A woman's story of surviving tsunami and hurricane captivates with its words

The novel "Under the Water" by Tara Menon recounts the harrowing experience of Marissa, who, as a child, survived the devastating 2004 tsunami in Thailand. Ten years later, living in New York, Marissa finds her past trauma resurfacing with the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, forcing her to confront the memories of that fateful day.

The narrative weaves between Marissa's idyllic childhood on a paradise island, where her father conducted scientific research, and the catastrophic events of the tsunami. The story contrasts the beauty of the ocean and the innocence of childhood friendships with the overwhelming destructive force of nature. The hurricane's approach in 2012 brings back the haunting memories of the Andaman Sea disaster.

While the book addresses themes of loss and the societal differences in grieving lost loved ones versus friends, the reviewer highlights Menon's strength in crafting beautiful descriptions. The prose vividly captures the final day of Marissa's childhood and her fascination with words, drawing parallels to travel magazine writing. The novel is rich with natural facts and literary allusions, creating a "paradise of words" for the reader.

However, the reviewer notes that while Menon excels at depicting the gentle beauty of nature, the portrayal of its fury falls somewhat short. The reviewer desired a stronger contrast and a more immersive depiction of the natural disasters. The author's personal connection to these events, a teenage obsession with the tsunami, as her own family could have been vacationing in Thailand at the time, and her experience during Hurricane Sandy, adds a layer of personal resonance to the narrative.

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Mulle meeldivad kaunid kirjeldused ja just selles vallas pakkus «Vee all» kuhjaga vaimset kardemoni. Tänu Bibi Raidi oivalisele tõlkele heljusin keset tüdrukute lapsepõlve viimast päeva, mil aega maa ja ilm, ning vaimustusin reisiajakirja pildikirjeldustega tegeleva peategelase sõnade kogust. Miski ei suuda anda edasi, millise mõnuga ma selles säbrulises sõnade paradiisis kümblesin. Maiuspaladena pakuti võrratuid loodusfakte ja hulganisti kirjandusviiteid.