A review by hjhynson
When Oceans Rise by Robin Alvarez

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

“When Oceans Rise” is the tale of  17-year-old Filipino-American Malaya who begins to lose herself in the whirlwind of an abusive relationship. As her personal relationships with her friends and family falter and suffer, Malaya finds that a sea witch, one of many FIlipino mythological creatures, may be her only out.

The first few chapters of this novel were a bit disorienting as I struggled to make sense of many of Malaya’s choices, in addition to some of the dialogue leading into time jumps. While  I understand that the confusion was most likely intentional to display how abusive relationships can truly alter one’s reality, feeling like my own reality was being tampered with (as a reader) left me unsettled.

The moment Malaya is able to separate herself from her horrifying reality, her new life shows her all the possibilities of who she could be and what she could do if she found the strength inside of her to end things with her abusive boyfriend. I was enthralled to dive into the Filipino mythology and learn more about the culture and practices which helped Malaya figure out her real place in the world. I was devastated at the details of her abusive relationship, but I was also strengthened by the relationships she found in her new life as they unconsciously healed parts of herself that fractured in her past life.

I love a story that can immerse me in a whole new culture, even if I’m even marginally familiar with it. I’ve had a lot of Filipino/a friends in my life, but the details of the mythological folklore kept me involved in the story. If you’re interested in learning about the background of a culture you’re not 100% familiar with, but also want to know one way someone works through the problematic nature of a “supposedly” loving relationship, I highly recommend this book! 

4.25/5 stars!
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