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The Water Dancers
A stunning new voice in literary fiction makes her remarkable debut in a moving, lush, and brilliantly rendered tale of the walls between wealth and poverty, love and duty, and a rich evocation of the years following America's greatest trial and triumph.
Terry Gamble's The Water Dancers is the story of Rachel Winnapee, a poverty-stricken, sixteen-year-old Native American orphan who goes to work at the opulent March family summer home on the shores of Lake Michigan in the post-World War II summer of 1945. A young woman with no delusions about her place in this world of privilege, she quickly adapts to her role as an obedient servant expected to remain silent and unobtrusive while catering to her employers' wishes. Surrounded by a wealth she never imagined, she strives to remain invisible, until she is assigned the task of caring for the family's tragically scarred, emotionally shattered young scion, Woody March.
A veteran who lost a leg in the Pacific conflict, Woody is haunted by his injuries and battlefield experiences -- and by the loss of the older brother he emulated -- and now desires only relief from his twin agonies of pain and memory. He recognizes a kindred spirit in this gentle and mysterious child-woman who is so unlike anyone he has ever known yet who understands the depths of human suffering. In Rachel's eyes, Woody is a noble, tortured prince, and her fervent wish to help ease his torment soon metamorphoses into more intense and irrevocable feelings of love and need.
But if Rachel is a young woman with no future, Woody's has already been mapped out in intricate detail: as the last surviving March son, he is to run a successful banking business, marry the well-bred Elizabeth, and raise a family who will carry on the March name with distinction. Yet the obligations he never questioned prior to the war are becoming increasingly odious to him -- especially now, as he feels himself becoming irresistibly drawn to Rachel in ways no one else in his world would understand or tolerate. As the relationship between two lost and damaged souls intensifies, they move toward the one pivotal event that will alter their lives in ways both heartbreaking and profound.
An unsparing portrayal of the conflicts of race, culture, and class that lays bare the complex passions and deepest yearnings of the human heart, Terry Gamble's The Water Dancers possesses a lyrical, strong, and assured artistry and heralds the arrival of a major new American novelist.
Terry Gamble's The Water Dancers is the story of Rachel Winnapee, a poverty-stricken, sixteen-year-old Native American orphan who goes to work at the opulent March family summer home on the shores of Lake Michigan in the post-World War II summer of 1945. A young woman with no delusions about her place in this world of privilege, she quickly adapts to her role as an obedient servant expected to remain silent and unobtrusive while catering to her employers' wishes. Surrounded by a wealth she never imagined, she strives to remain invisible, until she is assigned the task of caring for the family's tragically scarred, emotionally shattered young scion, Woody March.
A veteran who lost a leg in the Pacific conflict, Woody is haunted by his injuries and battlefield experiences -- and by the loss of the older brother he emulated -- and now desires only relief from his twin agonies of pain and memory. He recognizes a kindred spirit in this gentle and mysterious child-woman who is so unlike anyone he has ever known yet who understands the depths of human suffering. In Rachel's eyes, Woody is a noble, tortured prince, and her fervent wish to help ease his torment soon metamorphoses into more intense and irrevocable feelings of love and need.
But if Rachel is a young woman with no future, Woody's has already been mapped out in intricate detail: as the last surviving March son, he is to run a successful banking business, marry the well-bred Elizabeth, and raise a family who will carry on the March name with distinction. Yet the obligations he never questioned prior to the war are becoming increasingly odious to him -- especially now, as he feels himself becoming irresistibly drawn to Rachel in ways no one else in his world would understand or tolerate. As the relationship between two lost and damaged souls intensifies, they move toward the one pivotal event that will alter their lives in ways both heartbreaking and profound.
An unsparing portrayal of the conflicts of race, culture, and class that lays bare the complex passions and deepest yearnings of the human heart, Terry Gamble's The Water Dancers possesses a lyrical, strong, and assured artistry and heralds the arrival of a major new American novelist.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2003
143 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Terry Gamble
6 books77 followersThe author of three critically acclaimed books, THE WATER DANCERS, GOOD FAMILY, and THE EULOGIST (William Morrow, to be released January, 2019), Terry Gamble lives in Northern California with her husband, balancing her life between being a productive member of the community and hiding out in a shed in the woods, trying to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 8, 2007
Native American orphan Rachael Winapee works in the summer house of the March family, routinely, until the March's youngest son, Woody, returns home from war, wounded and addicted to morphine. Doubtless, the two fall in love, but everything goes downhill from there.
This was a great book, but depressingly sad.
This was a great book, but depressingly sad.
September 8, 2025
Young Native American girl nurses a WWII veteran back to health, is abandoned and has to make a life for herself and her son.
July 29, 2017
Very interesting book. The author did a good job of building the characters. Ones' heart really can go out for Rachel as she suffered so much heartbreak. The descriptions of the Native American dances and handiwork was fascinating. And the humor of the tourist stand mixing the stuff from China with the locally handmade Native American crafts made me laugh. But the book had its serious side to with the soldiers and how they suffered from their wars. Good read.
March 16, 2008
This was a "goodread". Not terribly compelling but it kept my interest. The concept of "tasting the earth" is interesting to me and I wonder if there is something to that. Does that really bring you home? How?
April 28, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. I read it until 1:00 am and got up early to finish it.
April 29, 2020
I should preface my remarks with the following: I read this book by mistake. You see, I ordered it accidentally. At first, I wasn't going to read it at all, but I glanced at the first few pages and it drew me in. So I decided, what the heck, it's here so I should read it. This is all to explain that it was not my typical reading material, and I am sure that affects my review. The first pages are not an accurate reflection of what the rest of the novel hold in store for the reader.
With that being said, this is a well written and touching story. It gets at the heart of poverty and discrimination as it follows three generations through the twentieth century. It feels authentic and true. It is also pretty depressing, though there is hope woven throughout. There are some awful people here, as well as broken people and others who charge ahead with aspirations for a better future.
With that being said, this is a well written and touching story. It gets at the heart of poverty and discrimination as it follows three generations through the twentieth century. It feels authentic and true. It is also pretty depressing, though there is hope woven throughout. There are some awful people here, as well as broken people and others who charge ahead with aspirations for a better future.
April 28, 2022
Rachel Winnapee is a sixteen-year-old Native American living in an orphanage. She is hired out to work at a huge summer home owned by the March family located on Lake Michigan's shores. Rachel is assigned to take care of Woody March who recently returned from WWII badly injured from a kamikazee attack on his ship. He and Rachel fall in love. But their story won't have a happy ending because they come from such different backgrounds.
This was an interesting book. I learned about Indian tribes working to reclaim the land that once was theirs as well as efforts being made to pass on customs and beliefs to the next generations.
This was an interesting book. I learned about Indian tribes working to reclaim the land that once was theirs as well as efforts being made to pass on customs and beliefs to the next generations.
March 15, 2020
Authentic
The Water Dancer- How you reached back through the ages and pulled out a portion of history with such insight, sensitivity and respect. I’ve been reading for over 60 years and recognize a powerful writer when presented. The lessons you shared are designed to heal and is needed more than ever. Loved every character whom I could see clearly and felt a connection. I felt connected. It doesn’t get any better than that.
The Water Dancer- How you reached back through the ages and pulled out a portion of history with such insight, sensitivity and respect. I’ve been reading for over 60 years and recognize a powerful writer when presented. The lessons you shared are designed to heal and is needed more than ever. Loved every character whom I could see clearly and felt a connection. I felt connected. It doesn’t get any better than that.
May 22, 2017
This is a haunting, beautifully written book. Lots of themes and issues are touched on, taking a peep at the dedication page there are 7 listed ! World War, 1939 - 1945, Veterans, Women domestics, summer resorts, social classes, rich people, amputees. I liked the look at that list, and all are woven into the story.
November 3, 2018
Where do I find the words to comment on this exceptional debut novel? It's absolutely one of the best novels I've read this year. Well-constructed, full-fleshed characters and thought-provoking themes of class, ethnicity, love, betrayal and forgiveness. The Water Dancers is a must read book, especially for those who currently view different cultures and beliefs as insignificant.
November 14, 2019
Elegant and primal
Gamble creates a setting that encompasses the beauty of nature and personal connections to it alongside the 'civilized' world of summer people. The push/pull of the two is dealt with beautifully in her prose and in the characters created to live in this story. It was at times heart wrenching , then it would make my heart soar.
Gamble creates a setting that encompasses the beauty of nature and personal connections to it alongside the 'civilized' world of summer people. The push/pull of the two is dealt with beautifully in her prose and in the characters created to live in this story. It was at times heart wrenching , then it would make my heart soar.
January 6, 2020
I would actually give this book 3 1/2 stars. I wanted to read it because the setting is on Lake Michigan in a summer haven where I used to visit my grandmother. The author is a member of one of the families that spent their summers there. It's a good read.
February 26, 2020
A definite must read
I loved this book. I loved the characters, the plot. I imagined the scenery, the lake, the difference between the native dwellings and the grand old house owned by the wealthy March family. A great read.
I loved this book. I loved the characters, the plot. I imagined the scenery, the lake, the difference between the native dwellings and the grand old house owned by the wealthy March family. A great read.
January 1, 2021
Just finished this book and really liked it. The story line is unusual and unique and engaging. Good characterization and descriptions of the places and people in the book. Also some good reflection on what prejudice looks like and how it can hurt others.
September 19, 2017
A beautiful novel about connections to home and land and the need humans have for a link to their past. A very enjoyable read.
March 9, 2018
One of the most beautiful novels I have ever read.
March 17, 2019
The intersection of the conquered and the conquerors, both victims, in Michigan lake country, interwoven with several generations of sons serving in America's wars abroad.
December 4, 2019
I enjoyed the writing style and story.
January 23, 2020
The book was a good read. Characters were interesting. Storyline was predictable. Fascinated about the various Indian cultures that are portrayed in this book.
September 11, 2021
3.8 story of Rachel Winnapee, 15 year old Ojibwa and Woody March, a wounded veteran in 1945; and the result of that summer, the summer of 1956 and 1970.
April 30, 2022
This book was just OK. Nothing spectacular at all.
July 31, 2022
N Michigan! Fun location, good read.
December 10, 2024
Enjoyed the setting, the inclusion of the Indian culture, and an overall good story. (I’m sure it also helped that I live on Lake Michigan as well.)
August 14, 2025
Great writing
October 29, 2025
surprisingly good for a first novel! It was a little cringy at first, but got better as the book gained speed.
August 9, 2011
If you mash up the Great Gatsby and Jane Austen, add a dollop of Native American culture and scosh of shamanism, you'd be pretty close to this novel. Set in a wealthy summering lake town in Upper Michigan, an orphaned Native American girl begins working at one of the summer mansions and meets the wounded son, newly back from World War II. Annnnnnd, you know most of the rest of the story. Not all of it though; the author freshens the story with Native American culture and preserves some unexpected twists throughout.
On that note, the only annoying aspect of the book is the way the author slowly builds up a storyline with characters building in a crescendo - and then suddenly tosses it all away. Builds up a secondary pairing...and tosses it away. I can respect the unexpected, but I felt a bit betrayed as a reader, having invested in the protagonists of each story. Similarly, the shamanic aspects - why was that brought back time and again? Two characters "have the vision"...for what purpose in the plot exactly? Use it or cut it, I say.
That said, I did really care about the characters and pull for them to succeed. I can picture the scenery and characters well. I am reminded of them from time to time - all hallmarks of a great book.
On that note, the only annoying aspect of the book is the way the author slowly builds up a storyline with characters building in a crescendo - and then suddenly tosses it all away. Builds up a secondary pairing...and tosses it away. I can respect the unexpected, but I felt a bit betrayed as a reader, having invested in the protagonists of each story. Similarly, the shamanic aspects - why was that brought back time and again? Two characters "have the vision"...for what purpose in the plot exactly? Use it or cut it, I say.
That said, I did really care about the characters and pull for them to succeed. I can picture the scenery and characters well. I am reminded of them from time to time - all hallmarks of a great book.
August 28, 2010
I loved this story! This book was a nice change from what I normally read. Through the story, I was able to visit the state of Michigan, Harbor Point, on the water, and the surrounding areas. I learned so much about the area and felt like I was actually there.
This engrossing tale tells the story of Rachel Winnapee, an Indian girl who is hired by The March Family Matriarch, Lydia, to work in their summer home, as a servant. The year is 1945, and The March's son Woody, is returning from WWII, wounded. He will need a nurse to care for him at home. After the nurse that was hired gets fired for alcoholism, Rachel takes her place, and she and Woody fall in love. Their relationship can never be revealed, as Woody is engaged to be married, and Rachel is considered the poor, hired help. Their romance is bittersweet, lasting for just one summer, but something transpires that changes Rachel's life forever.
As a rule, I do not read historical romances, but....this book was an exception. I enjoyed it immensely! I read it quickly, and I will never forget it.
Highly recommended!
This engrossing tale tells the story of Rachel Winnapee, an Indian girl who is hired by The March Family Matriarch, Lydia, to work in their summer home, as a servant. The year is 1945, and The March's son Woody, is returning from WWII, wounded. He will need a nurse to care for him at home. After the nurse that was hired gets fired for alcoholism, Rachel takes her place, and she and Woody fall in love. Their relationship can never be revealed, as Woody is engaged to be married, and Rachel is considered the poor, hired help. Their romance is bittersweet, lasting for just one summer, but something transpires that changes Rachel's life forever.
As a rule, I do not read historical romances, but....this book was an exception. I enjoyed it immensely! I read it quickly, and I will never forget it.
Highly recommended!
June 17, 2012
A beautifully written novel by first-time author Terry Gamble. Rachel Winnapee, a sixteen-year Native American orphan girl, is sent to work for the wealthy March family at their summer home on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1945. Her world changes when she is asked by the matriarch to care for her son who was injured in the war. He lost his leg in the Pacific conflict and relies on Rachel for the morphine that dulls his pain and memory. Their relationship evoles into one of passion and the result is a boy born without the father's knowledge. Woody is engaged to Elizabeth, a beautiful socalite and after an initial rejection by her, they are married. The most hauntingly, beautiful descriptions are of the small Native American village where Rachel was born and of the specialness that is her son. The ending is unexpected but magical.
August 21, 2014
'm really confused about this book. I don't really know if I like it or not. I liked the story but I feel that something in the writing style really put me off so I didn't really enjoy the book. I didn't like the characters and most of the times I was really annoyed by them. The main character - Rachel, was really strange and for some reason not very likeable. My favorite character in the book was Rory (in my imagination he was just so adoreable and cute), but he was not a well built character, which really pisses me off. May be out of all the characters in the book Ben was the one that I understood the most.
So, inspite of the fact that I finished this book fast, I will say it was a hard and most of the times not very interesting read.
So, inspite of the fact that I finished this book fast, I will say it was a hard and most of the times not very interesting read.
November 24, 2016
This first novel was well worth the time. Rachel is an Odawa girl, orphaned and taken from her family to a convent school. Woody is a WWII vet returned from war without a leg or the spirit to start over. Rachel ends up working for his family and they fall in love. Then things fall apart. PTSD and forced acculturation are examined carefully and ultimately, we see that time may not heal all wounds but it can soften some of the effects.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews