The Chronology of Water

Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir, The Chronology of Water, is breathtaking.

Written in a fast, driven, voice that also slows down and plays with tempo, The Chronology of Water creates a sense of both urgency and emotional ripeness -- the writer is both compelled to write, and has long considered her words.

The memoir chronicles a number of life issues, from being a competitive swimmer growing up in an emotionally and physically abusive home, to sexual awakenings and finding artistic identity.  But the story is told in such a unique way that it isn't the typical linear confessional narrative memoir. Each chapter is a story of its own, and they come together in a mosaic of experience.

I was riveted throughout, and read the book in practically one sitting, but found the final chapters with the narrator's mother to be particularly moving.

I want to read more by Yuknavitch!