Water Memory
Tom Strelich
Black Rose Writing (2025)
ISBN: 978-1685136147
Reviewed by Amanda Caswell for Reader Views
“Water Memory” by Tom Strelich is a genre-defying novel with elements of abstract fiction, satire, and existential reflection. Set in a world where Earth’s magnetic poles have reversed, the novel explores the bizarre consequences of this cosmic event on human memory. It dives into the chaos of a society grappling with forgetting everything it once knew. The novel’s mind-blowing concept is immediately appealing as it draws the reader into a world of the ultimate reset, a metaphorical flashing “12:00 am” moment. The big question of “What would happen if humanity was forced to start over?” is answered throughout this incredible novel.
The story follows Hertell Daggett, a man with a bullet wound in his head, who retains his memories while everyone else gradually loses theirs. This unique twist sets Hertell apart as a sort of reluctant savior, tasked with rebuilding civilization from scratch. The juxtaposition of such a tragic and comic perspective is demonstrated as he navigates through his world. Strelich skillfully uses Hertell’s condition as a metaphor for memory, identity, and the fragile nature of progress. When I say this book is impeccably written, I mean it to my core. The way Strelich balances the tragedy and comedy throughout the novel is truly a work of art.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book is the tone. The novel is at once darkly comedic and profoundly thought-provoking, offering moments of dry humor, even as the author delves into weighty themes like the consequences of forgetting history and the inevitability of human folly. The world Strelich creates feels familiar yet eerily detached, reflecting our present anxieties about technology, memory, and the end of the world as we know it.
Another aspect that I love about this novel is the satirical voice. Strelich has a unique eye for the absurdities of modern life, and his portrayal of a society struggling with a gradual erosion of knowledge is both funny and unsettling. It would be tremendously difficult to digest if it wasn’t so humorous. The quirks of the characters are memorable, with Hertell serving as an everyman figure caught in an extraordinary situation. Strelich’s use of sharp, witty dialogue keeps the reader engaged, even as the plot ventures into philosophical and speculative territory.
The story is a look at the human memory—what we choose to remember, what we forget, and the ways in which our collective history shapes our identity. For readers who love fiction that challenges genre constraints while maintaining a sharp satirical edge, “Water Memory” is a must-read. With Strelich balancing humor with deep, existential questions, this novel proves to be not only thought-provoking but an altogether enjoyable ride. Fans of Kurt Vonnegut or Philip K. Dick will surely enjoy this book.