Under Water by Tara Menon: A Novel of Grief and Oceanic Longing
Tara Menon's debut novel, Under Water, delves into themes of love, loss, and environmental fragility, set against the backdrop of the devastating 2004 tsunami in Thailand. The story follows Marissa, a travel writer in New York who crafts idyllic descriptions of pristine beaches while grappling with traumatic memories from her past. As Hurricane Sandy approaches, her mind drifts to the horrors she witnessed in Thailand and the profound grief she feels for her lost friend Arielle and the ocean's beauty.
Strengths in Emotional Depth and Environmental Themes
The novel's emotional core lies in Marissa's relationship with Arielle, a character portrayed as a perfect friend from their school days in Thailand. Arielle is depicted as a brave, beautiful diver and athlete, but this perfection sometimes renders her character repetitive and less engaging. Menon's narrative style, intentionally fragmented, aims to mirror the disjointed nature of grief, yet it often feels uneven, pulling readers in and out of the story.
Where Under Water excels is in its vivid portrayal of the tsunami's aftermath. Menon's emphatic writing brings the physical pain and destruction to life with memorable detail. The environmental message is clear and timely, highlighting the fragility of marine ecosystems under the pressures of tourism and climate change. Marissa's deep connection to nature, contrasted with the superficial experiences of tourists, is a compelling thread, though at times it veers into performative acts, such as burying a turtle or getting matching tattoos.
Weaknesses in Characterisation and Narrative Flow
However, the novel struggles with character development. Arielle's emotions are frequently signaled through repetitive physical gestures—eye-rolling, gasps, and sighs—which can feel overused and detract from deeper emotional exploration. Other characters similarly rely on overt actions to convey feelings, leading to a narrative that sometimes lacks subtlety. The revelation of Arielle's fate, intended as a surprise, is heavily foreshadowed, diminishing its impact.
Menon's descriptions of marine life, while lush, occasionally lapse into mere lists of species, such as "fiery scorpion fish, yellow frog-fish, red snappers," which can disrupt the flow. The conclusion, where Marissa returns to Thailand and finds solace among manta rays, offers a neat but somewhat unconvincing resolution, suggesting nature's consolation in a way that feels too tidy.
Overall Assessment
Under Water is a poignant exploration of grief and environmental awareness, with strong moments of emotional resonance. Yet, its uneven storytelling and repetitive characterisation prevent it from fully immersing the reader. Published by Summit at £16.99, this debut shows promise but leaves room for growth in Menon's future works.
