Watershed

by Percival Everett
Watershed cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £15.99
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Format • £15.19
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Technical
  • ID: 1088
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781035087051
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2025-08-28
  • Formats: 39
  • Reviews: 4

In Watershed, Percival Everett, renowned for his sharp satire and philosophical depth, explores the complex relationship between Native American activists and Black Panther groups during the 1960s 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 reveal shocking government secrets and culminate in murder. Everett's narrative is a powerful examination of the shared struggles and alliances between different marginalized groups, set against the backdrop of a contentious historical period. The novel is part of the Picador Collection, celebrating fifty years of exceptional literature, and showcases Everett's mastery of blending social commentary with compelling storytelling.

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.

The Book Marque · 2017-09-17
engaging 4.00

The text is described as straightforward narrative, blending reminiscence and real-time happenings, making it an engaging read.

The reviewer from The Book Marque finds the novel to be a straightforward narrative that effectively blends reminiscence with real-time events. This blend creates an engaging reading experience, as the story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader interested. The reviewer appreciates the balance between past and present, which adds depth to the characters and the plot. Overall, they find the novel to be a compelling and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    Most of the text is straightforward narrative; one part reminiscence and one part real-time happenings.

    The blend of reminiscence and real-time events creates an engaging reading experience.

    The balance between past and present adds depth to the characters and the plot.

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