P
Paolo Bacigalupi
American science fiction and fantasy writer
The Water Knife
Synopsis
In a future America ravaged by drought, water is the ultimate currency and control. A hardened mercenary, a desperate woman, and a cunning spy are drawn into a deadly conflict over the last remaining water sources. Their paths collide in a desperate fight for survival in a world where trust is a luxury no one can afford.
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Characters
Frequently asked questions
Is this book based on real-world events or research?
The narrative is heavily informed by the author's background in reporting on Western water politics and was specifically inspired by the non-fiction book Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner, which characters in the story cite as a prophetic text. The author also drew from his observations of real-world water management and drought conditions in the American Southwest.
Does this story connect to the author's other novels?
While the book shares thematic concerns with the author's previous works regarding climate change and resource exploitation, it functions as a standalone story rather than a direct sequel or part of a series.
What is the origin of the story's concept?
The novel was developed from the author's earlier short story titled The Tamarisk Hunter, which was first published in the magazine High Country News.