Book Review: A Calamity of Waters by Chloe Turner

JANUARY 1607. THE SEVERN VALLEY. THE GREATEST FLOOD IN LIVING MEMORY.

Habren has never quite forgiven herself. Her father only sings bawdy carols for farthings these days, none of the sweet songs he used to sing their mother, and perhaps it’s no wonder her sisters Syble and Margret have put many leagues between themselves and their old home. But then Syble summons her to Gloucester, and if Habren can keep on the right side of their pin merchant master, perhaps it’s the chance she needs to make up for the past.

Then the river rises. In a single January morning, the Severn floods the vale and upends every life in it. And somewhere down that swollen estuary is Ambrose, the man Habren loves.

With Syble and new friend Raynould beside her, Habren sets out for Bristol to find him, through a city the flood has torn apart. And as they search, secrets they have kept close to their hearts begin, one by one, to surface.

*****

Habren has always felt in the way, especially when it comes to her sister, Syble. So, when she is sent to work with her sibling in Gloucester, she sees this as a chance to make up for the past. However, she will find life is just as hard under the tyranny of her new employer. When disaster strikes, Habren, Syble and their friend, Raynould go on a perilous journey. Can Habren find the happiness she has wanted all her life?

This novel was my introduction to Chloe Turner. I didn’t know what to expect. I do love historical fiction so I couldn’t wait to jump in.

Habren is a character that immediately makes you want to jump into the novel so you can give her a hug. Yes, she’s naive, particularly at the beginning, but it was so interesting to see how she changed over the course of the story. She has so much more strength and power than she believes herself to have. The view she has of herself is a little heartbreaking actually. Events from the past and the attitudes of other characters have given her a specific view of herself – one that isn’t necessarily true.

The other characters in this book were just as interesting. Syble was another person that I empathised with a lot. Unlike Habren, who I felt wore her heart on her sleeve, Syble plays things a lot closer to her chest. She’s quieter but holds a skill for healing. She gets on with things even when her whole life is full of pain.

Raynould and Ambrose also brought a compelling aspect to this story – each has their own tragic life circumstances. Taylor, Well, the less said about him, the better.

Told from the point of view of Habren, the plot unfolds with a realistic feel. I wasn’t aware of the historical circumstances that feature in this novel. I can only imagine the devastation that the flooding of the Severn Estuary in 1607 caused. Chloe Turner pulls her reader into this situation with much care and empathy. This is my favourite type of book in this genre – one that merges fact and fiction. The author does this seamlessly.

There is not much more I can say without giving too much away. A Calamity of Waters is a heart-wrenching tale of family, friendship, endurance, dedication, acceptance and love. If you want a story that will completely immerse you into the lives of its characters, this is it.

About Chloe Turner –

Chloe Turner’s debut historical novel, Blue Hawk, will be published by Deixis Press in July 2024. Set in the textile industry of 17th century Gloucestershire, Blue Hawk explores the power of passion, the price of ambition, and the beauty of courage.

Chloe’s short stories have been published in many literary magazines and anthologies, shortlisted in the Bridport Prize and included in the SALT Publishing anthology, Best British Stories 2018. Her short story collection – Witches Sail in Eggshells – was published by Reflex Press, and won the 2020 Saboteur Award for Best Short Story Collection.

Chloe lives with her family near Stroud, where she works as a local Green district and county councillor, keeps bees and plays the trombone in a radical brass band.

Say hello to Chloe on Instagram. 

A Calamity of Waters was released by Deixis Press on 27th August 2026. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.