Throughout all three settings in the novel, water emerges as a ubiquitous and natural force that cannot be controlled by humans. The first and last communities in which Claire lives both have rivers that border them, while the second community is estranged by the sea itself. In Book 1, the river represents both a danger to and a curiosity for Claire:

She could see the river that bordered the community, its dark water moving swiftly, foaming around rocks here and there. Claire had always feared the river. As children they had been warned of its dangers. She had known of a boy who drowned. There were rumors, likely untrue, of citizens who had swum across, or even made their way across the high, forbidden bridge and disappeared into the unknown lands beyond. But she was fascinated by it too—its constant murmur and movement, and the mystery of it (20).

Although Claire is frightened of the river, she is also fascinated by its mystery, demonstrating water’s easy slippage between fear and fascination. The water represents that which is unknown to Claire, as it has the ability to carry her far away from the control of her community leaders. Similarly, it exists as a force of nature that is beyond human control; the leaders could not prevent the young boy from drowning in it.