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Tsunami Kids: Our Journey from Survival to Success
On Boxing Day 2004, Rob, Paul, Matty and Rosie Forkan lost their parents in the tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka. This is an enthralling, harrowing but ultimately uplifting journey from the slums of India and the tsunami, to the boardrooms of the City of London, Downing Street and beyond.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 24, 2014
There can't be many people who don't remember seeing the television coverage of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day, 2004. The sheer enormity of the devastation, the horror of the news footage, there was nothing we could do but watch in horror as more details emerged.
Rob Forkan and his family were staying in Sri Lanka. Four children and their parents, their two elder siblings were back at home in the UK. Their parents did not survive the tsunami, but these four amazing, resilient youngsters not only survived but have gone on to make a huge success of their lives, and there is no doubt that their parents are the drivers in their lives.
The book opens on Boxing Day 2004, in the bedroom that Rob and his younger brother Paul were sharing. His description of what happened that morning is vivid and terrifying, and must have been extremely difficult to put into words.
Rob's story goes back to when his parents met first, their ideals and beliefs. How they raised their children, always encouraging, adventurous and unusual. The family travelled, the children came out of school, but what they learned from their parents and their travels was probably a far better education that they would have got at home. They didn't stick to the tourist areas, they visited real people, children's homes, they played with local kids, they did charity work. This is the background that has formed their future.
Returning to the UK after the tsunami, and after trekking for miles through devastation and death, at first the family were not sure of what lay ahead of them. Gradually, Rob realised that he wanted to help other people. He wanted to create a social enterprise that would benefit orphans; 'orphans for orphans'. And so, Gandys was born. A brand of flip flop that echoed everything that they believed in with the profits going to provide a children's home in India.
Rob and Paul are two amazing guys. Tsunami Kids is written with honesty and warmth, and throughout the story, it is so obvious to the reader of the impact of their parents. The boys were determined that everything their parents had done for them and had taught them would not go to waste, and have created a successful, well-known brand that is in turn, creating opportunities for children who have nothing.
This is a moving and quite humbling story. This family are astounding and they really have turned tragedy into positivity.
Rob Forkan and his family were staying in Sri Lanka. Four children and their parents, their two elder siblings were back at home in the UK. Their parents did not survive the tsunami, but these four amazing, resilient youngsters not only survived but have gone on to make a huge success of their lives, and there is no doubt that their parents are the drivers in their lives.
The book opens on Boxing Day 2004, in the bedroom that Rob and his younger brother Paul were sharing. His description of what happened that morning is vivid and terrifying, and must have been extremely difficult to put into words.
Rob's story goes back to when his parents met first, their ideals and beliefs. How they raised their children, always encouraging, adventurous and unusual. The family travelled, the children came out of school, but what they learned from their parents and their travels was probably a far better education that they would have got at home. They didn't stick to the tourist areas, they visited real people, children's homes, they played with local kids, they did charity work. This is the background that has formed their future.
Returning to the UK after the tsunami, and after trekking for miles through devastation and death, at first the family were not sure of what lay ahead of them. Gradually, Rob realised that he wanted to help other people. He wanted to create a social enterprise that would benefit orphans; 'orphans for orphans'. And so, Gandys was born. A brand of flip flop that echoed everything that they believed in with the profits going to provide a children's home in India.
Rob and Paul are two amazing guys. Tsunami Kids is written with honesty and warmth, and throughout the story, it is so obvious to the reader of the impact of their parents. The boys were determined that everything their parents had done for them and had taught them would not go to waste, and have created a successful, well-known brand that is in turn, creating opportunities for children who have nothing.
This is a moving and quite humbling story. This family are astounding and they really have turned tragedy into positivity.
February 18, 2015
An absolutely amazing story, not only of survival, but of grief and building a life you never expected you'd have to from such tragic circumstances. The Forkan family had no idea of the horror that waited for them on Boxing Day, 2004. Most of the world watched the broadcasts in horror, seeing the destruction as absolute and overwhelming. So many cases of lose and pain, and this is the story of one single family during this time. For the four youngest children, it would be the nightmare of losing their parents and trying to find a way from the stricken country. Rob, the eldest, had to step up in unimaginable ways to get his siblings through.
Told in emotional, yet factual stories, this book grips you immediately. It is the story of a family, unconventional but loving. It is also the story of Gandys, a flip flop brand I hadn't heard of but want to know more about now because I've read this book. An excellent book, but extremely sad in parts. I cried often. Must read.
Told in emotional, yet factual stories, this book grips you immediately. It is the story of a family, unconventional but loving. It is also the story of Gandys, a flip flop brand I hadn't heard of but want to know more about now because I've read this book. An excellent book, but extremely sad in parts. I cried often. Must read.
May 19, 2020
I saw this on a friends Facebook wall and I thought must read this book! Im sure majority of us will remember watching in horror the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, These young men lived through the horror along with their family.
The book starts on that fateful day but then goes back to describe their family and their parents, finally ending on how they have become successful business men and are even giving back to the Asian orphans.
Their parents would be so proud of them and their siblings. They gave them the courage to look forward and the strength to believe in themselves and their dreams
And yes i did check out the Gandys website after reading the book and will be getting next [pairof flip flops form them!
The book starts on that fateful day but then goes back to describe their family and their parents, finally ending on how they have become successful business men and are even giving back to the Asian orphans.
Their parents would be so proud of them and their siblings. They gave them the courage to look forward and the strength to believe in themselves and their dreams
And yes i did check out the Gandys website after reading the book and will be getting next [pairof flip flops form them!
October 6, 2019
What an incredible book, this is not only a personal and powerful story of the 2004 tsunami, it is the incredible story of two unbelievably brilliant parents and the influence they have had on their children. This family went through hell and unimaginable heartbreak, yet in tribute to their parents they have gone on to build a successful business that supports children in Asia to receive an education and safe place to live, their attitude to life and their overwhelming desire to help children and others suffering is such an inspiration, this is a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I will be buying Gandys flipflops as gifts to support their brilliant cause.
March 30, 2025
A Bohemian family who travelled rather than spend their childhoods in school who were caught in the tsunami. The two eldest brothers built up Gandys into a successful international company inspired by their parents, who were lost in the disaster .
May 28, 2020
An interesting read. Highly recommend.
October 6, 2019
I wonder how many of you remember what you were doing on Boxing Day 2004; I do because I had just emigrated, for the second time, to Canada and spent most of the day indoors because of a blizzard. I didn't know until the evening news came on about the devastating tsunami on the other side of the world. The news footage was horrific, but even so, none of us could imagine what it was like for those caught up in it. The Forkan family was just one group of people whose lives were changed forever on that day.
To say the Forkan children had an unconventional upbringing is no exaggeration. Kevin and Sandra and their brood of kids lived in a modest semi in London , where all of the children were encouraged from a very early age to be creative, independent, caring and carefree. They had what they describe as an idyllic childhood. A holiday to Goa, India proved to be a pivotal point in their lives because, no sooner had they returned from this holiday than the decision was made to sell their family home, give away most of their belongings and head off to India for an extended stay of several months. This turned into four years. Having finally decided to go back to the UK so the children could return to formal education, Kevin and Sandra booked one final holiday to Sri Lanka. What could be more exciting than Christmas on a tropical island?
Christmas Day was fabulous, Boxing Day was a horrific nightmare.
This book starts with that nightmare. The next few chapters set out the lifestyle of the Forkan family in the UK, much of which, although chaotic seems, nevertheless to be warm and loving. The middle two or three chapters cover the nightmare of the tsunami, the struggle to survive and the realisation, certainly for Rob, the oldest of the four children, that their parents had not survived. The remaining chapters detail their return to the UK and the rebuilding of their lives.
The Forkans were clearly a remarkable family, and the horror of the tsunami has had a devastating effect on them all, and whilst I found the story interesting, horrific, inspirational – all of these things, I did not like the way it was told. I kept having to remind myself that the voice of the narrator – mainly Rob – is actually now 27, and not the teenager he sounds like. Some of the writing is really clunky: “It took a few months until we felt confident enough to go out on our own after returning”. It is also a bit waffly with a great deal of unnecessary detail; a good, tight, edit would have got rid of much of this.
This book is a hymn to Mum and Dad Forkin, but another reason is to raise awareness of the Gandy Brothers business – Gandy's flip flops, which I'd certainly never heard of before; I believe certain proceeds go to their charity Orphans for Orphans, so in true Forkan style they have turned adversity into success. I wish them well.
My thanks to Amazon Vine for a complimentary copy to review.
To say the Forkan children had an unconventional upbringing is no exaggeration. Kevin and Sandra and their brood of kids lived in a modest semi in London , where all of the children were encouraged from a very early age to be creative, independent, caring and carefree. They had what they describe as an idyllic childhood. A holiday to Goa, India proved to be a pivotal point in their lives because, no sooner had they returned from this holiday than the decision was made to sell their family home, give away most of their belongings and head off to India for an extended stay of several months. This turned into four years. Having finally decided to go back to the UK so the children could return to formal education, Kevin and Sandra booked one final holiday to Sri Lanka. What could be more exciting than Christmas on a tropical island?
Christmas Day was fabulous, Boxing Day was a horrific nightmare.
This book starts with that nightmare. The next few chapters set out the lifestyle of the Forkan family in the UK, much of which, although chaotic seems, nevertheless to be warm and loving. The middle two or three chapters cover the nightmare of the tsunami, the struggle to survive and the realisation, certainly for Rob, the oldest of the four children, that their parents had not survived. The remaining chapters detail their return to the UK and the rebuilding of their lives.
The Forkans were clearly a remarkable family, and the horror of the tsunami has had a devastating effect on them all, and whilst I found the story interesting, horrific, inspirational – all of these things, I did not like the way it was told. I kept having to remind myself that the voice of the narrator – mainly Rob – is actually now 27, and not the teenager he sounds like. Some of the writing is really clunky: “It took a few months until we felt confident enough to go out on our own after returning”. It is also a bit waffly with a great deal of unnecessary detail; a good, tight, edit would have got rid of much of this.
This book is a hymn to Mum and Dad Forkin, but another reason is to raise awareness of the Gandy Brothers business – Gandy's flip flops, which I'd certainly never heard of before; I believe certain proceeds go to their charity Orphans for Orphans, so in true Forkan style they have turned adversity into success. I wish them well.
My thanks to Amazon Vine for a complimentary copy to review.
March 24, 2015
This is heart-breaking reading what these kids went through out in Sri Lanka during and after the tsunami on December 26, 2004. There were points that really choked me up especially as I have kids of their age at the time. Some of the things they saw immediately after the tsunami just do not bear thinking about. This is the first book I have read about a survivors story of the tsunami and it just shows how powerful it was.
Good luck to the 'Gandy Brothers'. I wish you all the success in your on-going venture.
Good luck to the 'Gandy Brothers'. I wish you all the success in your on-going venture.
June 19, 2015
A very moving book. I cried on more than one occasion while reading it but it is also uplifting and shows the real gamut of human emotion. These 'kids' have lived such a varied life and they could have so easily written a book without the tragedy of a Tsunami. Alas, they did have to go through that, but much of the focus is on the positives that have come from that harrowing experience. Perhaps a more experienced writer could have leant more light and shade, but that is easily forgiven. And the authenticity of authors voice is part of what makes this book special.
February 23, 2015
Very well written book, very descriptive and personal.
I admire these boys for doing what they are doing, it goes to show generic school education may not always be the best bet, it's sometimes better to get out there and see the world. I only wish I had the guts to travel around the world alone.
These guys have lived a more jam-packed life than my whole family put together, they shoud be very proud of their journey.
I admire these boys for doing what they are doing, it goes to show generic school education may not always be the best bet, it's sometimes better to get out there and see the world. I only wish I had the guts to travel around the world alone.
These guys have lived a more jam-packed life than my whole family put together, they shoud be very proud of their journey.
March 26, 2015
I cried reading this book. I am so glad I read it. I was quite humbled by the sheer strength of character this family showed in the face of complete devastation. What a tremendous journey they have travelled not just the boys, but Marie was the hero of the book. For her to take on 4 children on the eve of her wedding was a pretty selfless thing for 22 year old to achieve.
June 28, 2017
What an incredible account of the terrible events of that Boxing Day. How very very loved these boys were. Made me rethink my own life as a parent and what I'm offering my children - having heard of the Forkan's unconventional upbringing. I'm glad they found the strength to build something of such worth from their grief.
March 16, 2015
Such an inspirer read, these poor kids give a true insight into the huge repercussions of that fateful day. Such a strong sense of family before and after the tragedy. Their parents would have been so proud of who they have become.
November 28, 2016
Thoroughly engrossing book.
I had not heard about this family and what had happened to them. It was a tear jerker and at times, had me crying. So humbling how these kids got out of that devastation and how they are doing now. Very highly recommended.
I had not heard about this family and what had happened to them. It was a tear jerker and at times, had me crying. So humbling how these kids got out of that devastation and how they are doing now. Very highly recommended.
December 30, 2017
What an incredible story!
April 12, 2018
Incredible story.
July 19, 2019
Inspiring
A stunning story
Beautiful
Heartbreak
But these guys are a true inspiration
I will be buying a pair of Gandys
A stunning story
Beautiful
Heartbreak
But these guys are a true inspiration
I will be buying a pair of Gandys
July 20, 2019
Heartbreakingly sad in parts, uplifting and hopeful in others. A shocking account of survival during and after the Boxing Day Tsunami.
March 18, 2021
Boxing Day 2004, we probably remember the day a devastating Tsunami struck the coastlines bordering the Indian Ocean, but there are those who have a much greater reason to remember than most of us; included among them the four siblings of the Forkan family; Rob, Paul, Mattie and Rosie, their ages ranging from eight to seventeen in 2004. They were travelling with their parents and when the Tsunami hit they were stating in Weligama on the south coast of Sri Lanka; the four children survived but not their parents. For any children that would be a tragedy beyond imagination, and no less so the the Forkam children, what makes their story unusual is their resilience, they way they have moved from disaster to a success few of us will attain, let alone in just a matter of a few years. In this account of their lives Rob and Paul Forkam leave no doubt in the reader's mind as to what they owe their ultimate success. Time and again we are reminded that it is entirely due to the way their parents raised them, for theirs was no ordinary upbringing. Their parents raised the children, in total six, to be self reliant and competitive, to make and earn their own way, and as is the best way to instruct they led by example.
When the two eldest left home the family sold up and went travelling with the remaining four children to India for what was intended to be four months, but in fact turned out to be much longer; a wonderful adventure but which ultimately came to an end on that fateful day 2014. Rob and Paul relate with the help of Nick Harding their early childhood spent in the large family home in Purley where they were encouraged to spend most of their spare time playing in the large garden (no computer games) making their own entertainment. They describe their travels in India, their schooling, or perhaps more accurately, lack of, but a lack which clearly did them no harm, for what they may have missed by way of formal education they more than made up for in learning of the world at large and the inequalities of life, and in growing into an early maturity. After describing the events of the disaster and their struggle to make their way to the Colombo, and their return to England, they go on to relate how they coped with the difficult months and then years, how and where they lived, and how they moved on through various jobs and to the eventual success of their own company Gandys Flip Flops; a success which led to meetings with the likes of Richard Branson, David Cameron and the Princes William and Harry.
Theirs is a remarkable story, all the more so due to their circumstances; it is a testimony to the benefits of dedication, self-belief and hard work. But it speaks too of the support of a family bonded not just by tragedy, but by the closeness engendered by their parents. It is a story about wanting to give back, not just to live up to their parents example, but to give back to those less fortunate than themselves. It is a story of four remarkable children who are determined to let nothing hinder their progress in this world, and along they way do some good for others.
It gives one much to think about, including the importance of good parenting; and raises questions such as what is a real education?
It is told in very readable prose (putting aside a few grammatical glitches which are all too commonly encountered today) and held my attention from the very first page to the last, an account I read in one sitting interrupted just once to get myself something to eat. Rob and Paul come across as two very personable young men prepared too give life their all; who are game for anything including getting involved a police sting operation. It is a very moving account, heartbreaking, but ultimately heart-warming; but perhaps surprisingly it is positive throughout; but thinking back not so surprising, for positiveness is just one of the many fine qualities of these exceptional boys.
When the two eldest left home the family sold up and went travelling with the remaining four children to India for what was intended to be four months, but in fact turned out to be much longer; a wonderful adventure but which ultimately came to an end on that fateful day 2014. Rob and Paul relate with the help of Nick Harding their early childhood spent in the large family home in Purley where they were encouraged to spend most of their spare time playing in the large garden (no computer games) making their own entertainment. They describe their travels in India, their schooling, or perhaps more accurately, lack of, but a lack which clearly did them no harm, for what they may have missed by way of formal education they more than made up for in learning of the world at large and the inequalities of life, and in growing into an early maturity. After describing the events of the disaster and their struggle to make their way to the Colombo, and their return to England, they go on to relate how they coped with the difficult months and then years, how and where they lived, and how they moved on through various jobs and to the eventual success of their own company Gandys Flip Flops; a success which led to meetings with the likes of Richard Branson, David Cameron and the Princes William and Harry.
Theirs is a remarkable story, all the more so due to their circumstances; it is a testimony to the benefits of dedication, self-belief and hard work. But it speaks too of the support of a family bonded not just by tragedy, but by the closeness engendered by their parents. It is a story about wanting to give back, not just to live up to their parents example, but to give back to those less fortunate than themselves. It is a story of four remarkable children who are determined to let nothing hinder their progress in this world, and along they way do some good for others.
It gives one much to think about, including the importance of good parenting; and raises questions such as what is a real education?
It is told in very readable prose (putting aside a few grammatical glitches which are all too commonly encountered today) and held my attention from the very first page to the last, an account I read in one sitting interrupted just once to get myself something to eat. Rob and Paul come across as two very personable young men prepared too give life their all; who are game for anything including getting involved a police sting operation. It is a very moving account, heartbreaking, but ultimately heart-warming; but perhaps surprisingly it is positive throughout; but thinking back not so surprising, for positiveness is just one of the many fine qualities of these exceptional boys.
March 18, 2021
I have wanted to read this book for a while and I was grilled to their story from start to finish. Their upbringing, tragedy and what they made of their lives after should be truly Inspirational to all. It also shows that academic doesn’t get you everywhere in life and that’s coming from someone academic. I have followed their work since they started gandy’s so was great to finally read their story. Just wish I had read it sooner. Great book for anyone to read. That day will always be etched in my mind but I honestly couldn’t imagine being a child at that point and suddenly alone.
December 31, 2021
Picked this up from a charity shop which is where I get most of my books from! The title grabbed me to look at it as I remember (as many people will) where I was as this natural event was unfolding. I was on holiday in Australia and couldn't believe my eyes at what was playing out on the tv in front of me. The book gave a brief insight into the way these children's lives were changed for good in the blink of an eye. An inspiring read on what they have gone on to achieve. Sadly I cant wear flip-flops but I have just purchased a jumper!!!!
December 13, 2023
Vivid, descriptive, emotional from the start. You could almost feel the water and mud lapping round your feet. The smell and sight of destruction and death.
The shock, fear and courage of Rob and Paul as they try to navigate through the now wasteland around them while at the same time protect their younger siblings.
Unfortunately the book faded a bit in the latter pages as the boys focus turned to setting up the business.
The shock, fear and courage of Rob and Paul as they try to navigate through the now wasteland around them while at the same time protect their younger siblings.
Unfortunately the book faded a bit in the latter pages as the boys focus turned to setting up the business.
April 17, 2020
The story of siblings who lost their mum and dad in the Boxing Day tsunami.
from family travel anecdotes, to vivid recollections of the fatal day, to their return and rehabilitation to the UK all of which make a compelling read.
what follows is the emotional story of success from grief and loss, showing innovative business minds and relentless entrepreneurial spirit.
An inspirational read!
from family travel anecdotes, to vivid recollections of the fatal day, to their return and rehabilitation to the UK all of which make a compelling read.
what follows is the emotional story of success from grief and loss, showing innovative business minds and relentless entrepreneurial spirit.
An inspirational read!
April 7, 2021
It is clear that writing is not their skill, it is amateurish but easy to read. The story of love and inspiration however makes up for it significantly. Very much enjoyed reading this book, and found myself wanting to figure out how they managed to develop the Gandys company from flip-flops to the travel-wear company it is today.
March 10, 2022
I am sure we all remember the Boxing Day tsunami and the scenes of devastation afterwards. This is a story of family, love, tragedy, loss, grief and the long road to success whist making a difference.
This is an inspiring read, Rob and Paul your parents would be so proud of you all. I need a pair of Gandy’s flip flops now!
This is an inspiring read, Rob and Paul your parents would be so proud of you all. I need a pair of Gandy’s flip flops now!
July 1, 2024
I'd never heard of Gandy's until a couple of summers ago we happened upon a pop up in the Brighton Lanes. I picked up a couple of tops and signed up to the website. I'd no idea what an unbelievably inspirational brand it really was and the book is a humble retelling of an inspirational journey to survival. Pass it on.
July 26, 2020
A must read. A close-knit and truly amazing family who had to endure a great loss but due to their wonderful parents & the love of other family members and friends they have endured and successfully achieved their aims.
January 14, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 ok stars.
You can’t help but be amazed at the strength & resilience of this family and the story is heartbreaking but also uplifting.
The 3 stars in no way reflects the story but more how it is told, very drawn out, overly detailed and repetitive in parts.
You can’t help but be amazed at the strength & resilience of this family and the story is heartbreaking but also uplifting.
The 3 stars in no way reflects the story but more how it is told, very drawn out, overly detailed and repetitive in parts.
February 4, 2021
This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster! The positivity this family has and the difference they are making is nothing short of remarkable. 100% recommend. I think everyone could learn a thing or two from this book!
February 28, 2021
Such a powerful story. Can’t even imagine the horror of what these kids went through on Boxing Day all those years ago. For them to turn it all around into such a huge positive and helping other kids in the world who need it is amazing. A heartbreaking and inspiring story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews