The House of Deep Water - Jeni McFarland (Book)

Title: The House of Deep Water

Author: Jeni McFarland

Date Published: April 21, 2020

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Category: Fiction / Literary Fiction / Family Saga

In The House of Deep Water, Jeni McFarland introduces three women who return to their small Michigan hometown, each at a crossroads in her life. Elizabeth DeWitt, a Black woman who had left River Bend years ago, returns with her two children after experiencing personal trauma, seeking a fresh start. Linda Williams, facing an unplanned pregnancy and the end of her marriage, finds solace in her grandmother’s house. Meanwhile, Paula Montégnac, recently separated from her husband, returns to confront her past and decide what comes next. Their stories intertwine in unexpected ways as they navigate the complexities of family, home, and personal redemption.

The novel explores the emotional weight of returning to one’s roots and the personal histories that shape the present. McFarland deftly portrays the struggles and triumphs of the women as they confront their own flaws, desires, and uncertainties. Through their journeys, the book delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the deep bonds that both tie and sometimes sever us from the past. Set against the backdrop of a small, seemingly quiet town, The House of Deep Water beautifully captures the complexity of what it means to truly come home.