I thought the writing was immediately engaging, action mixed with poetic introspection. I felt invested in the characters within the first few pages. The horrific situations created both by climate catastrophe and the complete breakdown in society were believable to me (as an ex-New Yorker) and consequently scary. I enjoyed the ending and will recommend to any reader interested in cli-fi.

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall is a science fiction novel that unfortunately didn’t resonate with me. While I’ve always been intrigued by the genre, I find that for science fiction to capture my attention, it needs to be truly exceptional. Unfortunately, this novel did not meet those expectations.

The book's pacing felt slow, and the plot seemed to meander without clear direction. The narrative often repeated descriptions of the surroundings and events, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. The protagonist’s grief over the loss of her mother and her unique connection to water were central themes, but I felt that these aspects were emphasized to the point of redundancy. I struggled to find much progression in the story.

There were also a number of plot holes that I couldn’t overlook. I found myself questioning the logic of certain elements, and these inconsistencies made it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the world the author created.

I listened to the audiobook version, which was narrated quite slowly. I’d recommend bumping up the speed to at least 1.5x or 2x to maintain a more comfortable pace. While I appreciate the effort put into the narration, the slow pace of both the storytelling and the delivery made the experience less enjoyable for me.

That said, All the Water in the World may appeal to readers who are passionate about climate change and its potential future impacts. If you’re a fan of sci-fi, particularly with a focus on environmental themes, you might find more to appreciate here than I did. However, if you’re not a fan of the genre, it might be best to stick with what you know and enjoy.

3 stars

The end of the world is coming, and for the characters in this book, the reminders of that are in every part of their challenging existences. The glaciers have melted, there are furious storms, and supplies and humanity are limited. What are a young girl and her remaining family to do in an environment like this?

Nonie, the m.c., her older sister (Bix), and added family, friends, and various new characters highlight the horrors of this existence. This is speculative and it has some great ecological perspectives and commentary in the setting alone. However, for me, it is too slow moving. I wished for faster pacing frequently. There are some memorable scenes (some of which require content warnings - young girls/women without constant supervision and protection? You can guess where this is likely going). There are also a lot of slow, sad memories, meditations, and losses.

While this didn't quite work for me, the writing is lovely and I'm confident there are many reading groups who will love this. I absolutely anticipate recommending this one more based on readers' interests than my own taste.

Dnf at 8%

I've realized that I shouldn't waste my time on books that I'm not enjoying. I'm not a fan of the narrator's voice. The premise of this story does sound interesting, though.

Very thankful that I got the arc 🫶🏼

Set in a post-apocalyptic world destroyed by climate change, All the Water in the World, is about a family struggling to not only survive but also to preserve as many artifacts and the knowledge in the Museum of Natural History in New York City as possible. Living on the roof of the museum with others, they know the water will continue to rise and they will have to leave eventually. But the group tries to eke out a living from their garden in Central Park and what can be scavenged and hunted. Disease is rampant among the survivors and medications are few.

The group's numbers have decreased to only Noni, her sister, her father, and one friend/co-worker when the mega-storm hits and they are forced to flee in an old Native American canoe they've tried to prepare for the journey. While they find some help and survivors along the way, there are also perils from the weather, the wildlife, and other survivors. When the girls' father is killed, they continue on, trying to get to the family's farm inland, It isn't an easy journey and Noni valiantly tries to protect the catalog of information about the materials they all tried to save and the knowledge they don't want lost.

It's a thoughtful look at frightening possibilities for the future, further fractures of society, and how people might cope. Author Eiren Caffall, inspired by curators of museums decimated by war in Iraq and other locations, has chosen a focus topic that not many consider--saving history. Narrator Eunice Wong authentically voices Noni, the main character.

Recommended for those who like Brin's The Postman or even Pfeffer's Life as We Knew It--possible apocalypse-possible fiction, if we want to invent a new genre.

A very intriguing story, had me hooked from start to finish. I enjoyed the perspective from a young girl’s point of view, it put the tragedy of the situation into a different perspective that really made me empathize with her. The story kind of reminded me of “I who have never known men” in the context of a young girl growing up in a dystopian society and I loved it! Would definitely recommend giving it a read!

I liked the premise of this book and am always drawn to dystopians. The author is excellent at describing the settings, and I appreciate that the initial setting is somewhere familiar. While the atmosphere was wonderful, I did find the plot slow, BUT I also think that is a more realistic version of how the events that take place would actually unfold if it was a truthful account and not fiction. Our day to day lives are BORING. I don't think this book was a "thriller" as we have come to expect books with that label to be, but how else would it be categorized? Maybe a "thrilling drama" or "climate thriller"? The story is about survivors vs the world more than it is people vs people, so it isn't your average story.

I listened to the audiobook. The narration was great. I think I enjoyed the story more because of the narrator.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

In this captivating dystopian novel, we encounter Nonie Mayo, a truly unique child with an extraordinary affinity for water. The world as we know it has vanished, and history reveals humanity’s desperate attempts to preserve replicas during catastrophic events. This gripping tale centers around Nonie, her father, and sister, as well as a researcher, all driven by an unwavering determination to prevent their lives and histories from being erased forever.

The world is plagued by relentless storms, known as hypercanes, which wreak havoc and cause widespread devastation. The polar ice caps are melting, and Nonie possesses an uncanny ability to sense impending danger, yet lives continue to be lost as people descend into a state of utter panic and uncertainty. Anarchy and violence reign supreme, creating a chaotic and dangerous landscape.

As the story unfolds, a small group of survivors finds refuge on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History, referred to as “Amen” within the narrative. I was captivated by the unique perspective from which the story is told, which at times reminded me of a well-crafted YA novel with a dystopian twist. However, beware, this is no ordinary tale.

Eiran Caffall’s magnificent book delves into a multitude of profound themes. Not only do the storms and subsequent loss of life result in mass casualties, but the desperation of a specific virus, coupled with the willingness of individuals to resort to any means necessary to survive, adds another layer of tension and complexity to the narrative. Moreover, the pervasive presence of violence, coupled with the absence of any effective authority, underscores the profound transformation of civilization as we know it, leaving our characters in a desperate struggle for their very existence.

From the very first page, I was captivated by this captivating story and felt the palpable desperation of Nonie and her family. Honestly, the thought of a similar scenario unfolding in my lifetime sent shivers down my spine. Considering that I had this novel as an audiobook, expertly narrated by Eunice Wong, only heightened my appreciation for this fabulous story.

All the Water in the World is an exceptional read that I wholeheartedly recommend. I envision this book sparking long and thought-provoking discussions within book clubs, as readers grapple with its profound themes and implications.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

When you live in a world dictated by hypercanes, being able to sense when it is going to rain and how much is a good skill to have. Nonie can do just that. After her family fled the AMNH to make a trek to the family farm, Nonie's ability is most likely what kept them alive for so long. Having a warning system for severe storms saves lives. Nonie and Bix are sisters who are travelling with their father and another man, Keller. Nonie and Keller play a fun game of naming clues about a species while the other tries to guess the species. It brought a lightness to an otherwise dark dystopian novel. I really enjoyed this book. The writing was very good and the character development was great. I felt like I was rooting for Nonie the entire time. The narrator was very good to and added to the story rather than distracted from it. Thank you MacMillan Audio and Net Galley for this advanced copy!

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall is a riveting look into an apocalyptic future that could become a reality. Climate change has resulted in massive hurricanes, rising oceans, and hotter weather. This follows a girl who grew up attempting to preserve the history of a museum and now has to struggle to preserve life.

This is a deep story with found family and human nature. What might happen in our future. While there are struggles throughout, I loved how there was hope for the future. Being told from a child's standpoint really connected for me when the worst occurred. I would recommend this book!

Engaging and immersive. A recommended first purchase for collections where literary dystopian is popular.

While establishing its own distinct voice, this beautiful novel stands alongside works in the canon of Emily St. John Mandel and Sequoia Nagamatsu's "How High We Go In the Dark." The narrative shares particularly striking similarities with "Station Eleven," as though existing within the same literary universe. The writing flourishes with poetic intensity, though the audiobook format, while compelling, may not fully capture the raw power of the written text.

The world-building achieves remarkable depth, particularly noteworthy given the challenge of constructing a post-apocalyptic landscape from the remnants of contemporary society. The protagonist's keen observations drive the narrative, surrounded by compelling, authentically rendered characters. Strong momentum propels the story forward through carefully crafted mysteries and revelations, while conflicts emerge organically from both environmental and human sources.

The novel serves as a powerful testament to the effects of climate change without becoming didactic. It masterfully reminds readers of water's destructive potential and highlights the challenge of preserving historical memory in times of widespread destruction. This visually rich narrative offers both an engaging reading experience and the potential to deepen readers' empathy toward the environment and its inhabitants. With its compelling blend of poetic prose, environmental consciousness, and human drama, this novel stands as a remarkable achievement in contemporary literary fiction.

“All the Water in the World” initially grabbed my interest with a unique post-apocalyptic vibe, but fell flat throughout. Slow to medium pace with nothing big to drive the plot in any exciting direction to earn its “thriller” tag.

The MFC was quirky and endearing, and supporting characters had the makings of something better, but needed to be fleshed out a bit more. Writing itself is strong, just needed more oomph to the plot.

A+ for the narrator, Eunice Wong. Pacing and vocals were strong. Overall, 3.5 stars. Interesting and unique, but could have been stronger. If you like post-apocalyptic stories, “All the Water in the World” brings a creative voice, just without some of the thrill and tension its rival’s provide.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for this advanced digital and audio copy.

I was very excited to receive an early copy of the audiobook after this was recommended by one of my good friends. I really enjoyed this one - I loved the characters and the writing.

I love Eunice Wong as a narrator and have listened to many narrated by her -- I'm always excited when I see her name on an audiobook! She was really delightful narrating this book as well.

I loved all the New York settings and love hearing about places and scenes I can picture so vividly. Eiren Caffall's writing was so descriptive, I could feel the tension and fear the characters were experiencing.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys dystopian books -- this one didn't feel so far off. I am really excited to check out more by Eiren Caffall in the future!

This is the third book I've read this year about a teenager/preteen girl in a not so distant future with rising water -- and interesting and depressing theme!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

Nonie and her family have made a refuge on the top of the American Museum of National History in New York City after the vast majority of the world is now underwater. The glaciers have melted, creating a new survivalist world full of turbulent storms. When a superstorm hits, Nonie and her family must take to the river to try and make it to a family farm, where they think they will be safe.

This book reminded me of The Road by Cormac McCarthy in some ways as a parent is trying to save a child in the dystopian world. The book is told from Nonie’s POV, and she is very loveable in that she is so tenacious. This book was very cinematic, I can totally see it becoming a movie. I loved the cast of characters and the world that Caffall created. The ending was not my favourite, but it still left me satisfied. The first page takes off running and it was very hard to put down!

You like reading about life post-apocalypse? How about a double apocalypse?

Nonie is born after the end of the world as we know it. Weather patterns have changed, and the water levels have risen. Which has led, apparently, to the downfall of civilization. Her parents decided to stay in New York City (somehow there were flood gates installed...all around Manhattan, to keep it mostly unflooded?), and they lived and worked at the American Museum of Natural History (what they would come to call the Amen) to preserve human knowledge during this time of reckoning. But then a hypercane comes and destroys what very little was left of the museum, and the survivors must try to get out of the city to (relative) safety.

This one takes a big suspension of disbelief, and to be honest, I wasn't quite there. Hypercanes are a theoretical caliber of storm - you can look them up - and from what I've read, it doesn't really seem to fit into the narrative the author weaves here. The fallout of a storm like that would be far more widespread than she seemed to account for. Already I was stretched thin being asked to believe rising sea levels would have destroyed all civil and federal order (I guess the spread of disease was also a big factor, but still), and this theoretical storm was a little too much for me. I literally don't believe a world like this is possible the way it is implied (but I get it is fun to imagine). There would obviously be issues around the modern coastline but...um, there's a lot more world out there than that (seriously though, there are more museums in the world, why didn't they just move inland)? Not to mention it's essentially impossible for ALL the ice to melt. I feel like readers have a high probability of misunderstanding the real world because of this book, and I don't like that.

However, it is full of little philosophical snapshots and provokes deeper thinking about human concepts, which I could appreciate. Nonie's parents were intellectuals and had dedicated their entire lives to preserving as much history and human knowledge as they could. They sacrificed the chance at an easier life to this end and were raising their girls to carry forward as much knowledge as possible, too. Once they leave the Amen, there are the studies of base human nature in the encounters they have with others, which, really, is why we love reading post-apocalyptic fiction, right? We see humanity in its rawest form. On the positive end of the spectrum, our ability to bond to one another and cooperate, and on the other, what a thin line stands between civilization and becoming wild again.

In many ways it reminded me of Margaret Atwood's MaddAdam trilogy (which is wonderful), I just wish it had stronger legs to stand on so I could better immerse myself.

I was provided an advanced copy of this audiobook through the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

All the Water in the World was a scary look at a future in which global warming finally takes its anger out on the world. It had the potential to be a wonderful and expansive journey. It meandered instead of ran. There was no sense of anxiety or danger in the situations the characters continued to find themselves in. It read more like a textbook than a novel in several places. I did not find the characters to be interesting or even realistic. Often they were almost robotic. I enjoyed how the author described the world of the future but didn't connect with the book.

The newest flooded-world entry in the climate fiction genre! Much like, After the Flood by Kassandra Montag, we follow young women maneuverer the dangerous new oceans as they search for home. In After the Flood it's a mother in search of her lost daughters, and in All the Water in the World, it is a young girl searching for her deceased mother's home.

I really dug the concept of All the Water in the World! As a librarian, I'm always fascinated by stories that revolve around preserving of history and the lengths people will go to keep knowledge alive (think Nuclear Semiotics or The Golden Record). And that was a really cool part of the novel- until the concept was abandoned almost entirely during the initial scene.

Most of the plot was: Go to point A -> someone gets hurt -> go to point B for antibiotics -> someone else gets hurt -> rinse and repeat.

The story was a bit dragging with some interesting musings from our young narrator. And ending felt completely rushed in a not-epilogue- It wasn't fleshed out and didn't feel earned I'm afraid.

I did enjoy the history lessons of the curators in Iraq and Leningrad, and the weaving of Indigenous history as our crew navigated their world. Nonie, our autistic child protagonist, and her sister Biz are great and complex characters who sort of remember the world "as it was", but not enough that they can't adapt to this new world. Like, how I technically remember a time before 9/11, but my post-9/11 life is much more impactful on who I am as a person.

I will probably recommend to readers who like After the Flood, and any Emily St. John Mandel-, but they haven't been exactly my cup of tea.

The audiobook was Eunice Wong who I have listened to a few times! Her narration voice was a little quiet and I had a hard time hearing her if I wasn't alone in a quiet room.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall takes place in the future where all the climate-change warnings were ignored and the effects of that broke down an already stressed and over-taxed society.

With rising temperatures came the "Mosquito Borne" - a fever caused by the influx of year round warmth and mosquitoes causing the death of more people than wars. The rising temps also led to famine and water shortages. Then normal storms such as hurricanes became hypercanes, wiping out complete coastal areas allowing the ever rising ocean to eat up land. Because of these factors, people sought shelter high up, on building tops.

The story surrounds a small group of people sheltering on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History (pronounced "Amen" in the audio book). The people include the main character Nonie, her sister and her parents and some scientists/researchers. The group wants to record and save what they can filling log books out for the future.

The story is told from Nonie's perspective which was powerful and unique. She has a strong connection to the water and can predict when storms are approaching - a useful trait to have in a world surrounded by water! The story also alternates from the past to the present, allowing readers to understand what the group has endured leading up to where the story starts.

The book has an obvious serious tone and one that makes you feel the stress and exhaustion of the characters. Numerous times I found myself picturing scenes from The Walking Dead while I was reading this... without the zombies, of course! But similar to the TV show, families are formed by the people you learn to trust and rely on; people do things they never would have done in a civilized world to get the resources and supplies they need for themselves or their group; and sadly, true family members and group members die during the journey to find higher group.

This was a four star read for me and one I think many, many people will love! It is scheduled to publish January 7th so if this sounds right up your alley, I recommend pre-ordering a copy now!

It’s the near future in New York City. The latest hypercane storm finally defeats the retention walls that have kept the city from flooding. Now they’re gone and the few remaining New Yorkers who were surviving on the roof of the Museum of Natural History must take the canoe from an old Native American diorama and head north in search of dry land. This is the story of Nonie and her family as they make their way north to find a place to live. It’s a dangerous journey in a time when some survivors have created new communities (as Nonie’s family did at the Museum) that sometimes welcome and sometimes shun outsiders. It’s about people helping each other, what family means, and how we might go on living amid the chaos and infrastructure collapse that climate change is bringing.
The writing is evocative and the story kept me engaged. As dystopian novels go, this one has a hopeful side. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes. Publication date: Jan 7, 2025.