The Weight of Water is one of the most unusual books I’ve ever read as it is written in poem form. Some of the stanzas are as short as two words. Although it is written in poem form it is written as a regular novel is in sentences.
In The Weight of Water Kasienka and her mother leave their home in Poland and travel to London where they settle in a one room, one bed flat. Kasienka starts school and is put in year 7 with 11 year olds even when she is almost 13. She is very clever and her one fault is her reading in English.
They are in England for one reason: mama is searching for Tata. Every night mama drags Kasienka across the streets knocking on every door looking for Tata.
Meanwhile the boy who used to stare at Kasienka at the swimming pool is now Kasienka’s boyfriend.
Life is tough for Kasienka but her strong and poignant character gets her through.
The Weight of Water is a quick and easy read with some difficult ideas in and is really emotional and moving. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a quick read but with an interesting background.
Noam Solomons-Wise 