Troubled Waters: A Novel

by Mary Annaïse Heglar

In this intimate portrait of two generations, a granddaughter and a grandmother come to terms with what it means to be family, Black women, and alive in a world on fire.

The world is burning—and Corrine will do anything to put out the flames. After her brother died aboard an oil boat on the Mississippi River in 2013, Corrine awakens to the realities of climate change and its perpetrators. Now, a year later, she finds herself trapped in a lonely cycle of mourning both her brother and the very planet she stands on. She’s convinced that in order to save her future, she has to make sure that her brother’s life meant something.

But in the act of honoring her brother’s spirit, she awakens family ghosts she knows little about—ghosts her grandmother Cora knows intimately. The world is burning—but it always has been. Cora’s ghosts have followed her from her days as a child integrating schools in 1950s Nashville to her new life as a mother, grandmother, and teacher in Mississippi.
As a child of the Civil Rights movement, she’s done her best to keep those specters away from her granddaughter. She faced those demons, she reasons to herself, so that Corinne would never know they existed.

When Corrine’s plan to stage a dramatic act of resistance peels back the scabs of her family wounds and puts her safety in jeopardy, both grandmother and granddaughter must bring their unspoken secrets into the light to find a path to healing. Their world hangs in the balance as past and future meet in the present moment.

In heartfelt, lyrical prose, Mary Annaïse Heglar weaves an unforgettable story of the climate crisis, Black resistance, and the enduring power of family.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Climate Change Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Environment, Climate Change

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[Rosh (on a short break) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A dramatic OwnVoices novel dealing with some powerful contemporary and historical themes. Has its heart in the right place, but mere intent isn’t enough. Wish it had been stronger in the core plot, more focussed in its themes, and more structured in its approach. It could have been brilliant, but ended up just decent.

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Plot Preview:

2013. Twenty-year-old Corinne has been passionate about the environment ever since she heard, in her childhood, about the Great Flood of 1927. But her fervour has increased after her brother died aboard an oil boat a year ago. Now Corinne is determined to do all she can to save the future from those intent on destroying the planet. However, in the course of her activism and a radical act she is planning, she ends up uncovering some skeletons that her grandmother Cora had buried deep inside her heart, from the time of the Civil Rights movement.
The story comes to us in multiple timelines from the third person limited perspectives of Corinne, Cora, and Cora’s son Harold.

Bookish Yays:
💐 As I am passionate about the topic of climate change, I was excited to grab an environment-themed novel. The author’s research on this topic is extensive. (I never knew of global warming leading to mutated fish! 😕) The facts herein are relevant, and scary to the point of being nightmare-inducing. The intent is praiseworthy.

💐 Cora and Harold are interesting characters, and add a lot of realism and rationality to the proceedings with their perspectives.

💐 Cora’s traumatic memories, mostly but not only from the historical timeline, create a far greater impact. I don’t want to reveal what her backstory contains, but I’d rather have read more about her experiences than Corinne’s. The historical timeline captures the feel and the facts of the era well.

💐 Love the duality of the title, indicating the stormy relationship among the family members as well as the troubled waters of the Mississippi and the floods that are a constant part of it at present.

💐 The book captures the essence of the location well. The food, the beliefs, the music, nature and the issues all get fair representation. It’s interesting to read a story from the Southern Black perspective.

💐 This quote: “Climate change is just as institutional as racism.”

💐 This is an OwnVoices work, not just because of author’s ethnic and geographical background (which matches that of the characters) but also because she is a passionate advocate of the travails of climate change and a winner of an Environmental Journalism award. The authenticity of the rep shows in the content.


Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌹 Corinne is meant to be an impressive character, and she is, to a great extent. But, either because of her age or because of the somewhat flat character development, she reads like a typical YA character, focussing only on the short term and acting more impulsively than intelligently. I can’t root for her actions though her thoughts are praiseworthy.

🌹 With only three dominant characters, the family connection feels too small and slightly incomplete. That said, these three characters have enough of baggage throughout the book. Harold’s character especially, often acting as the mediator between grandmother and granddaughter, has a subtle yet important track.

🌹 The book jumps across various timelines multiple times. It has clear date indicators, so make sure you keep an eye on the date and month and not just the year. I didn’t have a problem with the timelines as they were marked well. However, there are also unmarked flashbacks that appear randomly. A character could be pondering over a current issue and suddenly jump to something in their past and spend a long time there. These unindicated time jumps were annoying after a point because they broke the thread of the contemporary flow. As a result, the structuring feels quite hodgepodge.

🌹 The initial 75% of the book was still okay, but the final quarter drags a lot, going through unexpected directions. Though I am a fan of magical realism, I still don’t understand why and how it suddenly popped up in this part of the book. That scene came out of nowhere!


Bookish Nays:
🌵 As is typical in debut works, we get the infamous “kitchen sink” full of themes here: Climate change, environmental activism, natural disasters past and present, crimes by Big Oil, veganism, racism, Black discrimination, KKK, police atrocities, teen pregnancy, parental abuse, parental death, first menstruation scare, segregation, generational trauma, grief, Hurricane Katrina, the Civil Rights movement, the prejudiced attitudes in the South, … With so many powerful topics, it feels like the book doesn’t explore anything in depth. It just spreads itself too wide and ends up making a dent in none.

🌵 The actual plot is paper-thin. The rest is just padding, which though important, makes the book feel stretched out. The effect is hence rather flat. Even a character-driven work needs a strong plot.

🌵 There's a ‘Cora’ and a ‘Corinne’! 😬 I know families often have people with the same initials, but in fiction, surely we can avoid this kind of nomenclature! It is confusing!


Basically, who wouldn’t want to love such a book? It educates us on such an essential topic that affects all of us. But it is still a fictional novel, and in that role, it isn’t so impressive. The character development and the plot structuring both need fine-tuning.

I still appreciate the intent of this novel. If the one thing this book can do is to create fear in the reader’s hearts about the climate and take steps to minimise their carbon footprint, I’d still consider it a winner. Climate care is not just the government’s onus, and this novel highlights some ways through which citizens can also step up to the task. (I’m not referring to Corinne’s choice of activism here; that is not my cup of tea.)

Recommended with reservation to those interested in an OwnVoices climate change fiction.

3.25 stars.


My thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the DRC of “Troubled Waters”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ “Troubled Waters" is a powerful narrative that intertwines the lives of a granddaughter and grandmother, exploring their struggles with racial and environmental justice across generations.

Heglar’s meticulous background research (and thoughtfully added personal experiences) made this book fit a branch of historical fiction I love. As a climate scientist, I often find themes of climate change and climate justice hard to successfully portray in a story without it feeling like a topic thrown in sans purpose to the overall narrative. That is not the case here; the clear but often overlooked connections between climate and society provided profound depth to Corrine’s story. While I personally would have loved more insight into characters like Cameron and Yvonne, and the industries that shaped their fates, the novel stands strong without it. I appreciated how "Troubled Waters" linked topics of generational trauma, grief, activism, family, and healing, showcasing the enduring strength and resilience of Black women against a backdrop of societal and environmental turmoil.

Joniece Abbott-Pratt’s narration brings the characters to life with incredible personality and vibrancy, I loved her storytelling.

Thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins Focus, Mary Annaïse Heglar, and Joniece Abbott-Pratt for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Troubled Waters is a book worth reading. The author drew inspiration from her family and background to create this story. It’s really what gave the characters so much depth. Raw and heartbreaking but if you look hard enough you’ll see some light amongst the darkness. There are some beautiful moments that left me a puddle of tears.

In 2013, Corrine’s brother, Cameron, died while working on an oil boat on the Mississippi River. A year later and continuing her education at predominantly white Oberlin College, she is passionate about environmental causes and wants to hold the oil industry accountable for both her brother’s death and the continued destruction of the planet. Corrine’s activism will put her at odds with her grandmother, Cora who as a child in the 1950s was one of the first Black students to be integrated into a Nashville school. Cora’s son and Corrine’s uncle, Harold, plays the role of peacekeeper trying to keep his family together.

The story alternates between the 3 family members and you get key moments of their past as well as what’s going on the year or so after the death of Cameron. Cora’s story hit me the hardest as she really had the weight of the world on her shoulders as a little girl. It’s understandable why she never wanted to discuss her childhood. As you read about her experiences as a Black girl in an all white school, your heart breaks both for Cora the child and Cora the adult who carried all that with her. She’s the driving force in this novel that really brings everything together.

Don’t sleep on this one. It’s a powerful read.

Thank you Harper Muse for sending me a free advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troubled Waters by Mary Annaise Heglar was a very moving and powerful book. Mary Annaise Heglar received inspiration from her own family history as the catalyst for writing Troubled Waters. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt. This was my first time experiencing Joniece Abbott-Pratt’s voice as a narrator. I was impressed with her performance. Troubled Waters took place in the south in Mississippi and New Orleans with flashbacks to Nashville during the 1950’s. It alternated between present day and The Civil Rights Movement in the 1950’s.

Corrine and her brother Cameron both lived with their maternal grandmother, Cora. Their grandmother had raised both Corrine and Cameron after their mother’s death. Cora was a very positive influence on both Corrine and Cameron while they were growing up. Both Corrine and Cameron appreciated her outstanding cooking and the unconditional love she gave to both of them. When it was time for Corrine to choose a college that she thought she would attend, Cora and Corrine had very different ideas. Corrine ended up choosing Oberlin College, a college where black students were in the minority. Cora worried about that for Corrine. Cameron who was anxious to start earning his own money was enticed by a big oil company to work for them on one of their oil ships that traveled up and down the Mississippi River. After working on the oil barge for just a short time, Cameron had become a victim of a tragic accident that occurred on the ship. Cameron had lost his life in 2013. Both Cora and Corrine were heartbroken as was their Uncle Harold. It was hard for all three of them to imagine a life without Cameron’s presence in it.

While attending Oberlin College, Corrine began to take an active role in trying to reverse the effects of climate change. Corrine became very passionate and concerned about climate change. About a year after Cameron’s death, Corrine and some of her fellow student friends had an idea about how she could honor her brother. Corrine wanted to make others aware of how Cameron had lost his life. She wanted to bring attention to the big oil conglomerates that were not only responsible for polluting our rivers, oceans and planet but how they didn’t care about those who lost their lives as long as they continued to make a profit. Corrine and her friends began to make a plan. They would orchestrate an act of resistance that they hoped would be seen by all. Corrine wanted the world to know how, why and by whom her brother had lost his life and bring attention to climate control at the same time.

When Cora finally worked up the courage to tell her grandmother, Cora, about her plan and what she was planning to do to execute it, Cora became increasingly angry and overly concerned about Connone’s safety. Cora let Corrine know that she was adamantly against her plan. This plan of Corrine’s dredged up old demons that Cora had secretly burrowed deep inside of her. Cora had her own secrets that stemmed back to the time when she was a five year old girl and her father had enrolled her in an all white school while her family had lived in Nashville during the 1950’s. For Cora, that experience had influenced the rest of her life. She had been taunted, hurt, ridiculed and threatened during those years. It left a lasting, guarded and fearful impression on her life that she never forgot but kept to herself. All Cora ever wanted to do was protect her children and grandchildren from the cruelty of racism she experienced as a child. How could Cora protect Corrine from the wrath of racism? Could Cora finally come to terms with her demons? Would Cora be able to finally share her secrets with the people she loved the most? Could both Cora and Corrine find a way to help each other heal?

Troubled Waters by Mary Annaise Heglar addressed the current issues of climate change and the impact of integration on a young black girl and the nation back in the 1950’s. Mary Annaise Heglar skillfully wove the past and present together through the voices of Cora and Corrine. Although these two strong, independent and passionate women were a generation apart, their experiences with racism remained eerily similar. I was emotionally connected to both of their stories, feelings, passion and outcomes. Uncle Harold, Cora’s son and Corrine’s unmarried uncle, was the third voice in this well written and impressive book. Troubled Waters was about family, loss, believing in a cause and sticking with it no matter what the consequences might be, determination, racism and a multitude of long kept secrets that caused pain and walls to be erected. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Troubled Waters by Mary Annalise Heglar and highly recommend it.

Thank you to HarperCollins Focus/Harper Muse for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Troubled Waters by Mary Annaise Heglar through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you’re involved in something that’s bigger than yourself it can be hard to get others to see the bigger picture or for them to understand why you’re going so hard for what you believe in.

After the loss of her brother aboard an oil boat on the Mississippi River, Corrine awakened to the realities of climate change and its perpetrators. A year of grief and depression leaves Corrine trapped in a lonely cycle of mourning her brother and the progression of global warming. She convinces herself in order to save her future she has to ensure her brother’s life meant something. Even if that means jeopardizing her safety to do the impossible. In a brave attempt to honor her brother Corrine peels back the scabs of her family wounds that rattle Grandma Cora to the core.

This was a rather interesting read the author provided a mix of everything in this one. We’re given some historical context and generational trauma with Cora’s backstory of school desegregation during her childhood. Corrine gives a bit of magical realism with her premonitions of catastrophic events or seeing the ghosts of those affected during those events. The author also made relevant references to past events like the oil spill, Hurricane Katrina, the Great Flood of 1927, Eric Garner, and Trayvon Martin.

Throughout the book I could tell Corrine was passionate about making everyone aware of global warming. But she failed to make the impact she intended because she acted out of emotion and didn’t think her actions through. But I loved the support she received from her family and those around her. Although they didn’t agree with the stance she wanted to make everyone still backed her decision.

Overall, I thought the book was okay as it tackled many themes throughout and loved that it was based on the authors family history. My only downside is the loss in focus when one theme is presented to the next. But the book is very well-written and something many will enjoy. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours , & @harpermuse for my gifted copy‼️

[Tris · Rating 5 out of 5]

this tale spans decades exploring the history of two generations of black women in southern USA: grandmother cora, the sole black student in her elementary school, facing systemic racism as a literal 5-to-7-year-old in the 50s; and granddaughter corrine, raising awareness on climate change after losing her brother in an oil barge accident in 2013. we also get the occasional chapters from harold, cora's son and corrine's uncle.

personally i connected more with corrine, being of similar age and disposition, but i also felt for young cora and the older cora who learns to accept her past and acknowledge how the times have changed since. the past timeline felt a bit disconnected at first but it all ties up well as we get to know the relationships within the family. i thought the heaviness of the themes was balanced by the heartwarming love and care shown between the three.

this is an important work of fiction drawing inspiration from very real events. thank you to the author for writing this and kindly allowing me to read an advanced copy through netgalley.

[WellReadAndRatchet · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In this intimate portrait of two generations, a granddaughter and a grandmother come to terms with what it means to be family, Black women, and alive in a world on fire.”

Reflection: By the time I finished the last line, I was ugly crying so much that my dog came over to make sure I was okay. I honestly didn’t expect this book would affect me so much emotionally but it did. As a Southern girl that moved to Northeast Ohio I could relate so much to Corrine. Grandma Cora and Uncle Harold were reminiscent of my own family members. I felt so at home in this book. One thing I didn’t expect were some of the turns. I remember heading into part two thinking “what genre is this again?” I had to refer back to synopsis because it seemed to be setting up for an environmental thriller, at times there were supernatural elements, and we also got a taste of historical fiction. I didn’t know how this book was going to go and that’s where a lost interest a bit. But as I got to part three, my interest and emotions were pulled right back in. As we approached the big event, I was on edge wondering how it all would play out. I understood both sides of the argument. The strong sense of family and family traditions were my favorite parts of this book. So if you’re looking for a beautiful story about an imperfect family coupled with activism, and climate this book is for you.

Rating: 4.25⭐️/ 5

Favorite Quote: “Watching Grandma wince, it occurred to Corinne that Black women—celebrated the world over for their extraordinary ability to bend and bend and bend—can, in fact, break. Into a million little shards. And no one would come to put them back together again.”

Thanks to Harper Muse Books and Hear Our Voices Tours for my gifted copy!

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥺

The audiobook was fantastic! I enjoyed the progression of the story. I didn’t necessarily feel like there were secrets unfolding but more like information that had been withheld for years, became known when the time was right. I would have liked to see the story come full circle in regard to the assignment Corinne had been working on in the beginning, because I didn’t feel like I got closure. But the themes of grief, family history, and togetherness were very important to me and the gems kept me coming back.

[Charnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW

Thank you #partner @harpermusebooks for my #gifted copy. 💕

Troubled Waters
Mary Annaïse Heglar

📌 Inspired by the author's own family history.

Troubled Waters explores the intersection of racial justice and environmental justice. This powerful, moving novel of courage and sacrifice follows two generations of Black women, each taking a stand for change — one as a young girl integrating public schools in the 1950s, and the other protesting climate change in modern times. Through past-present timelines, Heglar explores themes of family, grief, healing, activism, risk, and the ways a grandmother and granddaughter find common ground.

🎧 I read this one with my ears, and really loved this format. Narrator Joniece Abbott-Pratt is one of my favorites (she narrated two of my top audiobooks of 2023). So when I saw her name attached to this audiobook, I immediately downloaded it. Abbott-Pratt beautifully portrays this multigenerational cast of characters.

° ° ° ° ° °

📌 Available now!

[Brandie Bridges-Sells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the awareness that it offers when it comes to climate change, family, and trauma. In this book there two main characters/POV's. First we have Corinne who is attending college at Oberlin University in Ohio and she is majoring in Environmentalism. She is truly passionate when it comes to climate change and many corporations have no idea or awareness of what they are causing. As we get to know more about Corinne we learn more and more about her past and the relationship she has with her grandmother.

The next main POV is Cora who is Corinnes grandmother. Her is very protective over Corinne when it comes to her well being, but at times it can be too over protective at times. She was completely against Corinne attending a predominantly white college and she felt it would not be safe her. Though we soon find out that she is basing that off from her own experiences that had happened in the past. Cora had a rough childhood. She dealt with racism and so much more where it caused trauma and not willing to change her mindset on things.

As we get to know both of these characters they eventually realizing that they are misunderstanding one another. They both have two different protectives and not really getting to know each other and where they are coming from. As time goes on in the book the strain on their relationship. lessens because they truly love each other. I don't want to give too much away, but this book was a page turner and I highly recommend everyone to read this book. I loved the POV's and the granddaughter and grandmother relationship that it portrayed. I honestly cannot wait to read more book by this author.

[Emma Roehrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a very powerful novel!! enjoyed it

[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harper Muse provided a complimentary copy for review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I had the pleasure earlier this month at PLA 2024 to listen to Helgar as one our daily speakers. Her primary work is in the field of climate change, and she has written several nonfiction books and articles on the subject. Her passion for this showed as she was moving her message into new channels with a children's book and this novel. There is no denying that she knows her stuff when it comes to this very important topic.

I found myself quickly connected to Corrine and her family. Helgar's attention to everyday details brought the story to life. It was easy to see how this family has been through so much, and they were all coming to terms with loss and grief in their own ways.

The story itself stretches over many months (not counting occasional flashbacks - some slightly confusing based on where they were inserted with the current day flow of things). For me, that impacted the momentum and created gaps or lapses. It felt like I was checking in periodically on the characters rather than having an urgency to their plans and actions. Hopefully that is something the author can work as she continues to do more fiction; I would certainly seek out more work from her down the road.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

“You know not all ghosts are bad, right? Sometimes people just want to be remembered.”

“Blazing trails was lonely work.”

“The laughter was the only thing keeping the city afloat, even though it was below sea level.”

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Troubled Waters" by Mary Annäise Heglar is a
thought-provoking book. It is literary fiction and partially historical fiction. It is partially set in 2013/2014 and partially set at the time of the civil rights movement in the 50s.

Corrine is a young woman going to college and grieving the loss of her brother, Cameron, who died a year earlier in an accident on an oil rig in the Mississippi River. Cora is Corrine's grandmother, who is grieving her grandson. Harold is Corinne's uncle and Cora's son. He tries to help his mom and niece communicate better, and he is there at the most important times.

Grandma Cora was one of the first and youngest black children to be integrated into a white school in Nashville, Tennessee. It wasn't easy for her at all. Corrine is very worried about global warming and saving the planet, and she is very upset with the oil companies. She blames them for her brother's death.

There are some great cooking scenes with Grandma making biscuits, fried fish, and gumbo.

This is ultimately a very heartwarming story and a very good read!

Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 4/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 5/5 by Joniece Abbott-Pratt
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 4.25 rounded to 4 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Focus/Muse, and Mary Annäise Heglar for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[The Bookish Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you HearOurVoices and Harper Muse for the ARC copy.

I loved the premise of this book, but I did not like the execution.

Heglar debut presents us with an opportunity to explore climate change in a fictional setting, which intrigued me. We meet Corrine and Cora and we are introduced to yet another theme: civil rights. The dual POV between granddaughter and grandmother was another thing that intrigued this reader, as that type of relationship usually provides so much depth if you let it because of the generational gap.

While all the things above attracted me to the book, the book itself ended up falling flat for me. The pacing was slow, and the plot was boring, in my opinion. The many themes that were addressed were never really fleshed out enough for me to be able to cling to what the author wanted to convey. I really wanted the author to expand more on Cora's life during segregation and bring that to the present day. I ended up finishing but left unfulfilled. There were so many things that were thrown without intent or depth.

The main plot of the book was Corrine's fight with the big oil rig business and that came to an end with such a lackluster climax supplemented with a "white savior character," and that's when I really checked out. In addition to everything else going on, we have an attempt at magical realism that was interesting, but there was no build-up to it. It just happened, and we moved on. Which brings me to the point of the book overall being jumpy, making it hard to become invested in the story with the random drops of flashbacks and events. 

I would not recommend this one, but I would give the author another chance.

2.5/5

[Amy]

No
A book I borrowed from the library to try before I buy (tired buying hundreds books and hating half)

I do not rate these “tested”
books. This is really for me. I will not be buying, reading borrowing this book.

I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:

Pretty cover love small size love HCP paper

Red flags
1) GR only 349 total reviews & it’s been out since ‘24!
2) many reviewers even some that liked it complain bc of the multiple issues leading to the ch being poorly developed
3) many complain it lacks a plot
4) a reviewer i trust, Rosh, made several good points, although she liked parts she disliked-needs stronger core, character Cory feels almost ya /impulsive; only three real ch not a whole family; the time jumps became distracting ; first 3/4 ok last was blah w magical realism popping in; Too many topics make each a bit thin; zero plot; similar names make it confusing Cora & Corinne.

I read a bit. I’m not a fan of the writing either. Idk 🤷‍♀️

[DOMINIQUE Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a powerful story told from the eyes of Corrine, Harold and Cora. Corrine is a college student. She dedicates her time to climate change and the world today while she is dealing with the grief on losing her brother. Cora has dealt a lot of trauma growing up and dried through the years. The death of her grandson is one she struggles to get over because it just reminds her of the several losses she has suffered throughout her life. Harold is Cora’s son and Corrine uncle. He always seemed to find himself in the middle of Cora and Corrine. He is like their sense of reasoning to help them understand each other and keep their bond in tact.

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Troubled Waters and wow…this was such an intimately poignant read. This multigenerational story spans the test of time and explores loss, grief, racism, classism, generational trauma, political activism and climate change. Full of raw emotion and captivating storytelling, Mary Annaïse Heglar has captured how individual experiences can shape not only how you live - but also your relationships with loved ones as well as the world around you.

Expertly crafted and beautifully written, Troubled Waters is an absolutely brilliant read! Thank you so much Bibliolifestyle and Harper Muse for the gifted copy!

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poignant novel delves into the intertwined journeys of Corinne and her grandmother Cora as they grapple with personal loss, family history, and the urgent need to confront the climate crisis. Through lyrical prose and rich character development, Mary Annaïse Heglar crafts a compelling narrative that explores themes of grief, resilience, and the enduring power of love across generations. Heglar skillfully navigates the complexities of race, identity, and activism, creating a story that resonates long after the final page.

[Books & Locs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my this book had me emotional for so many reasons 😭! This was really good book . Just to know that some of family members had to endure some of the most terrible things known to mankind . It just breaks my heart. I feel like book highlights the difference in generations of blk people and how things may seem like they are better but also still the same just different situations. Prepare yourself to feel every emotion while reading this book ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Elleth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are not enough words to sing praises for this book. If you're in doubt, read it. If you don't want to read it, read it anyway. It tackles the intersection of racism, generational trauma, climate grief and personal grief, and doesn't read like it's trying, because this book contains heart the size of the universe. There are not enough stars here to give, so I have to stop at five.

[Erricka Hager · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Another favorite read of 2024. This story was filled with family, love, grief and underlying themes of environmental and systemic racism. I loved Corrine and Cora’s relationship and the family traditions that the two of them carried on despite all the loss that plagued their family.

[savannah aldridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the history and material presented in this novel, but the actual story line and presentation felt a little slow to me. It felt more memoire inspired than novel so was just expecting a different set up and pace!

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling story about global warming and possibilities to do something with precisly developed and described characters.

[Diana Gower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about climate change, ancestors, activism, racism, the South... The climax of the book was a little underwhelming, but otherwise, I enjoyed it!

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise sounded so promising and the perspective so refreshing, but unfortunately the writing is laborious and leaden and the story never gets off the ground.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I heard her speak at PLA this spring, she's got power. This book was good, I liked it but wasn't blown away - did suggest for a book club read and I'm interested in the discussions to come.
I'll look into her NF essays.

Added:
Bookclub as generally positive. Strong characters, good plotline/focus. Dealing with a cause that the MC had felt a connection with since early childhood, continued to haunt.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this amazing tale and loved every minute of it.
I loved Corrinne and Cora.
Although I must say my heart went out more to Cora than Corrinne. I almost didn't like Corrinne at all.
I couldn't imagine how frightening that must've been. I admired Cora so much!
Poor Harold got caught in the middle. He was my favorite character. He's a lot like me a peace keeper in the family. A more terrifying job if there ever was one so I knew how he felt at times.
My favorite part was the ending of this book and it will break your heart into pieces.
A very powerful and emotional story that will rock your world after reading this novel. I will be looking for more by this wonderful lady who wrote this story with her heart.
5 stars for an incredible story that will leave me thinking about these characters long after this story has ended. Believe me they'll not let you put them down until it is over.
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Travis Leisey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok.....I was honestly looking forward to reading this book. I was interested in the summary and thought it would be fun to read something where there is a different point of view. It started of really well but then it started to feel more like an opinion piece than a novel, therefore I don't think there was much of an attempt to build these characters to a point where people of different worlds could feel a connection. I absolutely loved Uncle Harold though 🤣