The Marshlanders is a compelling read about the conflict between self-sustaining communities and their enemies, who are determined to drain their wetlands for agricultural development.
How did we get to the point where our lakes are so choked with algae from fertilizers and our rivers so silted up with industrials poisons? The Marshlanders tells the story of Clare and William, left alone to make their way in the world after their parents are destroyed by greedy apothecaries who want to corner the market on herbal remedies. They are adopted by a community of Marshlanders and their allies who are trying to save their homes from a cabal of merchants, ministers, and apothecaries. The merchants are buying up common lands, the ministers insist they renounce their love of the earth and of their own bodies, and the apothecaries persecute local healers. The Marshlanders are joyously sensual. They seek harmony with their watery landscape and are creatively practical, always looking for new ideas about farming, irrigation, navigation, foraging, and weaving. Their enemies are sexually violent and seek to dominate nature. They pursue technology out of greed and govern by male domination and military force. The novel has a fast paced plot and is a compelling read.