Hell & High Water | Tanya Landman

Hello and welcome back! Today I will be talking about the historical fiction novel Hell & High Water by Tanya Landman. I came across this novel at my library's book shop. The gorgeous spine captured my attention, and a quick look revealed a cover I could hardly resist. Reading the back synopsis I was assured that it was, in fact, a story that interested me on multiple levels, and thus concludes the account of how Hell & High Water came into my possession.

(This review is spoiler-free)

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Caleb Chappell has spent his entire life traveling across the country with his father, a puppet show performer. Up until now, Caleb's biggest challenges have been enduring rude remarks and disrespect due to his dark complexion. However, everything changes when his father is falsely accused of a crime and banished to America for seven years.

Before his departure, Caleb's father instructs him to travel to his aunt's house for safety. This marks the beginning of a difficult new chapter in Caleb's life as he adjusts to living with his aunt and her family. Despite the hope for a fresh start, however, Caleb soon discovers that his troubles are far from over. When a body washes up on the beach, Caleb realizes that the series of unfortunate events is just beginning.

I would categorize this book as an adventure mystery, although it wasn't necessarily nail-biting. For being small, however, the plot did draw me in- a complex, entangling course of events that lead to shocking discoveries and unveiled secrets. The book deals with the corruption of power, status, wealth, and race.

Writing

The prose was very unemotional and without much description, sometimes broaching on bland. Some parts were better than others in this respect. Of course, I am not calling for constant flowery language- that would not fit the intended style of the book- but I believe the story and its reader's engagement would be enhanced if more feeling was conveyed.

Characters

Once again, I find myself enjoying the side characters more than the lead. Caleb, the main character, feels more like a vessel for telling the story rather than a "real" person. While there weren't many other characters to compare or contrast him with, I believe this lack of depth stems from my disconnection with the writing. I was never fully immersed in Caleb's feelings and thoughts enough to truly get to know and connect with him. It seems that Tanya Landman aimed to portray Caleb as a gentle character, but this gentleness instead conveyed a sense of youthfulness. Caleb is roughly 15-16 years old throughout the story, and while he certainly isn't immature or wimpy, I would have liked to see him step up to the plate of manhood toward the close of the story.

Romance

Honestly, I am a big romance girl, but I do have enough control to admit when a novel doesn't necessarily require a full-blown romance plot. This book is one of those. There was a tiny little romance thread weaving through the story that really only popped out in the final quarter of the book. But honestly, I was not a fan. It was a cute relationship and by no means was I upset about it; however, I just don't care for relationships in which the female is dominant.

This is a hot take, I know, but I'm saying it anyway.

Now, I don't want to be harsh when I call this girl dominant—she has every right to be the strong, hardworking, independent, and smart person she is. However, while she wasn't a flaming feminist girlboss, I can't deny that she prevailed over gentle, youthful Caleb in almost all respects. I believe that in a romantic relationship, the male should be the leader and provider. Caleb has his moments, but overall, his youthfulness and her maturity didn't mesh well. In my opinion they really would have been better as brother and older sister.

Language

Yes, the language in this book gets its own section. No, this is not a good thing. In fact, I almost DNFed the book a few chapters in because of the copious amounts of cursing. However, I stuck with it and it did calm down a little. Very few of the swears were intense, or higher than "second-level," but the sheer number of times they were used lowered the intelligence of the book. Swearing tends to do this to novels in my opinion. Although I would prefer there be zero coarse language, I can understand a "well placed" swear here and there, in a situation that truly would call for it. But when rough language is constantly used as a filler, or a cheap insert, the quality of the book sinks deeper and deeper- my esteem along with it.

Plot

The story is intriguing and enjoyable despite the flaws. I really did enjoy my time reading Caleb's story, and thought the pacing of the book was perfect. I was neither bored nor overwhelmed, and the intricate web of deception that Caleb becomes entangled in is captivating. The plot dealt heaviest with power and the injustice of what money does for those with evil intentions. Caleb faces so much darkness and injustice, and his aim is to bring it to light. I never felt as though he was sinking into a dark place of revenge, simply doing his best for his family and community

So, Does Hell and High Water make it into my Most Excellent Library?

No. The amount of cussing, and my lack of connection with the writing and characters is just too much to overcome. I don't think this book is even staying in my possession; it is surely not a re-read.

My personal rating is 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you for reading! See you next time!

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Content Warnings

Violence:

~A man is violently arrested

~A story is repeated about a man who committed murder/suicide. Nothing graphic.

~Characters are rowing a boat when they bump against drowned bodies. Not graphic.

~A drowned man washes up on a beach. Moderately graphic- the stench and bloat is described.

~A finger is missing from a dead body- "hacked" off. Later the finger is found- shriveled and mummified.

~A doctor bleeds his patients.

~A side character gets caught in a hunter's trap. he screams as it bites through his muscle and bone. Not graphic

~A character is attacked, bound and gagged, and stuffed in a barrel alive. Very graphic with descriptions of pain and suffering.

~Puppets hit, hang, and yell at each other. One is thrown into "hellfire" and talks with the devil in a comedic manner

Romance and sensuality:

~Slight innuendo

~A married couple are reunited and spend the night in the attic. Our main character sleeps downstairs and apparently hears "sounds" from upstairs. Nothing is described- just briefly mentioned.

~Two main characters kiss- very brief

~Two characters get married

Language:

~"Whore" is used 10 times

~"Sh*t is used twice

~ "A*ss" or it's variation is used 5 times

~ Childish language such as dolt, simpleton, tramp, fart, buggar, stupid, etc.

~"Hell/hellish/hellhole used 11 times

~D*mn/ d*mned/d*mmed used 16 times

~"Bleeding" used as an explicative multiple times

~ B*astard is used a few times- mostly in the context of a child born out of wedlock

~ "Devil" used 5 times

~God's name is misused 20 times, along with Jesus' once, and the Lord's 5

~"P*ss" is used a few times

Drinking, drugs, and smoking

~Many mentions of ale, brandy, mead, whisky, rum etc. Some side characters become intoxicated. One is an alcoholic. Some uses are medicinal

~ Mention of tobacco

Other

~Racism is prevalent in this book, directed toward dark-skinned Caleb. He is called "darkie" multiple times, assumed to be a slave. He faces a hefty amount of disrespect- although the book doesn't necessarily deal too heavily with this topic.