Exploring Love and Loss in Tara Menon's "Under Water"

Tara Menon's debut novel, "Under Water," intricately weaves themes of love, loss, and environmental fragility through the life of Marissa, a travel writer based in New York. As Hurricane Sandy approaches, Marissa reflects on her past experiences, particularly the devastating 2004 tsunami in Thailand and her deep bond with her friend Arielle, who embodies both beauty and bravery. The narrative oscillates between Marissa's present and her memories, revealing the emotional weight of her grief and longing for the ocean.

The Guardian

The relationship between Marissa and Arielle serves as the emotional core of the novel. Arielle is depicted as a perfect friend, excelling in various activities, which at times renders her character somewhat predictable. Menon employs physical expressions—gasping, nodding, and sighing—to convey the characters' emotions, yet this reliance on physicality can detract from the narrative's depth. The ocean itself becomes a symbol of solace and connection, with Marissa and Arielle sharing intimate experiences, such as naming individual manta rays and confronting environmental destruction.

The Guardian

Menon highlights the impact of tourism and climate change on the natural world, showcasing moments where Marissa and Arielle engage with their environment, such as burying a turtle entangled in plastic. However, some descriptions of biodiversity can feel excessive, as the narrative occasionally shifts to listing species rather than deepening the emotional connection. Despite these moments, the novel ultimately suggests that nature can provide comfort to those grieving, culminating in Marissa's return to Thailand, where she finds solace in the ocean's embrace.

The Guardian

While "Under Water" presents poignant themes, some critiques focus on Menon's fragmented writing style, which may alienate readers at times. The predictability of Arielle's fate is noted as a flaw, as it undermines the intended emotional impact. Additionally, the narrative's reliance on physical expressions can come across as overly simplistic, detracting from the complexity of the characters' experiences.

The Guardian

Critics have acknowledged the novel's exploration of environmental issues and personal grief, emphasizing its relevance in today's context. However, they also point out that the execution may not fully resonate with all readers, particularly due to its uneven narrative style.

The Guardian

• “ Here is nature offering solace to the grieving human; but the moment is too neat to be entirely convincing.” — Review Commentary

The Guardian

As discussions around climate change and personal narratives continue to evolve, "Under Water" may serve as a catalyst for further exploration of how literature can address environmental issues and personal loss. Readers and critics alike will likely engage in ongoing conversations about the balance between emotional depth and narrative style in contemporary fiction.

The Guardian