I was surprised by how much I liked this book despite its simple premise. Warning to the wise - you may not like the main character at all for a good part of the first measure of the book. That's because the main character, Col, belongs to a family of criminals and he couldn't be more (though I wish the author could've delved more into that - would've made the work that much more potent). Col lives with his mother and elder brother where his father was a major criminal within the town. So their family has a bit of a bad reputation, and Col is willing to watch his brother's back no matter what amount of trouble he gets into.However, all that changes when Col inadvertently saves the life of a younger boy named Dominic. Then he becomes the community hero and has to contend with all the attention that receives. And it doesn't fare well with Cal's brother, who doesn't like the public attention - mostly because it brings unwanted attention to the family, but I think the author could've played it as a jealousy factor as well. As Col gets closer to Dominic's family and undergoes the transformation of what "doing a good dead" entails, he starts questioning many morality issues, involving his brother, and involving a boy who asks Cal for his help close to the lake.Oh the revelations in this book. Some of them hit me and I felt bad for Col, but others I kind of saw coming. I didn't really like the main character or feel for him until a good way into the book, but I think that's intentional. When you do, it makes the conflict that much more, but I think the the author could've played upon it on a more intimate scale. But I will fully admit that I enjoyed the read in the two hours I took to sit down and take it all in. It sends an intriguing message about loyalty, but could've taken it further to make it more realistic.Overall score: 3/5
I'm about to start reading this novel with my P7 class. Cathy MacPhail has written many young adult novels set in the west of Scotland, which I've yet to read, but this one was pitched well for my eleven year olds, living quite close to where this story is set. I think many of them will easily identify with Col and even the situation that Mungo finds himself in. It will be a good way of tackling our preconceptions of families whose lives have been affected by criminal activity, our notions of loyalty to family/friends, and our judgements of doing the right thing. I enjoyed the story and was fairly satisfied with the outcome, though I can imagine it will spark a heavy discussion on what Col should or could have done in the end.
What do You think about Dark Waters (2005)?
This wasn't at all what I thought it would be. Although it was short, it was packed full of moral dilemmas for the main character. I loved the Scottish vernacular and will be looking up more books by this author. This would make a great book for reluctant readers due to how short it is, but it is a good read that others can sink their teeth into. It primarily deals with loyalty to family, but at what cost? Does that loyalty mean you turn your back on those who deserve justice even if they aren't family. It also dives into who should be our role models and what the responsibility is of someone who finds themselves in that role. For such a short book, it certainly made you think.
—Jo
Dark Waters is an astounding novel; short, but sweet. It is highly unappreciated, I saw a lot of bad reviews, though I don't know why... Catherine MacPhail's writing style leaves little to the imagination, every little detail is written with utmost style and accuracy.I actually had the pleasure of meeting Catherine, who is a wonderful woman, and she told me how she came up with the ideas of many of her books, from the Tyler Lawless series to Dark Waters, in fact. Great book for 10 - 13 year olds.
—Matthew Don
Col, a teen boy in the lochs of Scotland, is part of a family that is known for their bad behaviors. His dad was a thief and his older brother Mango is following in his footsteps. Col is at the loch when he sees a young boy fall through the ice. Col saves him from drowning and becomes a local hero. Will he continue his path of courage and heroism or will he let loyalty to his family keep him from friendships and self esteem? There is a little Scottish dialect which is fun to read. I didn't really like parts of the storyy and it is supposed to be a thrilling mystery but I didn't find it that thrilling or mysterious. I would guess that boys would like this more but I didn't like it enough to recommend it.
—Amy
