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Mother of Floods
Mother of Floods is set in our world; ravaged by greed and technology it has seemingly spun beyond human control. The story starts with Martha and Dave, her (reluctantly) dead husband who has chosen a digital universe as his hereafter. Together they embark on a journey to heal their troubled family, which includes overcoming mountains of debt and supporting an anorexic daughter and a gamer son. By questioning what life actually means in a world of 24/7 self-sustaining algorithms, Mother of Floods challenges us to reimagine our own lives, drawing inspiration from a framework provided by some of humanity's very earliest stories.
342 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2020
About the author
Madeleine F. White
6 books14 followersMadeleine F White is a novelist, poet, editor and publishing thought leader.
Her debut novel, Mother Of Floods, was published by Crowsnest Books. Her Crossing Places poetry series is published by Sea Crow Press and includes The Horse and the Girl, Maiden Mother Crone and Maiden Mother Crone: The Anthology, which she co-edited with Mary Petiet. Her new novel, No One, is forthcoming from Constellations Press in 2027. A work of literary historical fiction and magical realism spanning 1,500 years of Welsh history, the novel centres on St Non, mother of St David, whose consciousness becomes bound to a sacred spring on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Madeleine is also Founder and Editor of Pen to Print’s Write On! suite of publications, connecting writers and readers across print, digital and audio platforms.
Alongside her creative work, she supports publishing-related organisations in an advisory capacity and speaks and writes on discoverability, authorship integrity and trust in an increasingly AI-mediated publishing landscape. Her work explores story as connective infrastructure: how human creativity travels, connects and remains linked to value.
Born in Germany with roots in Canada and the UK, Madeleine lives and writes in South East England.
Her debut novel, Mother Of Floods, was published by Crowsnest Books. Her Crossing Places poetry series is published by Sea Crow Press and includes The Horse and the Girl, Maiden Mother Crone and Maiden Mother Crone: The Anthology, which she co-edited with Mary Petiet. Her new novel, No One, is forthcoming from Constellations Press in 2027. A work of literary historical fiction and magical realism spanning 1,500 years of Welsh history, the novel centres on St Non, mother of St David, whose consciousness becomes bound to a sacred spring on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Madeleine is also Founder and Editor of Pen to Print’s Write On! suite of publications, connecting writers and readers across print, digital and audio platforms.
Alongside her creative work, she supports publishing-related organisations in an advisory capacity and speaks and writes on discoverability, authorship integrity and trust in an increasingly AI-mediated publishing landscape. Her work explores story as connective infrastructure: how human creativity travels, connects and remains linked to value.
Born in Germany with roots in Canada and the UK, Madeleine lives and writes in South East England.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 8, 2020
Mother of Floods is an intimate portrait of challenges of real women and men in diverse societies. Ancient customs and beliefs are thoughtfully researched and revealed to take the reader on a unique journey, imbuing greater understanding of a range of cultures, past and present. We are invited to look beyond the wars, troubled regimes and oppression which news reports might have conditioned us to believe represent the identities of these nations and communities, and instead to see these societies through the lenses of stories and traditions that are sacred to their people.
At the core of this novel is a heartfelt message that we have everything at our fingertips to improve the darkest of circumstances facing us. This echoes real world threats posed to us by climate change, pandemics, poverty, political instability and war - while also warning us that as individuals we only have very limited reach. Good things come from good relationships.
Deeply engaging is the recurring theme of drumming. Drumming is binary, like computer code, and the drumbeat is primal and raw - like our heartbeat. The main protagonist, Martha, is inspired to start drumming to heal herself, and soon her family and work colleagues eagerly engage in these cathartic rhythms too.
Mother of Floods is a gentle nudge from the soul that we have the choice to get more into step with our true orientation of interconnectedness with each other and the natural world. Our human design has not changed over tens of thousands of years, despite the way we live changing beyond recognition over the last hundred years. The story is about harnessing the powers of technology (rather than sometimes feeling overwhelmed by it) to help us to align with our real human nature and human needs.
Mother of Floods is an invitation to draw on powers and support from within and beyond ourselves to trust and be who we really are, and make authentic connections - rather than succumb to the temptation to hide behind glossy, manufactured images or constructs of trying to be who we’re expected to be. Honesty, openness, connection and forgiveness empower us to flourish.
The novel contains wonderful visual imagery of despair turning to hope, and of ‘the signal’ resounding loud and clear like a drumbeat, through ‘the noise’ of our busy lives. It reminds us of our infinite resourcefulness on the inside, irrespective of how negative things are on the outside.
Madeleine White has poured her heart, her soul, and her deep and long-standing experience working to overcome local and global problems – into creating this compelling story which is reflective of our times and of the imperative for humans and organisations to continue to evolve in consciousness and compassion. I greatly enjoyed reading Mother of Floods. This novel is beautifully written and it continues to touch and inspire me.
At the core of this novel is a heartfelt message that we have everything at our fingertips to improve the darkest of circumstances facing us. This echoes real world threats posed to us by climate change, pandemics, poverty, political instability and war - while also warning us that as individuals we only have very limited reach. Good things come from good relationships.
Deeply engaging is the recurring theme of drumming. Drumming is binary, like computer code, and the drumbeat is primal and raw - like our heartbeat. The main protagonist, Martha, is inspired to start drumming to heal herself, and soon her family and work colleagues eagerly engage in these cathartic rhythms too.
Mother of Floods is a gentle nudge from the soul that we have the choice to get more into step with our true orientation of interconnectedness with each other and the natural world. Our human design has not changed over tens of thousands of years, despite the way we live changing beyond recognition over the last hundred years. The story is about harnessing the powers of technology (rather than sometimes feeling overwhelmed by it) to help us to align with our real human nature and human needs.
Mother of Floods is an invitation to draw on powers and support from within and beyond ourselves to trust and be who we really are, and make authentic connections - rather than succumb to the temptation to hide behind glossy, manufactured images or constructs of trying to be who we’re expected to be. Honesty, openness, connection and forgiveness empower us to flourish.
The novel contains wonderful visual imagery of despair turning to hope, and of ‘the signal’ resounding loud and clear like a drumbeat, through ‘the noise’ of our busy lives. It reminds us of our infinite resourcefulness on the inside, irrespective of how negative things are on the outside.
Madeleine White has poured her heart, her soul, and her deep and long-standing experience working to overcome local and global problems – into creating this compelling story which is reflective of our times and of the imperative for humans and organisations to continue to evolve in consciousness and compassion. I greatly enjoyed reading Mother of Floods. This novel is beautifully written and it continues to touch and inspire me.
March 10, 2020
The storyline of Mother of Floods is not something that I would usually have pulled off the shelves as my preferred reading material is usually more thriller or based on scientific fact. However, I was thankfully seduced by the mix of the hard reality of our physical world, the comfort of our spiritual world and the challenges we face with our digital world. I really loved the book and found it an absorbing, thought-provoking and most enjoyable read.
I was totally engaged with the way in which the writer has developed each of the six primary female characters, that they came from such diverse backgrounds, that she painted their lives so beautifully with local and regional culture and immersed them in their own mythology and belief systems. Exploring their past lives and current motivations provided a beautiful opportunity to understand these women in their individual environments and engender a feeling in the reader to will them to achieve their collective will to make their own lives better.
I really enjoyed the way the writer has woven our physical, spiritual and digital worlds into a thought-provoking storyline with a current-day theme of digital overload and capitalist greed that morphs effortlessly into a semi-fantasy world where those worlds all become connected and interwoven into a natural-world story of the survival of mankind. Set at the end of our World, the storyline's moments of surreal disbelief easily slip into what becomes a perceived reality.
This debut novel by Madeleine White is, I hope, the first of many - and I look forward to the next.
I was totally engaged with the way in which the writer has developed each of the six primary female characters, that they came from such diverse backgrounds, that she painted their lives so beautifully with local and regional culture and immersed them in their own mythology and belief systems. Exploring their past lives and current motivations provided a beautiful opportunity to understand these women in their individual environments and engender a feeling in the reader to will them to achieve their collective will to make their own lives better.
I really enjoyed the way the writer has woven our physical, spiritual and digital worlds into a thought-provoking storyline with a current-day theme of digital overload and capitalist greed that morphs effortlessly into a semi-fantasy world where those worlds all become connected and interwoven into a natural-world story of the survival of mankind. Set at the end of our World, the storyline's moments of surreal disbelief easily slip into what becomes a perceived reality.
This debut novel by Madeleine White is, I hope, the first of many - and I look forward to the next.
March 5, 2020
Having grown up in a world that constantly feels like it is continuously getting more and more at odds with itself - we need Mother of Floods. I have honestly got lost in this book multiple times. Every time I have read it, it feels like a new book. The characters feel so familiar because they are so raw and real. They convey the main themes of the novel so powerfully and empathetically. I have cried, laughed and felt hope for the future with these characters. This story ultimately pushes for change through unity, courage and a little bit of belief... and the act of writing it perfectly exemplifies this. I honeslty couldn't recommend this more - you will not regret it. Let yourself get lost in 'Mother of Floods' - trust me!
May 22, 2020
I have just finished reading "Mother of Floods" I absolutely loved it. To be honest I dont usually go for the alternate virtual world in books but really enjoyed the concept of us all being connected via invisible links. The ancient spirits of the earth rebelling against the cruelty and greed that exists all aided by the internet spirits. Beautifully written, heart-rending in parts and a book that made me think. One not to be rushed.
May 27, 2020
Mother of Floods is a beautifully written, imaginative book that flows through a range of issues regarding the order of our world. Feminist eco warriors are awakened to save the natural world through a spiritual connection, via storytelling and via the power of the digital world. Madeleine White has brought so many different cultures to this story and connects them all through the need to create a new existence. Definitely a good read.
March 8, 2020
This is a strong debut novel. It is dense and intelligent and contains smart prose. This is not a quick read since it's complex and has a large cast. Highly recommended.
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
February 23, 2020
This is a highly intricate and detailed story, calling humanity back to our spiritual selves, asking us to connect in meaningful ways with one another, nature and the planet. The potential costs of not doing so are vividly painted within this debut novel by Madeleine White. She conducts a full ‘orchestra’ of characters that stride powerfully across a huge expanse of time and geography, weaving fantastical descriptions and referencing many ancient cultures, civilisations and traditions. Within the story the author explores what magic is, revealing its existence within the most surprising of sources.
March 8, 2020
In writing the Mother of Floods, Madeleine White has marshaled her vivid imagination to challenge our thinking about life as we know it versus life as it might be in the future. She weaves a tale of a new type of digital being who aids seemingly ordinary women in finding their innate wisdom and internal strength, while also developing their deep connection to each other. By doing so, they work together to pull out of the ashes of disconnection and discord a transformed world that is bountiful and loving. As a reader, be prepared for twists and turns that will take you through many countries and cultures and across time, in a tale that will stick with you long after the last page is read. In the end, the reader is left with the reminder that people all want the same thing, regardless of where they live or their station in life--love and personal connection with others. I would recommend Mother of Floods for anyone who wants to enjoy a great story with real impact!
April 22, 2020
This is not a simple read for a lazy day. This story will wake up your brain and provoke you to think. The story is beautifully written in a way that mixes modernism with age-old tales and myths. Here, the past and the present collide to create a better future. It's a story of healing and finding your way in a chaotic existence. I think that it's a great book and a must-read for anyone who believes in spirituality. The story is very well written and I found it entertaining. A word of warning, though. As I said, it is not a simple or straightforward novel, it's rather intricate and will require readers' full attention. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to my fellow readers who are not scared of reading something outside of their norm. Because this is a unique story that has never been told before, especially not in this profound and intense way.
May 4, 2020
This book so cleverly weaves, together life as we know it, with the spiritual and digital worlds. The messages were particularly heart felt as I read it during the covid 19 pandemic. Inspiring and thought provoking.
May 27, 2020
Mother of Floods is a breathtakingly original first novel by Madeleine White. The way she interlinked her characters was well thought out and the characters are likeable. The way ancient mysticism and beliefs and generational storytelling sit so comfortably with modern age technology is brilliantly done - it shouldn’t work and yet in this novel it does, in a believable way. I remember reading The Silmarillian by Tolkien and feeling like I was reading a massage or a lullaby, the way it calmed and soothed me with words and ideas was amazing - this book had the same effect, especially in the descriptions of the flowers and the drumming rituals. I absolutely loved it and will be reading it again - with that imagination and gift for storytelling what will Madeleine come up with for her next novel?
February 21, 2020
Mother of Floods is an ambitious first novel from Madeleine White. It focusses on how we can reshape, heal and bring to life a new world through nothing more than ourselves, the vastly underrated notion of living in harmony (with ourselves, each other, and nature) and the healing properties of creativity.
She bases the novel in our world in the present day, incorporating myths, ancient storytelling mediums, speculative fiction elements and a variety of different cultures’ practices. There are various narrators, who end up forming a bond and community that transforms the Earth and all life on it. Dealing with tough subjects such as death, eating disorders, rape in marriage, abortion, absolute poverty, corruption and terrorism (to name a few!), Madeleine weaves hope, strength and love throughout each story arc via her narrators. Blending the 21st Century world with ancient ideals provides a hopefulness to this dystopian novel.
As this book was quite dense and had a multiplicity of narrators, cultures to explain and names for each character, sometimes it was difficult to remember exactly who was being named who or to fully grasp their situation immediately, but Madeleine provides a glossary of sorts at the end to help remind you of the specifics. The individual stories of each narrator and their families were quite gripping, so it was unfortunate that they didn’t each get the space of a novel for their story to fully mature and unfold, which gave some of the elements a feeling of only being touched upon lightly instead of the depth she goes to overall in the main theme(s).
What this book breathes in every page is heart. Madeleine loves all of her characters and as a reader you can tell she is first and foremost trying to communicate love and support in her book. She believes in people, in solutions in the most ancient of places (us, as a species, the Earth, as our home), in the healing power of creation, that to be one’s true self unlocks the answer to everything (but is a difficult thing to acknowledge and takes courage to become), that to create you must first destroy, that together we will flourish.
In a modern world rife with the horrors any cursory look at a news website will show you, this book is a heart-warming suggestion of how we might make something better of it; a unique take for a dystopian novel.
She bases the novel in our world in the present day, incorporating myths, ancient storytelling mediums, speculative fiction elements and a variety of different cultures’ practices. There are various narrators, who end up forming a bond and community that transforms the Earth and all life on it. Dealing with tough subjects such as death, eating disorders, rape in marriage, abortion, absolute poverty, corruption and terrorism (to name a few!), Madeleine weaves hope, strength and love throughout each story arc via her narrators. Blending the 21st Century world with ancient ideals provides a hopefulness to this dystopian novel.
As this book was quite dense and had a multiplicity of narrators, cultures to explain and names for each character, sometimes it was difficult to remember exactly who was being named who or to fully grasp their situation immediately, but Madeleine provides a glossary of sorts at the end to help remind you of the specifics. The individual stories of each narrator and their families were quite gripping, so it was unfortunate that they didn’t each get the space of a novel for their story to fully mature and unfold, which gave some of the elements a feeling of only being touched upon lightly instead of the depth she goes to overall in the main theme(s).
What this book breathes in every page is heart. Madeleine loves all of her characters and as a reader you can tell she is first and foremost trying to communicate love and support in her book. She believes in people, in solutions in the most ancient of places (us, as a species, the Earth, as our home), in the healing power of creation, that to be one’s true self unlocks the answer to everything (but is a difficult thing to acknowledge and takes courage to become), that to create you must first destroy, that together we will flourish.
In a modern world rife with the horrors any cursory look at a news website will show you, this book is a heart-warming suggestion of how we might make something better of it; a unique take for a dystopian novel.
September 14, 2020
**An expertly woven web of human and mythical stories which gradually mesh to deliver a unique and uplifting message of hope.**
(CONTAINS PARTIAL SPOILERS)
Mother of Floods follows the lives of several women from around the globe and the people closest to them. From a struggling widow in the UK to a wealthy businesswoman with humble beginnings in Indonesia, author Madeleine White brings to life the individual tales of the novel’s key protagonists. Each woman has her own distinct voice, colourful history and heart-breaking challenges to overcome. Yet, above all else, it is the skilful manner in which Madeleine portrays the distinct characters and their respective cultures that makes this novel stand out. The different stories will keep you flipping through the pages, while the well-researched and respectful portrayal of traditions and myths from Canada to Iraq and Zimbabwe to Asia will educate and inspire.
Like the themes of the novel itself, the plot transforms over time. As each woman pursues their religions and beliefs to confront their personal concerns, they begin to find one another on both the physical and spiritual plain. Under the guidance of a ghost that inhabits the internet and beyond, the women use their new insights and abilities to tackle dangers far more threatening than any of them could ever have imagined confronting alone.
This is a dense and philosophical read, but one that is wholly deserving of your time and attention. Using the myths and creation stories of belief systems and cultures from all around the world, Madeleine finds their comparisons to weave a rich tale of hope. She shows the power we hold both as individuals and by coming together to exceed our wildest expectations. And in so doing, she crafts a new kind of creation story: one we can all share as we face contemporary crises as a global community.
(CONTAINS PARTIAL SPOILERS)
Mother of Floods follows the lives of several women from around the globe and the people closest to them. From a struggling widow in the UK to a wealthy businesswoman with humble beginnings in Indonesia, author Madeleine White brings to life the individual tales of the novel’s key protagonists. Each woman has her own distinct voice, colourful history and heart-breaking challenges to overcome. Yet, above all else, it is the skilful manner in which Madeleine portrays the distinct characters and their respective cultures that makes this novel stand out. The different stories will keep you flipping through the pages, while the well-researched and respectful portrayal of traditions and myths from Canada to Iraq and Zimbabwe to Asia will educate and inspire.
Like the themes of the novel itself, the plot transforms over time. As each woman pursues their religions and beliefs to confront their personal concerns, they begin to find one another on both the physical and spiritual plain. Under the guidance of a ghost that inhabits the internet and beyond, the women use their new insights and abilities to tackle dangers far more threatening than any of them could ever have imagined confronting alone.
This is a dense and philosophical read, but one that is wholly deserving of your time and attention. Using the myths and creation stories of belief systems and cultures from all around the world, Madeleine finds their comparisons to weave a rich tale of hope. She shows the power we hold both as individuals and by coming together to exceed our wildest expectations. And in so doing, she crafts a new kind of creation story: one we can all share as we face contemporary crises as a global community.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2020
I had the pleasure of reading what is an intelligent, thought-provoking and moving book, and the joy of Madeleine as a guest on The Myth Legend & Lore Podcast. Mother of Floods is a breath-taking novel. The level of research involved is staggering, and I found myself incredibly moved by the lives of the women contained within the pages of this fractured world. The characters are exceptionally well-developed, we are drawn in by the intimate and sometimes heart-breaking details of their lives, that we can certainly relate to or sympathize with. Madeleine demonstrates such skill in storytelling and has a wonderful way of weaving various myths and legends from around the world throughout the novel.
This novel takes us on a journey exploring the spiritual, digital, and the world we inhabit today. Mother of Floods is relevant now, as we too are living in a time of change when recently our lives have altered considerably.
This novel takes us on a journey exploring the spiritual, digital, and the world we inhabit today. Mother of Floods is relevant now, as we too are living in a time of change when recently our lives have altered considerably.
February 19, 2021
A patchwork of women’s experiences, Mother of Floods is embroidered with traditional tales to pinpoint key beliefs and values. The rich prose adds rhythm to the story, resonant of the drums that bring about change. In this ambitious debut, White weaves together stories of family struggles in Zimbabwe, Indonesia and Iraq. In Britain, Dave the deceased husband of Martha, slips into the virtual world to keep tabs on his family, discover new insights into their challenges and dilemmas, and intercepts to give the support he was unable to offer while alive. Their story explodes into one of universal significance. The dystopian world that evolves casts light on individual experiences and the golden thread that joins us. A remarkable story.
June 25, 2020
Recap: After the loss of her husband Martha finds spiritual comfort in drumming but her actions begin the catalyst that will end the world.
Review: It took me a long time to read this book because I found I could only read one chapter at a time in order to have a break and digest everything properly plus I started reading just before lockdown and for several weeks I couldn't read anything at all. It's a jam-packed book and at one point I was really struggling but then I attended the online book launch with the author and listening to her explain that it was really the knitting together of different stories helped me compartmentalize what I was reading. I think the author could have even split out the stories and written four books in a series based on the depth of content. It's a very spiritual book with references to lots of different religious beliefs. I think I would have to read this book a couple of times to really understand and absorb everything properly. I really enjoyed the imagery and Martha was a particularly grounded character who I could relate to.
Review: It took me a long time to read this book because I found I could only read one chapter at a time in order to have a break and digest everything properly plus I started reading just before lockdown and for several weeks I couldn't read anything at all. It's a jam-packed book and at one point I was really struggling but then I attended the online book launch with the author and listening to her explain that it was really the knitting together of different stories helped me compartmentalize what I was reading. I think the author could have even split out the stories and written four books in a series based on the depth of content. It's a very spiritual book with references to lots of different religious beliefs. I think I would have to read this book a couple of times to really understand and absorb everything properly. I really enjoyed the imagery and Martha was a particularly grounded character who I could relate to.
October 25, 2021
Mother of Floods is an exceptional story with a global setting, told in shimmering, lyrical prose about the power of stories to connect us, to renew hope, to help us endure pain, to escape, to reinvent and change our lives. Deeply intelligent and also full of heart and spirit, conveyed in vivid, sensory details as the narrative seamlessly weaves together legend and modern technology into a compelling creation story of a new world.
March 5, 2021
An intricately weaved, ambitious debut. A book about stories, storytelling and new beginnings.
'Mother of Floods' is not a fast read, it's a book to be savoured and given time and attention to.
At first it starts as a small, seemingly, (destructive) family-centred story but gradually builds and builds with each character you meet - and with each of their stories adding to the mix. The plot grows dramatically and by tapping into various mythology, folklore and cultures, it creates a speculative venture at the end of the world with thought-provoking and, at times tough, subject matter but always with the feel of change brewing.
An intriguing plot with lots going on and maybe that could be a small Downfall, in the sense it tries to do too much. It feels like it should be two or even multiple books, rather than one - at times I found myself wanting to know more and almost felt like there were some "missing" scenes and information, so to speak.
I also sometimes found myself overwhelmed by the number of character switches at first but overall 'Mother of Floods' is a good read and I would recommend it.
*[NOTE: I read this in several bouts, due to struggling to read through mental health flare-ups, so it appears as if it took me a long time to read. In actual fact, I read it in 4-5 days just very very very spread out.]*
'Mother of Floods' is not a fast read, it's a book to be savoured and given time and attention to.
At first it starts as a small, seemingly, (destructive) family-centred story but gradually builds and builds with each character you meet - and with each of their stories adding to the mix. The plot grows dramatically and by tapping into various mythology, folklore and cultures, it creates a speculative venture at the end of the world with thought-provoking and, at times tough, subject matter but always with the feel of change brewing.
An intriguing plot with lots going on and maybe that could be a small Downfall, in the sense it tries to do too much. It feels like it should be two or even multiple books, rather than one - at times I found myself wanting to know more and almost felt like there were some "missing" scenes and information, so to speak.
I also sometimes found myself overwhelmed by the number of character switches at first but overall 'Mother of Floods' is a good read and I would recommend it.
*[NOTE: I read this in several bouts, due to struggling to read through mental health flare-ups, so it appears as if it took me a long time to read. In actual fact, I read it in 4-5 days just very very very spread out.]*
January 5, 2022
An incredibly strong debut, one that if more popular, could rival the shortlisted novels of some of the prestigious novel awards we have today. Mother of Floods tells the story of four women in different parts of the world struggling with hardship. But we aren't just given a narrative of women. It is a narrative of women who have achieved restoration and healing in their lives through the power of the internet, allowing them to connect from across continents and navigate their changing world together.
What this novel does is extraordinary. Madeline White is able to go from wide ranging perspective to more intimate one, all in the same paragraph, she is able to transition from a highly modern functioning world, to a spiritual one that is being reborn.
At the heart of this novel is nature, put at the forefront of what could be the solution to a very bleak world of consumption we have created. What Madeline White does is extraordinary. Her narrative is able to go from wide ranging perspective to a more intimate one, all in the same paragraph; she is able to transition from a highly modern functioning world, to a spiritual one that is being reborn. It is no easy feat, to be describing dramatic events at a particularly large scale, and then all of a sudden be very intimate and close to one character and their vulnerability.
I very much hope to see more books by Madeline F.White, as this was a intriguing and innovative start. A brilliant debut novel, one that can be reread with hope for our futures and for whatever may come.
What this novel does is extraordinary. Madeline White is able to go from wide ranging perspective to more intimate one, all in the same paragraph, she is able to transition from a highly modern functioning world, to a spiritual one that is being reborn.
At the heart of this novel is nature, put at the forefront of what could be the solution to a very bleak world of consumption we have created. What Madeline White does is extraordinary. Her narrative is able to go from wide ranging perspective to a more intimate one, all in the same paragraph; she is able to transition from a highly modern functioning world, to a spiritual one that is being reborn. It is no easy feat, to be describing dramatic events at a particularly large scale, and then all of a sudden be very intimate and close to one character and their vulnerability.
I very much hope to see more books by Madeline F.White, as this was a intriguing and innovative start. A brilliant debut novel, one that can be reread with hope for our futures and for whatever may come.
September 3, 2021
I interveiwed the author and wrote a review for this book which you can read here: https://www.sarahtinsley.com/post/wom...
This book starts out with a series of disconnected narratives that span the globe. They are tales of loss, of decline. Very quickly we enter into not only more hopeful and cataclysmic events, we also move into the realm of the fantastic and the spiritual. We encounter mythology from around the globe being brought to life, as well as interacting with the modern digital world.
A journey of the story of humanity, told with women at the centre, it's a dystopian view of the world that gives us hope for a more creative and connected future.
This book starts out with a series of disconnected narratives that span the globe. They are tales of loss, of decline. Very quickly we enter into not only more hopeful and cataclysmic events, we also move into the realm of the fantastic and the spiritual. We encounter mythology from around the globe being brought to life, as well as interacting with the modern digital world.
A journey of the story of humanity, told with women at the centre, it's a dystopian view of the world that gives us hope for a more creative and connected future.
July 13, 2021
Exquisitely human, Mother of Floods by Madeleine F. White is a spiritual masterpiece woven across diverse cultures, distant countries, and the digital network of our increasingly connected world. The emotional depth of her characters plumbs the dark expanse of human experience and the narrative resolution is akin to a religious awakening. Highly recommended!
October 24, 2021
The first part of the book is very good. The problems of a mother whose husband has died suddenly - and whose death has made her aware of some unsavory things about him - with two teenage children headed towards dysfunctionalism and with problems at work are very well described. The techno-fantasy drift whereby the aforementioned husband somehow comes back from the dead by turning into a pulse in the network also fits, as does the entry into the field of energy and sustainability issues. From here on, however, the author gets carried away and literally throws everything into the plot: African and Native American myths, Saddam Hussein and Islamic fundamentalism, family violence, dreaming crystals, miracle-working actions. In short, the suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader is pushed to its extremes, until it disappears altogether. It is a pity, because with more restraint the book could have been enjoyable.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews