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A review by buffy87
Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Writing: I don't know how she wrote this without breaking apart forever. It is written with recollection of memories and trying to explain to us what happened. The quality of writing was strong and descriptive. Words in Sinhala are italicized and sometimes translated.
Content: Covers the destruction of the authors life after being the sole survivor from her family during the 2004 Tsunami, and the journey of healing/acceptance for the next 7 years.
Thoughts: at times I definitely felt it was inappropriate of me to be in Sonalis mind and pain like I was, but she put this out to be read and therefore I will read it. The pain was so visceral in the middle of the book. I said before it felt voyeuristic, like I was pulling the curtains open on someone's trauma. Bring invited in and knowing full well how personal it is. I appreciate that. I especially was intrigued by the rage and anger she felt immediately, the way our minds protect us during a tragedy and the resulting shame she felt after. I cannot fathom the fear and suddenness. It was hard to read, I found myself disassociating while reading and my mind floating - not due to the writing but it was just difficult to stay immersed in that tragic world. This is not just some story this is someone's life... because of that, you have to be in the right 'mood' to read this. It is extremely heartbreaking and will drain you: so warning to my HSP and empaths.
Recc: anyone interested in memoirs, the 2004 Tsunami, loss of family, PTSD
Content: Covers the destruction of the authors life after being the sole survivor from her family during the 2004 Tsunami, and the journey of healing/acceptance for the next 7 years.
Thoughts: at times I definitely felt it was inappropriate of me to be in Sonalis mind and pain like I was, but she put this out to be read and therefore I will read it. The pain was so visceral in the middle of the book. I said before it felt voyeuristic, like I was pulling the curtains open on someone's trauma. Bring invited in and knowing full well how personal it is. I appreciate that. I especially was intrigued by the rage and anger she felt immediately, the way our minds protect us during a tragedy and the resulting shame she felt after. I cannot fathom the fear and suddenness. It was hard to read, I found myself disassociating while reading and my mind floating - not due to the writing but it was just difficult to stay immersed in that tragic world. This is not just some story this is someone's life... because of that, you have to be in the right 'mood' to read this. It is extremely heartbreaking and will drain you: so warning to my HSP and empaths.
Recc: anyone interested in memoirs, the 2004 Tsunami, loss of family, PTSD
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Child death, and Death of parent