Lindsay Clarke weaves a stunning, compelling tale that tackles the biggest theme of all: the existence of evil, and how ordinary, fallible mortals come to terms with Man's astonishing capacity for brutality and venality... The Water Theatre will linger long beyond the turning of the last page. It is difficult to remember a recent book that is at once so beautiful and yet so thought provoking. * The Times *
Clarke has a gift for believably melding the visible world and human life with larger spiritual and metaphysical forces. * The Financial Times *
It is a rare pleasure and surprise to read a new book whose prose is so rich and emotionally resonant... Lindsay Clarke has an enviable command of character, time, and place. He is almost Lawrentian in his ability to depict both the power and beauty of landscape, and tender or tragically fraught emotional relationships... This is a significant and ambitious work by a master of his craft. * The Independent *
Speaking of writers fulfilling their early promise, Lindsay Clarke's complex, involving novel The Water Theatre is every bit as good as his stunning debut, The Chymical Wedding... This is a richly involving and rewarding work. -- Erica Wagner * Best books of the year, The Times *
Bold, tenacious characters and vivid, distinct landscapes give The Water Theatre a strong hold on the imagination as Clarke skilfully draws out the betrayals searing his characters' lives. * The Financial Times *
Mr Clarke writes with subtlety and seriousness, and the narrative has a dreamlike, almost supernatural atmosphere. The Water Theatre deserves a bigger audience. * The Wall Street Journal *
A stunning, compelling tale that tackles the biggest theme of all: the existence of evil, and how ordinary, fallible mortals come to terms with Man's astonishing capacity for brutality and venality... It is difficult to remember a recent book that is at once so beautiful and yet so thought-provoking. * The Times *
