Elegy, Southwest

By Madeline Watts 
** Publication Date 18 February 2025 **
4 stars

This was an interesting first-person narrative of the events surrounding a trip through the southwest U.S. At times it did drag a bit, and as it was told only from the eyes of one character, I’m not sure we ever fully grasped the second main character, the husband. However, a lot of the writing was so descriptive and lyrical, it felt like I was traveling along with them.


Eloise is our narrator. She is working on her doctorate dissertation which is about the Colorado River and the effects of drought on the Southwest. Her husband, Lewis, has been called to Las Vegas to meet with his boss. This gives them a jumping off point. 


While this story focuses on the journey down the Colorado River, it is more about the relationship between Eloise and Lewis. Lewis plays a distant supporting role. All we really know about him is Eloise’s reactions to him. He seems childlike in many ways - filming himself dancing in restaurant bathrooms and wanting to be the center of attention. We are merely an audience on the sidelines. 


This novel is unique in many ways. It is also really informative about the region they travel through. There are crises and tragedies, but also sheer joy. It wasn’t the easiest read I had in 2024 but I did enjoy it. Being from the southwest, it reminded me of places I’ve been, but also places I’d love to see. 


I didn't love this novel, but it was a good way to end my reading journey of 2024.