The Lake's Water is Never Sweet

“Achingly stylish and emotionally resonant, The Lake's Water Is Never Sweet maps the razor's edge between tenderness and violence, revealing how the wounds of social inequality can transform a young woman's yearning for connection into something far more dangerous. This is a stunning and profoundly moving novel from an outrageously gifted writer.”<—Kimberly King Parsons, author of We Were the Universe ""Both harsh and hypnotic, this deeply observed coming-of-age story hinges on two ideas: betrayal by others, betrayal of self. In a series of breathtaking and heartbreaking moments, we watch in what often feels like real time the awakening of a brave girl.""—Betsy Lerner, author of Shred Sisters ""A devastating, tender, utterly beautiful coming-of-age story. I am in awe of Caminito's writing, both unflinching and generous.""—Ayşegül Savaş, author of The Anthropologists< “[Caminito] captures the essence of adolescence with its deep sorrows and radiant joys. She also excels in the ruthless depiction of the social determinisms that stifle dreams and the trajectories of the poorer classes.”—Le Monde “[A] beautiful coming-of-age novel.”—El Mundo “[The Lake’s Water Is Never Sweet] will never let you go.”—Der Spiegel “This new work breathes the same life as [Caminito's] earlier writings, with a sharpness in style that aptly conveys the challenges of growing up—acknowledging true friends over fair-weather ones and finding pride in one’s authentic self.”—L'Express “Giulia Caminito adds her name to the list of talented novelists with a sharp style that recounts the harshness and precariousness of life in neglected neighborhoods, similar to Silvia Avallone or Elena Ferrante.”—La Croix “If the torments of adolescence are universal, the harsh poetry of The Lake’s Water Is Never Sweet gracefully reminds us how it is a unique drama for each individual.”—Lire