Celebrated Finnish writer Itäranta’s second novel…is a finely crafted fantasy tale that seamlessly blends a coming-of-age story with high-stakes intrigue and danger…Itäranta writes engagingly, displaying her setting and atypical characters in full color. Both seasoned readers of fantasy and newcomers to the genre will savor Itäranta’s captivating fiction. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Itäranta’s lyrical style makes this dystopian tale a beautiful exploration of environmental ethics and the power of ritual.” — Washington Post Book World on MEMORY OF WATER
“An exceptionally fine debut novel in which all elements come together in a controlled and well-considered manner. At the same time, the novel is fascinating and addictive.” — Turun Sanomat - Finland newspaper
“[Memory of Water] is simultaneously a coming-of-age story, a fantastic adventure, and a bold warning about a future that is all too real.” — Portland Book Review on MEMORY OF WATER
“Where Itäranta shines is in her rejection of conventional plots and in her understated but compelling characters. The work is a deceptively tranquil examination of a world of dust and ashes where the tenacious weed of hope still survives.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) on MEMORY OF WATER
“The writing is gorgeous and delicate in this dystopian award-winning debut, which is unique in both its setting and the small scale that Finnish author Itäranta employs.” — Library Journal (starred review) on Memory of Water