Watershed

by Percival Everett
Watershed cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1088
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-09-26
  • ISBN: 9781035087051
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2025-08-28
  • Formats: 28
  • Reviews: 3
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Paperback • £15.99
Bookshop
Format • £15.19

In Watershed, Percival Everett, celebrated for his sharp satire and philosophical depth, explores the complex relationship between Native American activists and Black Panther groups during the Civil Rights movement. The story unfolds on a windswept landscape north of Denver, where hydrologist Robert Hawks becomes entangled in a fight over Native American treaty rights, leading to a series of events that culminate in murder and the exposure of government secrets. Everett's narrative is a powerful examination of shared struggles and the consequences of resistance. Part of the Picador Collection, this novel showcases Everett's mastery of modern literature, blending historical context with a compelling plot. The book is a testament to Everett's ability to tackle pressing social issues with nuance and insight, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and historical drama.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-09-25
positive 4.00

The book is described as a classic of politics, murder, and espionage, set in a windswept landscape north of Denver. It is praised for its engaging narrative and relevant themes.

Goodreads reviewers seem to appreciate 'Watershed' as a classic in the genres of politics, murder, and espionage. Set against a vivid backdrop, the novel is noted for its engaging narrative and relevant themes. The setting and the story's intertwining elements create a compelling read that resonates with readers. While the plot summary hints at the book's appeal, the overall sentiment suggests a positive reception, with readers finding the story both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    A classic of politics, murder, and espionage.

    On a windswept landscape somewhere north of Denver, Robert Hawks, a feisty and dangerously curious hydrologist, finds himself enmeshed in a fight over Native American rights.

    The novel is praised for its engaging narrative and relevant themes.

Kirkus Reviews · 2025-09-25
mixed 2.50

The review acknowledges nice touches of humor and humanity but finds the overall narrative lacking in breathtaking moments. The main character's transformation is seen as low-key and underwhelming.

The reviewer from Kirkus Reviews appreciates the humor and essential humanity present in 'Watershed', but they feel the novel falls short in delivering truly breathtaking moments. They find the main character's transformation to be understated and not particularly impactful. While there are elements of the story that resonate, the reviewer seems to expect more depth and excitement from the narrative. Overall, they view the book as a solid but not outstanding addition to Everett's work.

Quick quotes

    Some nice touches of humor and essential humanity, but the ground covered here has few breathtaking vistas.

    The main character's low-key transformation fails to leave a lasting impression.

    The novel falls short in delivering truly breathtaking moments.

Do Some Damage · 2024-05-14
engaging 4.50

The novel is praised for its intense pleasure and gripping narrative, appealing to those who prefer concise storytelling over maximalist approaches. It is noted for its engaging and thoughtful exploration of political and personal themes.

This reviewer clearly enjoys the compact yet powerful storytelling of 'Watershed', finding it intensely pleasurable and gripping. They appreciate how the novel delves into political and personal themes with a thoughtful and engaging approach. The reviewer's preference for compression over maximalism suggests they value the book's concise and impactful narrative style. They highlight the novel's ability to captivate readers while exploring complex themes in a way that feels both relevant and profound.

Quick quotes

    As someone who tends to favor compression over the maximalist approach, I found the novel an intensely pleasurable read.

    The novel delves into political and personal themes with a thoughtful and engaging approach.

    Watershed captivates readers while exploring complex themes in a way that feels both relevant and profound.

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