Properties of Thirst

In "Properties of Thirst," National Book Award finalist Marianne Wiggins explores the complexities of family and the American Dream during World War II. Centered on Rockwell “Rocky” Rhodes, who fiercely protects his California ranch after the death of his wife, the narrative unfolds as his twins approach adulthood amidst the looming threat of war. When Stryker enlists and tragedy strikes, Rocky faces new challenges with the government's plan to construct a Japanese American internment camp nearby, drawing him into a web of personal and national conflict. This sweeping historical novel weaves together themes of love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of a tumultuous period, offering a profound reflection on American identity.