I love fictional books that illuminate forgotten moments in history. I find that novels can be an excellent entry point for discussing themes and issues that may not be easily achieved in a historical account where the individuality and character of the participants might otherwise be inaccessible due to available documentation and records. Clouds without Water is a creative attempt to capture the excesses of fatalism and religious fervor in a small community, focusing on the costs to someone who questions the legitimacy of such teachings.

Clouds without Water is based on the Millerite Movement that began in New York. Based on the prophesies of William Miller, Millerites believed in the upcoming reappearance of Jesus Christ. This movement occurred during the Second Great Awakening, a period in 1830s American history characterized by religious fervor and charismatic leaders. Joseph Smith, also from New York, eventually became the most famous leader to emerge from this period, and his disciples ultimately formed the Church of Latter Day Saints that remains very active in the 21st century.

Clouds without Water is a fictionalized account of a community consumed with a passion and enthusiasm for the teachings and proclamations of Reverend William Miller. Henry Smith, a widower and father, does not believe in the accuracy of Reverend Miller's teachings and quickly finds himself navigating a tricky social landscape. The book raises interesting questions about the cost one pays for being different and the collateral damage of disagreements in illogical circumstances. Overall, the book attempts to wrestle with contemporary issues--conspiracies and collective hysteria-- through a historical context. It's an uneven attempt and, intermittently, overly verbose, but tackles challenging material within a unique historical narrative.

Clouds Without Water is not a book I would typically gravitate towards or seek out, however I am glad I happened across it. It was definitely an interesting commentary on mass hysteria and the consequences of blind faith (religious or otherwise) on a community. Given the current "post"-pandemic era we're in, a lot of the plot felt very relevant and relatable.

I wish the characters were a bit more substantial and held a bit more weight in the context of the story, they were interesting and I just found myself wanting to know more about them and their beliefs/values. There was a chapter in part two that just felt like a short story summary of the whole book which made everything before it feel a bit redundant, almost as if the book should have started there.

Often I find myself stuck in a rut with genre's and this was definitely a good circuit breaker. The writing was pretty immersive and I found it overall an easy, enjoyable and interesting read. I also found the entire story to be a good opportunity to reflect on the last few years and the affect mis-information and baseless claims combined with public fear, have had on our communities.

I spent the entire day listening to this because I just couldn't stop! the narrator is engaging and interesting and the actual plot is SO GOOD. this is the first time I've read a book with such a unique plot and I really really enjoyed it