ReviewsLiterary Corner
Book Review: The Dreamt Land
The Dreamt Land: Chasing Water and Dust Across California
By Mark Arax
2019
576 pp., Knopf
$21.23 hardcover
For two summers in a row, I had the privilege of acting as an interpreter for a team of auditors of an international development organization which was involved in a reservoir and irrigation project in Armenia. My two big memories from that experience were the adage, “Water is life” and how rural individuals and groups in Armenia had it in them to get organized and advocate for themselves in the face of a rather rigid government and a major global donor. It was moving and impressive.
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“For those who appreciate the sweeping historical narratives of James A. Michener, this book fills a notable gap, particularly concerning California’s intricate relationship with water. It possesses the potential to stand as a definitive work, perhaps even a ‘California’ volume Michener himself might have penned. As a recent arrival to both California and the United States, I found it an invaluable resource, demystifying the complexities of the state’s water systems. This book doesn’t just inform; it sparks a crucial conversation, making it an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this vital topic.”