.png) First edition cover | |
| Author | Ta-Nehisi Coates |
|---|---|
| Audio read by | Joe Morton[1] |
| Cover artist | Calida Garcia Rawles[2] |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical fiction, science fiction |
| Publisher | One World |
Publication date | September 24, 2019 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 407 |
| ISBN | 978-0-399-59059-7 |
| 813/.6 | |
| LC Class | PS3603.O17 W38 2019 |
The Water Dancer is the debut novel by Ta-Nehisi Coates, published on September 24, 2019, by Random House under its One World imprint. It is a surrealist story set in the pre-Civil War South, concerning a superhuman protagonist named Hiram Walker who possesses a photographic memory, but who cannot remember his mother. He learns he has a special ability known as "conduction", with which he is able to transport people—including himself—over long distances. Conduction is powered by his memories and storytelling, and can fold the Earth like fabric, allowing travel across large areas via waterways.[3]
The novel debuted at number one on The New York Times fiction best-seller list and was selected for the revival of Oprah's Book Club.
- ^ Canfield, David (September 24, 2019). "Listen to Joe Morton read Oprah's Book Club pick The Water Dancer". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ de León, Concepción (February 12, 2019). "A First Look at the Cover of Ta-Nehisi Coates's Forthcoming Novel". The New York Times. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ Quinn, Annalisa (September 26, 2019). "In 'The Water Dancer,' Ta-Nehisi Coates Creates Magical Alternate History". NPR. Retrieved October 2, 2019.