Water Witches

by Chris Bohjalian

From the bestselling author of Midwives and The Flight Attendant , a comic and life affirming novel of the clash between progress and tradition, science and “ one of the most elegantly philosophical, urgent—yet somehow timeless—novels of these perilous times” (Howard Norman, National Book Award finalist for The Bird Artist ).

Vermont is drying up. The normally lush, green countryside is in the grip of the worst drought in stunted cornstalks rasp in the hot July breeze, parched vegetable gardens wither and die, the Chittenden River shrinks to a trickle, and the drilling trucks are booked solid as one by one the wells give out. Patience Avery, known nationwide as a gifted "water witch", is having a busy summer, too. Using the tools of the dowser's trade —divining sticks, metal rods, bobbers, and pendulums—she can locate, among other things, aquifers deep within the earth. In the midst of this crisis, Scottie Winston lobbies for permits to expand Powder Peak, a local ski area that's his law firm's principal client. As part of the expansion, the resort seeks to draw water for snowmaking from the beleaguered Chittenden, despite opposition from environmentalists who fear that the already weakened river will be damaged beyond repair.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Witches, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Book Club

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1995

About the author

Chris Bohjalian is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 25 books. His 25th book, THE JACKAL’S MISTRESS, is now on sale. He writes literary fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, and (on occasion) ghost stories. His goal is never to write the same book twice. He has published somewhere in the neighborhood of 3.5 million words.

His work has been translated into 35 languages and become three movies (MIDWIVES, SECRETS OF EDEN, and PAST THE BLEACHERS) and an Emmy-winning TV series (THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT). He has two other novels in development for TV series as well.

He is also a playwright, including THE CLUB in 2024; MIDWIVES in 2020; and GROUNDED (now WINGSPAN) in 2018.

His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.

His awards include the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; the Sarah Josefa Hale Award; the ANCA Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for THE NIGHT STRANGERS; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for TRANS-SISTER RADIO; a Best Lifestyle Column for “Idyll Banter” from the Vermont Press Association; and the Anahid Literary Award. His short story, SLOT MACHINE FEVER DREAMS was a finalist for Best Short Story from the International Thriller Writers Association and the audio production was an Audie Finalist. His novel, MIDWVES was a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and his novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, was a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences.

He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He was a weekly columnist in Vermont for The Burlington Free Press from 1992 through 2015.

Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College. He has been awarded Honorary Degrees as well from Amherst, Champlain College, and Castleton University.

He lives in Vermont with his wife, the photographer Victoria Blewer.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chris Bohjalian is one of those authors from whom I never know what to expect. I have loved some of his work, I have been indifferent to much of it as well. None of it is terrible, but if it were not for those that shine, I would have deserted him long ago. This one, unfortunately, falls into the “not so good” category for me.

Can’t anyone write a book without an obvious political agenda anymore? Must all the people of the world be either wealthy and corrupt or new-age, tree-hugging and caring. I really do think there is a lot of space between those two and most of us live in it. You can care about the environment and also want jobs and progress, those things are NOT altogether exclusive of one another. Everyone who is building something isn't hating the environment and unconcerned about what he destroys in the process.

As well, the concept is a little difficult for me to grasp onto. The women in this family are dowsers. That isn’t difficult, I believe some people can dowse for water. The part that was difficult was that they seem to have some super-natural ability, so they can dowse for all kinds of things...like bodies, lost people, the right places to build things (a little feng shui vibe), (and how silly is this) the vitamins in the food people eat. They can also divert streams, etc. to make them flow in another direction. All of that just exceeds believability for me. Then there is the daughter, a nine-year old child, and I have a lot of problems with the way she is portrayed in the book. I find the adults irresponsible where she is concerned. Finally, I never connected to a single character...not the kid, not the father and certainly not the new-age aunt. They were as elusive for me as the catamounts of Vermont were for them.

In the beginning, Dad is a bit of a skeptic. As he began to believe more and more, I begin to lose any belief I had started with. I doubted that was an intended result.

So, I am giving this a 2.5 rating and rounding down. Not bad enough to make me bail (which might have something to do with the fact that I just bailed on another book and felt I needed to finish something I started this week), but bad enough to make me wonder if I just read the last Bohjalian I will be willing to buy.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really good book by this author. I learned a lot about environmental issues in the Skiing communities in Vermont and also was very uplifted by the love of the main character for his family and his state. Would definitely recommend.

[Marci carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the whole theme and how it’s applicable today. The need to conserve and utilize resources to preserve. Ending was a great sum up. The whole court case intriguing. Wonderful read.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Bohjalian's books take two or three issues that people tend to have strong opinions about, and somehow make them all come together into one cohesive novel where the issues are not the stars of the story and no bias on his part is revealed, as well as no conclusion provided. The issues are there without being introduced, and the story line does not focus on them, but rather weaves through them. The books are written in a flowing way that draws you in and makes you want to keep reading till the end. I personally enjoy that he and I coincidentally have resided in (or often visited)some of the same towns, which are usually the settings of his novels and always accurately depicted. (Eg. Stowe, VT, Amherst, MA)

The issues in Water Witches: creating jobs through commercial expansion vs. protecting the environment, animals, and resources of the area. Also dowsers, which is where the title comes from.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

How does a prolonged drought affect a small town, its businesses and inhabitants, especially when some of those people have the unique ability to "dowse" for water underground? The title implies a mystical tale, but it's far from that. Instead, it focuses on common people and ordinary problems, moral dilemmas and the sheer impossibility of determining at times what is good for some vs. good for all. Small town politics at its finest! I liked Scott Winston best because I felt he was the most relatable of all the characters in his struggle to do right by himself, his family and community. Really, really enjoy Bohjalian and will be reading more by him.

Perhaps an odd time of year to read this story, with just having had a big snowstorm. Yet it also felt like perfectly the right time, with all the political factors related to the environment right now.

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one of Chris Bohjalian's earlier works, but I could not tell this from reading it. I felt that it was just as good as his more recent works. Set with the backdrop of his typical Vermont beauty, Bohjalian introduces the topic of dowsing (which I had never heard of), which plays a significant role in the lives of all of the characters in the novel. The story has a mixture of mystery and magic and has a great deal of humor throughout.

[Gail Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live in the mountains of northwestern NH, on the border of VT's Northeast Kingdom, where this book takes place. I read Water Witches this past summer, during a summer-into-fall drought nearly as bad as the drought in Landaff, VT where the main characters live. After reading the book, I actually Googled the American Society of Dowsers in Danville VT, trying to find a local dowser in case our well ran dry. All this to say that this book and its story were very real to me, and I lost myself in it pretty quickly. I love Chris Bohjalian's books in general; always interesting characters (often with unusual occupations), and plots that make me think deeply about the moral and ethical issues tackled. This book was no different. As always, I found Bohjalian's female characters strong and well-written; in Water Witches, I loved the bond between the female members of the Avery family, and that the gift of locating water (among other things) had been passed down from one generation to the next, growing stronger with each. Although Midwives is still my favorite book by Bohjalian, I'd recommend Water Witches for anyone who likes books set in northern New England and plots revolving around the moral and ethical issues of finding a balance between environmental and economic concerns in rural areas.

[Trin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why hello, intense '90s Vermont nostalgia!

I lived in Vermont in the '90s, this is set in Vermont in the '90s, and it feels deeply of Vermont in the '90s. This is both good and bad. On the good side, the atmosphere is thick on the page and lovingly portrayed. The characters could easily be people I knew back then, the crotchety weirdos. And this is ultimately a tender, environmentalist narrative that celebrates family and the land.

Bad: wow the '90s hated fat people. And was weirded out by queer people. Yikes. Maybe I don't actually miss the '90s.

But this is still a solid story that at least made me want to spend a few days in the mountains.

[Wendy G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, not much to say about this one. It's about whether or not to use half a mountain in Vermont for a ski mountain addition. Is there enough water in a local river for snow making purposes? What about the catamounts (I had to look this up, so I learned something!)? The end, nothing I would recommend, had it not been an audiobook, I would not have finished.

[cassie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring. Not compelling. Do not recommend.

[Cindra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my fav reads. Read this book after we had to have a well dug on my mother-in-law's farm. When the well company came to give an estimate, they brought this sweet little old man who looked about 100 years old. He walked the property with an L-rod until he ascertained where they should begin the drilling. I was fascinated, and looked for books about dowsing. Since I generally read fiction, I found this book and loved the story. Would recommend it to anyone who is interested in dowsing, New Age, conservation or a good family story.



*****Couldn't sleep and reread this in the wee hours of the morning. Loved it every bit as much the
second time 'round. Has a touch of "into the mystic" and a catamount sighting--gotta love it.

[Elizabeth Vanderesch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprise, surprise, another Bohjalian novel set in Vermont with a trial and a lawyer with a conflict between his job and his conscience, a strong group of women with unusual occupations and an adorable, highly gifted daughter. Hmmm. Why do I keep reading his books? I suppose because he's a really good story teller and in these days of facts and figures and "reality", we all need a good story just for it's own sake.

[Charlene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book for my book club and if it had not been for that I would have stopped reading it. The whole book lacked emotion and a sense of direction. I really couldn't tell you what this book was about and what was accomplished. The female characters could have been so much more than the flat, boring characters that they were.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is about the Bohjalian books in general which I've read. Since Midwives, I keep looking for another good one (I did mildly enjoy Idyll Banter) but...

The Ugly: gah, he has rather yucky (though mercifully brief, I’m able to skip; but also—irrelevant, no plot-advancing need to include them) intimacy scenes, and weird obsessions and wimpy, dishonest men characters.

The Bad: This probably says more about me than the books themselves, but I would not put home-birthing in the same category with homeopathic medicine and water dowsing.

The Good: I do love his women characters, because they are invariably strong, skirts-swishing earth-mothers with productive gardens and quirky opinions which they’re unafraid to air. Maybe the women are the reason I keep going back.

[T. C. C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

First title by Vermont author Chris Bohjalian that I’ve had the opportunity to read. Writing and style are adequate and entirely readable…but there was not much to be inspired about (at least, with this novel). Hum-drum, indifferent, unexciting, unimpressionable…are all words that come to mind after finishing this book. I kept waiting for more magical realism, for more quirkiness, more comedy (maybe?) that never really materialized. I guess I would say that Bohjalian did a good job of inventing the types of characters that populate small-town rural Vermont—some extremely awkward, some particularly disagreeable, some wishing they lived in a place that allowed them to be bigger fish than a small town restricts them from being or becoming. I can’t really say the characters all made me feel comfortable; rather I was glad to have them securely fastened within the paper pages of this book, rather than have had to deal with many of them on a day-to-day basis. More like, many of them are the type of folk that I would avoid contact with or any sort of intentional interaction…but as story characters, they certainly had…personality.

And as for creating a situational plot that caused turmoil among divergent groups in a small town of Vermont, Bohjalian also got this right…but almost too realistically. It was all very technical about the divergent interests between environmentalism and economic progress…so much so that all the detail became rather heavily boring. I know Bohjalian wanted us to feel this conflict between environmental sustainability and corporate interests and the economic impacts they have in a small state like Vermont. But it was kind of like reading the notes from an Alderman’s meeting in the newspaper—you know the issues are important, but we allow those elected aldermen to hash out all the details every week at their meetings BECAUSE WHAT NORMAL PERSON WANTS TO BE CONSUMED BY THE LEGAL INTRICACIES OF MUNICIPAL PROCEDURE AND LAW? It’s not necessarily the stuff made for leisure reading…

The reader comes to understand that the crux of the novel was supposed to come to a head during a public hearing appealing some environmental permits for a ski resort. This public hearing takes place at the State Capital and is meant to have all the heft and weight of a Perry Mason courtroom drama. But it really is just a rehash of arguments that are made throughout the entire book (over and over again), and ultimately proves nothing more than a further hammering-out of character quirks. But there’s no big revelation or “gotcha”-type showdown or plot-busting change during the hearing/trial…it’s just a too long chapter that restates everyone’s points on both sides…and falls like an anti-climactic dud on the reader.

Even the end of the novel, with its quick, too-convenient resolution is anti-climactic, and still refuses to give any sort of proper recognition to the the ‘witchy-woo-woo’ magical realism that this reader was sort of begging for before closing the back cover of the book. Other reviewers have noted Bohjalian’s “hit-or-miss” novels…so, perhaps I need to find another title and give the author another chance. But it seems unfortunate to have started with this simply adequate, lack-luster book as an introduction to his potential talents.

[Watchdogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Water Witches by Chris Bohjalian
First published in 1995 by the University Press of New England. I read a second printing of this edition.

GR blurb -
Vermont is drying up. The normally lush, green countryside is in the grip of the worst drought in years: stunted cornstalks rasp in the hot July breeze, parched vegetable gardens wither and die, the Chittenden River shrinks to a trickle, and the drilling trucks are booked solid as one by one the wells give out. Patience Avery, known nationwide as a gifted "water witch," is having a busy summer, too. Using the tools of the dowser's trade -- divining sticks, metal rods, bobbers, and pendulums -- she can locate, among other things, aquifers deep within the earth. In the midst of this crisis, Scottie Winston lobbies for permits to expand Powder Peak, a local ski area that's his law firm's principal client. As part of the expansion, the resort seeks to draw water for snowmaking from the beleaguered Chittenden, despite opposition from environmentalists who fear that the already weakened river will be damaged beyond repair.
What ensues in Chris Bohjalian's fourth novel is a struggle between conservation and development, rugged tradition versus inevitable progress. But it is also a tale of the clash between science and mystery, a chronicle of one man's transformation from cynic to believer. Vivid with the texture of New England ways, alive with characters both quirky and real, informed by the ongoing, real-life battles between environmentalism and economic expansion in Vermont, Water Witches is a story of ineffable forces, tenuous balances, "and perhaps something about our abilities as a people to heal and forgive and to love."

My thoughts -
For Fathers' Day my adult daughter (also a Library Director) suggested that we do a two-person book club - each read the same book, have a discussion, and then alternately suggest a new title. What a great idea, especially since we were always discussing books and making suggestions to each other. This is our first 'club' book. Before reading the book, I read some of the comments by reviewers who panned this New England set novel.

I think to fully appreciate this 1995 publication you have to experience or at least have an understanding of the New England (in this case Vermont) mindset. There exists an ethos in northern New England which really sets it apart from most other areas. Big oil, coal, mining, big manufacturing, mega farming, and associated enterprises just don't flourish or, for that matter, exist in this part of the country. I think the author has fairly accurately portrayed a possible scenario that might exist here, whereby environmentalists are pitted against a resort seeking expansion. The story feels 'right' for Vermont in the 1990s and the characters are believable. I'm the sort of reader that enjoys most stories that are plausible and well written. This novel by Chris Bohjalian measures up. Now - I need to find out what my daughter has to say.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read (and loved) "Midwives" many years ago and on an earlier trip to the library this summer, I discovered many other books by Chris Bojhalian. Water Witches is my third of his books and I will likely read all of his others! His writing is descriptive (I could feel the dryness of the Vermont drought) and although I knew nothing about dousing before starting this book, I came away with a basic understanding of what it is. The book deals with conflicting interests of environmental conservationists and businesses wishing to expand and create jobs. However, at the core of the book is the story of making a decision and being able to stick with it, despite reservations, as Scottie Winston did when he switched alliances mid-book. This cost his professional life dearly but earned the lifetime trust and admiration of his daughter.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel revolved around dowsing, something I had no prior knowledge about. Dowsing or water witching (hence the name of the novel) is the practice of locating hidden water wells, buried metals, gemstones, or other objects. However, the main theme is honesty. The narrator is a highly paid attorney who is forced to make a drastic decision in order to keep his young daughter's respect. I definitely think Midwives was more entertaining, but this was still a rather interesting book.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read 3 of Chris's other books and I liked all of the others a lot better than this one, but I did enjoy it. I had never even heard of dowsing so the book was interesting. Like his other books you feel like you are learning something while you read the novel. The book is over 10 years old but I thought it came across as even more relevant today since environmental concern is growing.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know how stories are supposed to have the introduction, the rising action, the climax and the closing? This story pretty much doesn't have the middle two parts. Maybe it's because the idea of a drought in a town isn't that exciting to me. It did have the ethical struggle that his other books have, but this one was much less heart-wrenching and kind of un-exciting.

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this. I love this author, but the plot wasn’t quick enough and the characters weren’t compelling enough to keep going.

I did learn a lot about dowsing!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 3.5 stars- which in my rating world means I liked it!!

I have read almost all of Chris Bohjalian's books & he is a favorite author of mine. Somehow I missed this earlier book of his from 1995!
I had this in my hand multiple times over the most month or so but each time I wanted to start it, a library hold would come. So I finally was able to read it. As it is a 30 year old book, I am not going to rehash the entire story.

It did start out slow for me but then I became invested in the story which takes place in VT.

Skiing, drought, progress, right & wrong, dowsers ( which I knew very little about until I read this) ....It ended up being a very good read, & I am glad I read it!

[Adrianna Barkey · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title of this book grabbed my attention, and the description on the cover sounded interesting. The concept of diving and some of the characters could have made Water Witches a great read, but it didn't. While the plot started out on a good note, it quickly became bogged down with the dull discussions of attorneys and redudant information about a fictional Vermont ski resort. On and on it went, but I hung in there hoping a surprise ending would make up for hours of boredom, but no. Instead, the author wrote one of the corniest, most predictable endings I've read in a while. So, unless you're looking for a book that will help you fall asleep at night, I suggest skipping this one.

[Mark Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is pretty early Chris Bohjalian, definitely from before I ran into his work. It's a solid piece of character-driven fiction, and maybe the only book I've read where dowsers played so many of the principle characters. Some interesting twists and turns for the characters living this thing out, and the only reason I don't give it five stars is that it was just a little ho-hum for me, the conflict and excitement didn't really pep it up enough for me.

[S.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I'm thinking that Chris Bohjalian delivers a far better novel when he maintains some simple joy in his prose. In short, he's has been sucked up his own asshole and has forgotten how to write a joyful, lyrical novel. This is far more superior than the silly, overwrought "The Flight Attendant".

[Michele Homiakof · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for summer. Uplifting story about a mans choices as a lawyer/lobbyist and a father. Characters are well developed and endearing. Love this author!

[Lisa Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this book was published over 20 years ago, it was timely. As a native of Massachusetts, the area I live in has been hotter and drier than ever, and our state has had drought or water-restrictions the past few summers.

It did take me awhile to get into this book-- in the beginning I didn't really like any character except for Miranda and Elias. However, as the trial goes the characters begin to grow on me. I'm also a sucker for a happy ending.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novel about people with the ability to find water, people, and other things. A story of family and friends with varying ideas about the environment versus businesses. One of Chris Bohjalian's early books.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not a page-turner. Overall, the story was rather 'flat' and the characters, while likable, never became memorable.

The title attracted me. When I was seven-years-old, our 'elderly' neighbor lady witched our well for us. She immediately became a person-of-interest in my young mind. (Now I realize that she was probably in her 60s at the time.) Over the years, the topic sometimes surfaced and I tried dowsing, getting clear responses with a forked willow branch and with L-shaped metal rods. Repetition always lead to the same spots, even when others dowse the same area. Whatever the explanation, the phenomenon intrigues me. One acquaintance insists that he can locate bodies, human and otherwise. I did watch him locate the burial site of a dog in an unmarked meadow. (The man had buried the dog about ten years earlier and was a disbeliever until he saw the sticks cross in the exact place.) Here, dowsing extends well-beyond the basic concept of water-witching.

The environmental message also rang true. Over the years, I've watched the Winter Park ski area grow from a small family-favorite destination to a sprawling mega-mile disaster. They're continually adding runs, taking water for snow-making, leveling acre-after-acre for parking lots, and jamming in buildings. They claim that they strive for minimal environmental impact, which adds insult to injury.