The Devil and the Dark Water (2020) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The sexual content in this novel is mild and serves mostly to establish the historical social hierarchies of the 1600s. There are references to Jan Haan’s mistress and the lack of agency women like Sara Wessel and her daughter Lia possess regarding their bodies and marriages. One character, Silas Heap, is noted to have three nipples, which is historically associated with the 'devil's mark,' but this is not described in a sexualized manner. No graphic or anatomical descriptions of sexual intercourse occur. Some…

The violence is frequent, graphic, and central to the plot. Early in the book, a leper self-immolates in a public square, and the narrative continues with grisly depictions of animal mutilation, ritualistic murder, and a man found stuffed into a wall. The 17th-century setting allows for brutal descriptions of shipboard punishments, such as floggings, and the aftermath of a violent mutiny. Flashbacks include a mob beating a man to death and a family being burned alive inside their home. The climax involves a series…

Language is moderate and largely reflects the period and the high-stress environment of a seafaring vessel. Profanity such as 'shit,' 'bastard,' 'damn,' and 'hell' is used by sailors and high-ranking officials alike, though it does not reach the density of contemporary gritty fiction. There are several instances of religious blasphemy, where characters use the names of God or the Devil in anger or fear. Insults often target social class or perceived moral failings. While present, the language is generally…

Substance use is constant but historically contextualized for the 1600s, as water was often non-potable on long sea voyages. Characters such as Arent Hayes and Captain Crauwheer frequently consume beer, ale, wine, and grog to stay hydrated and dull the edges of their fear. There are scenes of sailors drinking to the point of boisterousness or intoxication, which contributes to the breakdown of discipline on the Saardam. No illicit drug use is featured. The consumption is matter-of-fact and rarely used as a plot…

The themes are mature and dark, focusing on religious mania and the destructive power of superstition. The book examines the institutional corruption of the Dutch East India Company and the systemic oppression of women in the 17th century. Arent Hayes grapples with the psychological trauma of child abuse, symbolized by a brand on his wrist, while other characters deal with the ruin of their family names and the weight of ancestral secrets. The plot delves into the concept of justice versus vengeance, exploring how…