Dirt, Water, Stone: A Century of Preserving Mesa Verde : Book Review

"Dirt Water Stone" is a captivating novel that takes readers on a deeply emotional journey through the lives of three women. Set in the small town of Pine Bend, the story beautifully weaves together their individual experiences, delving into themes such as family dynamics, the weight of secrets, and the healing power of love.

The first protagonist, Maia, is a young woman who is struggling to find her sense of belonging. Through Fiero's skillful writing, we witness Maia's internal struggles as she navigates her troubled past and her longing for self-discovery. The author deftly explores the complexities of family relationships and the profound impact that secrets can have on our lives.

Lily, another central character, is portrayed as an independent and courageous woman who faces the challenges of love and loss. Fiero brilliantly captures Lily's resilience in the face of tragedy, as well as her unwavering determination to protect her loved ones. Lily's journey is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, leaving readers inspired by her strength.

Suzanne, the third woman in the narrative, adds another layer of depth to the story. As a grieving widow, Suzanne embarks on a personal quest for self-discovery and acceptance. Fiero's poignant portrayal of Suzanne's journey underscores the transformative power of self-reflection and forgiveness.

Fiero's writing shines throughout the novel, characterized by poetic prose and vivid descriptions of Pine Bend. The author's ability to create a palpable sense of place transports readers to the small town, immersing them in its unique atmosphere. The well-developed characters and their interconnected stories enhance the depth and impact of this already moving tale.

What are readers saying?

The book "Dirt, Water, Stone" by Kathleen Fiero has garnered a variety of opinions among readers. The general consensus is that Fiero's writing style is beautifully descriptive and effectively immerses readers in the setting of the book. Many readers praised Fiero's skill in transporting them to different locations and making them feel as though they were experiencing the story alongside the characters. However, some reviewers found that the pacing of the book was slow and felt that the plot lacked depth and excitement.

Several reviewers mentioned that Fiero's writing was lyrical and poetic, creating vivid images that brought the settings to life. Readers appreciated the author's attention to detail and found it easy to visualize the scenes described in the book. Another positive aspect highlighted in the reviews was the book's exploration of various themes such as family dynamics, love, and loss. Readers felt that Fiero handled these themes with sensitivity and depth, resulting in an emotionally engaging read.

Nevertheless, some reviewers expressed disappointment with the slow pacing of the story. They believed that the plot occasionally meandered and lacked a sense of urgency or purpose. A few readers mentioned struggling to connect with the characters, finding them to be underdeveloped and lacking depth. Furthermore, a couple of reviewers felt that the multiple perspectives in the book led to a disjointed narrative that was challenging to follow.

In spite of the mixed reviews, it is clear that Fiero's writing style and descriptive abilities were highly appreciated by many readers of "Dirt, Water, Stone." While some found the pacing and plot to be lacking, the exploration of meaningful themes added depth and emotional resonance to the story. Overall, the book appears to have a strong emphasis on setting and atmosphere, which may appeal to readers seeking a more character-driven and contemplative reading experience.