Published in 2024
272 pages
Elizabeth Anne Martins is a Philadelphia-based writer who studied English and Publishing at Rosemont College. Her writing often explores resilience, identity, and survival, blending speculative elements with deeply human stories.
Her debut novel, Dry Lands, is a post-apocalyptic story of motherhood and survival set in a world reshaped by water. The book was named a 2024 Great Group Reads pick by the Women’s National Book Association and has resonated with readers who connect with its themes of hope and endurance.
When she’s not writing, Elizabeth can usually be found at the piano, composing something new or playing a duet with her son and husband. Music, like storytelling, is her way of making sense of the world – one note or word at a time.
What is this book about?
“A testament to the power of hope and motherhood in the worst of situations.”—Kirkus
After a cataclysmic flood submerges half the world underwater, cannibalistic gangs and corrupt encampments become a constant threat to the remaining dry lands. Liv and her precocious three-year-old son Milo are some of the lucky ones who have survived.
With the company of a lonely horse seeking a loving home, Liv is determined to protect Milo from the encampments, even if it means destroying what little is left of civilization. Amidst it all, she learns to embrace love and her own worth. Dry Lands is a gripping journey showcasing the resilience of humanity, parenthood, and the sacrifices we make for our children.
