading this novel, you will want to keep a glass of water handy. The author perfectly captures this parched, dry world, where Alex spends much of the novel desperately thirsty. Thought-provoking, page turning and compelling.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Four Elements Press