Water Song by Suzanne Weyn

Weyn, Suzanne. Water Song. New York: Simon Pulse, 2006.

The war has trapped Emma Winthrop on her family estate in Belgium. She rescues Jack from her well. He’s been injured by chlorine gas. No sooner than she saves him than German troops commandeer her home. To protect herself and Jack (an American fighting for the British), Emma tells the Germans that they are married. Jack and Emma have an uneasy relationship. She’s disgusted by his disfigured looks and looks down on him. He’s enchanted by her beauty and just wants a kiss. The precarious nature of their situation draws them closer. They both want to aid the Allied cause and escape their confinement. Jack’s special, you might even say magical, way with water is a great help.

What I thought: What depth Weyn gives to the classic fairy tale “The Frog Prince.” Emma is more than a silly princess. Jack is certainly not a frog though Emma thinks he looks like one when he’s injured. The World War I setting is wonderful. This book is a fairy tale, a fantasy, and historical fiction all at the same time.