A mute young woman in Medieval France survives persecution through the power of the written word in this "stunning debut from a talented author" (Historical Novel Society).
France, 1320. The daughter of a small village papermaker, young Auda is mute from birth and forced to shun normal society. Those who embrace ignorance and superstition believe her to be cursed, so she finds solace and escape in the wonder of the written word.
Audra's very survival is a testament to the strength of her spirit. But this is an age of Inquisition and intolerance, when difference and defiance are punishable "sins" and new ideas are considered damnable heresy.
When darkness descends upon her world, Auda-newly grown to womanhood-is forced to flee. Setting off on a remarkable quest, she will soon discover love, forge a new sense of self, and reclaim the glory of her father's art.

Vanitha Sankaran holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Antioch University. Her stories have been published in various print and online journals. In addition, she is a founding editor for the literary journal flashquake. She is at work on her second novel, which is about printmaking in Renaissance Venice.

"Watermark is a powerful novel about the destructive forces unleashed by ignorance and superstition. Readers will care deeply for the courageous Auda.” —New York Times bestselling author Sharon Kay Penman

Watermark is a magnificent debut by Vanitha Sankaran—an atmospheric and compelling novel about the search for identity, the power of self-expression, and value of the written word, set during the dark days of the Inquisition in Medieval France. Readers who were captivated by The Illuminator by Brenda Rickman Vantrease or Geraldine Brooks's People of the Book will be enthralled by this thrilling journey to a colorful and dangerous past.