Under Water: A Novel

Author: Tara Menon
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“In equal measure compelling and heart wrenching.” —Claire Messud
“Overwhelming and exquisite–in a word, sublime.” —Namwali Serpell
“A novel of remarkable delicacy and power.” —Katie Kitamura

An intense, atmospheric novel about the devastating power of friendship, set against the backdrop of two cataclysmic events.

After Marissa loses her mother at six, the most intimate relationship of her life begins. Her marine biologist father, determined to channel his grief into completing his wife’s research, whisks her across the globe to Thailand. There she meets Arielle, and a fairytale friendship takes hold. During the week, the girls live at the resort owned by Arielle’s parents; on the weekends, they join the tight-knit community of researchers on a nearby island. Together the girls discover the fragile wonders of its reefs, forests, and beaches. Together they learn to dive into the deep, holding their breath for minutes at a time, as effortlessly synchronized as the manta rays they come to know by name. Together they learn to swim their way out of danger. But then comes a wave Arielle can’t outpace, leaving Marissa gutted with loss. Years later, Marissa is back in New York, adrift and haunted by the memory of her friend. Over the course of two fateful days, as another cataclysm approaches the city and the past comes flooding back, she discovers how to sustain herself in a precarious world.

Posts about this title from Ronnica Reads

Ronnica Fatt • Mar 16
Here are some March 17th new book releases on my radar (and should be on yours!). First, the ones I've had a chance to read:

• I Love you Don't Die by Jade Song 5.0/5 stars
  Put this on your TBR if you enjoy books with mental health rep. This book made my best books read in 2025 list. The throuple will likely gain the most attention, but the discussion of depression is what most interested me.
• The Plans I Have for You by Lai Sanders 4.25/5 stars
  Put this on your TBR if you enjoy thrillers with some depth. We're exploring cancel culture, feminine rage, and anti-Asian hate with unlikable FMCs.

And the four I'm still waiting to get my hands on:

• Innamorata by Ava Reid
  Why it interests me: Ava Reid is a must-read author for me. This is described as dark and gothic: yes, please.
• Sisters in Yellow by Mieko Kawakami
  Why it interests me: by the author of Breasts and Eggs, translated from Japanese.
• Under Water by Tara Menon
  Why it interests me: climate fiction and grief.
• A Mask the Color of the Sky by Bassem Khandaqji
  Why it interests me: a Palestinian passes for Jewish in order to gain greater access in Israel. This book was written while the author was imprisoned for his political activities.

March 17th Releases to Put on your TBR

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