The Waters

The novel takes place in the Great Massasauga Swamp near Whiteheart, Michigan, and revolves around Hermine 'Herself' Zook, an herbalist, and her granddaughter Donkey.

It explores themes of family, tradition, modernity, and the struggle between natural cures and modern medicine.

The story delves into the lives of strong, independent women and their interactions with the natural world and the men around them, highlighting issues of freedom, choice, and the intersection of folklore and history.