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Through the Waters and the Wild
I was hungry, seeing myself starving for want of something I could not define. I sought it constantly, sought it at every turn, searched every face I met for hints of it, looked everywhere I could conceive. I lost time trying to slake this unquenchable thirst, trying to satisfy an endlessly burning hunger. But in the end I knew precisely what I had been after all along. It is the folly of the young, part of their particular curse, to be so unaware, to be blind as well as hungry. To be in exile from themselves and not know they are away.
Haunted by lost loves and limping through a lifeless career, Conor Finnegan's discontent mirrors the restlessness of his grandfather Liam, caught as a young man in the crossfire of the Irish Civil War. Drawing from Liam's wisdom and courage, Conor seeks to reinvent his character and reclaim passions made numb by neglect and loss.
Through the Waters and the Wild addresses the timeless questions, Where shall I go now? What shall I do?
Haunted by lost loves and limping through a lifeless career, Conor Finnegan's discontent mirrors the restlessness of his grandfather Liam, caught as a young man in the crossfire of the Irish Civil War. Drawing from Liam's wisdom and courage, Conor seeks to reinvent his character and reclaim passions made numb by neglect and loss.
Through the Waters and the Wild addresses the timeless questions, Where shall I go now? What shall I do?
286 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2021
3 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Greg Fields
3 books114 followersGreg Fields is the author of Through the Waters and the Wild, winner of the 2022 Independent Press Award for Literary Fiction, the Independent Publishers Association Award, the New York Book Award for Literary Fiction and two other national recognitions. His first novel, Arc of the Comet, was published in 2017. He is currently an editor for his publisher, Koehler Books, and has presented at several writers conferences, including the International Dublin Writers Festival, the Bay Area Book Fair, and Central Coast Writers Conference. The Bright Freight of Memory has won the American Writing Awards honor for Literary Fiction, the Chrysalis/BREW Book of the Year, and has been nominated for a PEN/Faulkner Award.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 21, 2020
Beautifully written story of family heritage and finding one’s place in life. There are two main stories here: Conor Finnegan, in present time in the US, and his grandfather, Liam Finnegan, in early 20th century Ireland. Conor, working in Washington D.C., experiences dissatisfaction in his relationships and his job. In the middle of the book, we learn Liam’s story of migration from Ireland to the US to escape the violence of civil war. We then return to Conor, as he finds a better path for his life’s work. There are many subtle linkages and parallels between the two stories.
I very much enjoyed this book. It is obviously carefully crafted, filled with evocative passages and atmospheric scenes. I appreciated the inclusion of quotes from other literary works that introduce each chapter. My only difficulty with it was the abrupt shift in the storyline from Conor back to Liam, so perhaps I missed the cue. It is ultimately an uplifting story of how changes in life can turn into improvements, even if we are unaware of it at the time.
This book is due for release in January, 2021. I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
I very much enjoyed this book. It is obviously carefully crafted, filled with evocative passages and atmospheric scenes. I appreciated the inclusion of quotes from other literary works that introduce each chapter. My only difficulty with it was the abrupt shift in the storyline from Conor back to Liam, so perhaps I missed the cue. It is ultimately an uplifting story of how changes in life can turn into improvements, even if we are unaware of it at the time.
This book is due for release in January, 2021. I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
January 12, 2021
I'll admit that I almost didn't read this book. The first 25 pages were so slow and I didn't like the main character, Connor, at all. However, the writing was so beautiful that I decided to keep reading it and I'm glad that I did. I ended up really enjoying this well written story of two men during two different times as they struggled to figure out their purpose in life and how to achieve happiness.
Connor is a congressional aide in DC. When he was younger he was arrogant and proud of himself. As the novel begins, he is wandering through his life due to his recent divorce and what he feels isn't a challenging job. He spends more time thinking about the past than the future and just isn't sure what his purpose is. As he begins to remember his grandfather, he gains wisdom from the time that he spent with him. Liam immigrated from Ireland. He left a note for his family and girl friend and boarded a ship that sailed to Boston. He too kept looking back on his life and realized the mistakes that he'd made. Once he decided to look towards the future and have confidence in himself, his life began to change as he realized his purpose in life.
The last third of the book is about Connor finally finding a purpose in his life and looking toward the future. Remembering Liam's story helped Connor to turn his life around and bring him happiness.
This is beautifully written book about two men who lived their lives years apart but were both faced with questions about their place in life and how to achieve happiness.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Connor is a congressional aide in DC. When he was younger he was arrogant and proud of himself. As the novel begins, he is wandering through his life due to his recent divorce and what he feels isn't a challenging job. He spends more time thinking about the past than the future and just isn't sure what his purpose is. As he begins to remember his grandfather, he gains wisdom from the time that he spent with him. Liam immigrated from Ireland. He left a note for his family and girl friend and boarded a ship that sailed to Boston. He too kept looking back on his life and realized the mistakes that he'd made. Once he decided to look towards the future and have confidence in himself, his life began to change as he realized his purpose in life.
The last third of the book is about Connor finally finding a purpose in his life and looking toward the future. Remembering Liam's story helped Connor to turn his life around and bring him happiness.
This is beautifully written book about two men who lived their lives years apart but were both faced with questions about their place in life and how to achieve happiness.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2021
Conor Finnigan has a mundane life. After going through many successful times, a financially and emotionally wrecking divorce has now rendered him unambitious. As he reflects his failed marriage and aimless, unexciting life; he remembers a letter given to him by his Irish grandfather. Connor's grandfather Liam, faced a similar fate. Discontent with his simple life and the Irish civil war, Liam flees to America to live the American dream, leaving behind an unfateful father and younger brother.
As the two men in this multi-generational story discover their foothold in life, we get to explore the multitude of contentment in a person's life. What gives true satisfaction? Is taking risks worth the thrill one seeks in life?
This book gives you a sense of tranquility. You'll be transported back to the 1920's in Ireland. Though the narration is a bit languid, the descriptive imagery makes up for it. The book has a slow start, but as we are introduced to Liam's story, the story becomes enticing and intriguing. I was actually more invested in Liam’s life than Connor's.
This was a really likable, relable book. Connor could be me or you. We can also see ourselves at crossroads; and this book is a ray of hope. A beautifully crafted book and a story that is sure to touch your heart.
As the two men in this multi-generational story discover their foothold in life, we get to explore the multitude of contentment in a person's life. What gives true satisfaction? Is taking risks worth the thrill one seeks in life?
This book gives you a sense of tranquility. You'll be transported back to the 1920's in Ireland. Though the narration is a bit languid, the descriptive imagery makes up for it. The book has a slow start, but as we are introduced to Liam's story, the story becomes enticing and intriguing. I was actually more invested in Liam’s life than Connor's.
This was a really likable, relable book. Connor could be me or you. We can also see ourselves at crossroads; and this book is a ray of hope. A beautifully crafted book and a story that is sure to touch your heart.
January 27, 2021
In his second book, Through the Waters and the Wild, Greg Fields, a master composer of the human spirit, cleverly kidnaps your imagination and propels it on an adventuress and highly emotional rollercoaster that spans time and space with an Irish family, the Finnegans. In 1920 the family struggles to survive amid gripping poverty, shifting loyalties and dangerous liaisons. Liam Finnegain, the eldest son, caught in a dangerous web of ethical dilemmas, must act. From the cold shores of Ireland to the mean streets of Boston and beyond, he seeks a life of liberty, happiness and love. Years later, his grandson Conor desires the same, but success for him is elusive. Realizing he is living in a hubris dream state from his youth, Conor, just like his grandfather, must turn his life around or face a lonely and empty future.
January 16, 2021
A beautifully written story of introspection and finding ones way in the world.
Conor is a man at a crossroads. He finds himself feeling disillusioned by his past bravado, recently divorced from a marriage that was never right and a job no longer rewarding. His grandfather Liam, as a young man found himself in the midst of The Irish Civil War in his native country feeling trapped in a life with no meaning, physically beaten for no reason and deciding to leave his family and girlfriend behind to find a better, more meaningful life in the US.
Written with the prose of a classic, with rich discriptive qualities that help you feel the angst and frustrations of the two men while at the same time making me reflect on my own life, is a feat worth remembering. Admittedly, the first section of the book had me uncomfortable for no other reason but that I wasn't in the mood for the self examination Conor's story lead me to. Then came the part of Liam's life and exile that I found so fascinating I couldn't put the book down. What brought the two stories together are the letters that Liam wrote to Conor that serve as an inspiration and guide helping Conor find his way.
In the end the story left me with a sense of hopefulness and taught me that with careful introspection and a little work one can again find meaning in an otherwise frustrating life.
I highly recommend this one.
.
Thank you to the author and Smith Publicity for the gifted copy to read, review and enjoy.
Conor is a man at a crossroads. He finds himself feeling disillusioned by his past bravado, recently divorced from a marriage that was never right and a job no longer rewarding. His grandfather Liam, as a young man found himself in the midst of The Irish Civil War in his native country feeling trapped in a life with no meaning, physically beaten for no reason and deciding to leave his family and girlfriend behind to find a better, more meaningful life in the US.
Written with the prose of a classic, with rich discriptive qualities that help you feel the angst and frustrations of the two men while at the same time making me reflect on my own life, is a feat worth remembering. Admittedly, the first section of the book had me uncomfortable for no other reason but that I wasn't in the mood for the self examination Conor's story lead me to. Then came the part of Liam's life and exile that I found so fascinating I couldn't put the book down. What brought the two stories together are the letters that Liam wrote to Conor that serve as an inspiration and guide helping Conor find his way.
In the end the story left me with a sense of hopefulness and taught me that with careful introspection and a little work one can again find meaning in an otherwise frustrating life.
I highly recommend this one.
.
Thank you to the author and Smith Publicity for the gifted copy to read, review and enjoy.
February 15, 2021
I really enjoyed the last 2/3 of the book. The first 1/3 was a little slow for me. I really enjoyed reading about Conor’s grandfather Liam. The parts about Conor were a little confusing for me. I enjoyed how Liam solved his problems and how Conor solved his too. I received a copy of this book from Smith Publicity for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
October 26, 2020
Reflecting the depths of the grey Irish sea and sky, Greg Field’s latest novel Through The Waters And The Wild, pours richness into the barren soils of the early 1900s Ireland. Somewhere in the intersecting values of grey, deep where the shadows of black swirl in with the hope of white, the story of Liam Finnegan’s courage to hold to the fading sense of who he is, crafts his embrace of a new future in America. Field’s framed narrative weaves the tales of generations from farmer to Capitol Hill illuminating the grit and grace given to those of us who strive, suffer losses, and find ourselves at one of life’s roadblocks.
With skilled precision, Fields treats his readers with imagery nodding to the connections we recognize. Words like, “So it had begun, this confounding dance between partners hearing the same music, interpreting it quite differently, and never touching” belie the human experience of searching for a soul to recognize. Through The Waters And The Wild explores the rebuilding of dreams in order to shed a light on the lining of love’s hope that rims a heart seeking communion with life.
With skilled precision, Fields treats his readers with imagery nodding to the connections we recognize. Words like, “So it had begun, this confounding dance between partners hearing the same music, interpreting it quite differently, and never touching” belie the human experience of searching for a soul to recognize. Through The Waters And The Wild explores the rebuilding of dreams in order to shed a light on the lining of love’s hope that rims a heart seeking communion with life.
January 10, 2021
Conor Finnegan,working as an aide to a congressional committee in Capitol Hill, is deeply disappointed with his unsettling marriage and lifeless career. At his worst, he curses his own mediocrity towards life. In retrospect, he reflects about his optimistic idealism as a young man and his first love, a woman who had devastated his heart. Now after an uneasy divorce and squeezed out of every concession by his wife, he seeks redemption from all his previous mistakes and redefines himself and his role.
Conor’s discontent turns his attention to his beloved grandfather and the details of his grandfather’s sweeping life story. Conor knows that to have his greatest chance at professional and personal success, he has to follow the spirit of his grandfather’s life.
The novel follows two story lines of Conor’s life in present time in America and his grandfather Liam’s past in 1920’s rural Ireland. We learn about Liam’s past as a young man caught in the crossfire of the Irish Civil War and his migration from Ireland to US to escape the violence and dread of it. There are a subtle similarities between two stories which help Conor to mitigate his discontent at last.
I have mixed-up feeling about this novel. It is indeed a very beautifully written and poignantly told story. But it is somewhat slow-paced. I can’t fathom the organisation as Liam’s story is sandwiched between Conor’s story and it takes most part of the story as well. In my opinion, it could have been better as an historical novel with Liam as a protagonist. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading about rural Ireland and Black and Tan’s roles in the Royal Irish constabulary.
*𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙆𝙤𝙚𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨.
Conor’s discontent turns his attention to his beloved grandfather and the details of his grandfather’s sweeping life story. Conor knows that to have his greatest chance at professional and personal success, he has to follow the spirit of his grandfather’s life.
The novel follows two story lines of Conor’s life in present time in America and his grandfather Liam’s past in 1920’s rural Ireland. We learn about Liam’s past as a young man caught in the crossfire of the Irish Civil War and his migration from Ireland to US to escape the violence and dread of it. There are a subtle similarities between two stories which help Conor to mitigate his discontent at last.
I have mixed-up feeling about this novel. It is indeed a very beautifully written and poignantly told story. But it is somewhat slow-paced. I can’t fathom the organisation as Liam’s story is sandwiched between Conor’s story and it takes most part of the story as well. In my opinion, it could have been better as an historical novel with Liam as a protagonist. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading about rural Ireland and Black and Tan’s roles in the Royal Irish constabulary.
*𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙆𝙤𝙚𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨.
January 22, 2022
This novel is written in a beautiful ,lyrical, thought provoking manner. It was definitely bittersweet and poignant which in all honesty is a format I tend to avoid. My tendency is to read books that take me to a happy place or engage me in a bit of light sleuthing hence my love of cosy mysteries. But I've been an eclectic reader since the beginning so I will always try something out that captures my attention.As soon as I started this novel I was hooked . I had to know how Conor and Liam's stories turned out and where their lives intersected .The author was able to bring both men and their tales to life in my mind from Ireland to the US and beyond I felt like I was traveling with them on their journeys. Mr.Fields deserves kudos for writing in such descriptive prose. On top of that the emotions of the characters felt genuine as well , not all authors do that with such aplomb. So if your in the mood for a read that is not the usual heavy drama , sob story ,tear jerking fare then give Through the Waters and the Wild a try .It will gently move your heart like a wave of an Irish sea at sunset .
October 15, 2023
a poignant and captivating read. A good example of the bridge from 'The great American Novel' to the modern styles of Updike, McCarthy and Delillo. It is beautifully written without being mawkish or stage Irish.
The civil war feels authentic and Fields has a good ear, similar to Sean O'Casey and captures the era well,
a very, very good read,
The civil war feels authentic and Fields has a good ear, similar to Sean O'Casey and captures the era well,
a very, very good read,
February 17, 2025
What I liked were some words of wisdom for life, beautifully written.
The story as a whole was average, but some of the words in between were unique and with meanings I felt I could really connect with.
The story as a whole was average, but some of the words in between were unique and with meanings I felt I could really connect with.
September 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book by Greg Fields. Looking forward to his next work.
February 19, 2024
A beutifully-written historical fiction novel. Greg Fields' prose paint a heartfelt exploration of a man's search for himself in a new land.
August 11, 2021
I love the Irish lilt that I can hear in the dialogue, the Pat Conroy-esque descriptions that explode small moments and the interweaving of the past & the present DNA of the Finnegan men. Plus, the ending was unexpected yet perfect. Thank you Mr Fields for a very good read!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews