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River Meets the Sea
A spellbinding, spirited tale of two men exploring masculinity, race, and belonging in a desperate search to feel at home in their own skins. An enthralling nautical epic, River Meets the Sea traces the dual timelines of a white-passing Indigenous foster child in 1940s Vancouver and a teenage immigrant in the suburbs of Nanaimo in the 1970s. A natural-born storyteller, Ronny is a left-handed “alley mutt” without a birth certificate who searches for his mother everywhere ― most powerfully, he hears her voice in the surging Stó:lō River. Born in the middle of the ocean on a merchant ship departing Sri Lanka, Chandra is a Tamil boy with “skin like a charred eggplant” who finds his haven from the pressure to assimilate by swimming and surfing in the Salish Sea. Moving gracefully between these parallel stories like a wave, the novel traces the seemingly separate lives of these sensitive young men and their everlasting connections to water. When their troubled paths inevitably cross, they form a sacred bond based on the mutual understanding of what it means to be othered, illuminating the interconnectedness of humanity and our innate relationship with the natural world.
400 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 15, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and House of Anansi Press Inc for access to this title. I am auto-approved for House of Anansi Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
Book Description: A spellbinding, spirited tale of two men exploring masculinity, race, and belonging in a desperate search to feel at home in their own skins.
An enthralling nautical epic, River Meets the Sea traces the dual timelines of a white-passing Indigenous foster child in 1940s Vancouver and a teenage immigrant in the suburbs of Nanaimo in the 1970s.
A natural-born storyteller, Ronny is a left-handed “alley mutt” without a birth certificate who searches for his mother everywhere — most powerfully, he hears her voice in the surging Stó:lō River. Born in the middle of the ocean on a merchant ship departing Sri Lanka, Chandra is a Tamil boy with “skin like a charred eggplant” who finds his haven from the pressure to assimilate by swimming and surfing in the Salish Sea.
Moving gracefully between these parallel stories like a wave, the novel traces the seemingly separate lives of these sensitive young men and their everlasting connections to water. When their troubled paths inevitably cross, they form a sacred bond based on the mutual understanding of what it means to be othered, illuminating the interconnectedness of humanity and our innate relationship with the natural world.
My reactions: I felt really detached from the characters. This is partly because it took me a while before I realized which character was narrating which chapter. But I was very interested in the author's biography and would try her other titles.
#RiverMeetstheSea #NetGalley.
Expected Publication Date 30/05/23
Goodreads Review Published 14/05/23
Book Description: A spellbinding, spirited tale of two men exploring masculinity, race, and belonging in a desperate search to feel at home in their own skins.
An enthralling nautical epic, River Meets the Sea traces the dual timelines of a white-passing Indigenous foster child in 1940s Vancouver and a teenage immigrant in the suburbs of Nanaimo in the 1970s.
A natural-born storyteller, Ronny is a left-handed “alley mutt” without a birth certificate who searches for his mother everywhere — most powerfully, he hears her voice in the surging Stó:lō River. Born in the middle of the ocean on a merchant ship departing Sri Lanka, Chandra is a Tamil boy with “skin like a charred eggplant” who finds his haven from the pressure to assimilate by swimming and surfing in the Salish Sea.
Moving gracefully between these parallel stories like a wave, the novel traces the seemingly separate lives of these sensitive young men and their everlasting connections to water. When their troubled paths inevitably cross, they form a sacred bond based on the mutual understanding of what it means to be othered, illuminating the interconnectedness of humanity and our innate relationship with the natural world.
My reactions: I felt really detached from the characters. This is partly because it took me a while before I realized which character was narrating which chapter. But I was very interested in the author's biography and would try her other titles.
#RiverMeetstheSea #NetGalley.
Expected Publication Date 30/05/23
Goodreads Review Published 14/05/23
September 13, 2023
"Manhood was rising on the horizon like an oncoming wave, and it made me mean, restless, and competitive.
“What’s with you?” Rocky asked.
I could feel him trying to make eye contact with me, but I ignored him and kept plucking a watery riff on my guitar. All this time I’d been called Black, and that alone was a hard enough truth. Now I had to solve for x and try to understand the obscure algebra of what it meant to be Black. Rocky was Black, that was for sure, but his skin was bark brown while mine was piano-key ebony."
This book tackles a lot and brings the the pnw setting to life with lots of detailed sensory description and the use of halkomelem place names at the start of every chapter. There was a lot in here that made me feel like I was the target audience: skateboarding, Hendrix, alllll the mischief. Nice to read two male characters that weren't YA hokey or villainized but rather honest in their portrayal and in their paths of redemption.
“What’s with you?” Rocky asked.
I could feel him trying to make eye contact with me, but I ignored him and kept plucking a watery riff on my guitar. All this time I’d been called Black, and that alone was a hard enough truth. Now I had to solve for x and try to understand the obscure algebra of what it meant to be Black. Rocky was Black, that was for sure, but his skin was bark brown while mine was piano-key ebony."
This book tackles a lot and brings the the pnw setting to life with lots of detailed sensory description and the use of halkomelem place names at the start of every chapter. There was a lot in here that made me feel like I was the target audience: skateboarding, Hendrix, alllll the mischief. Nice to read two male characters that weren't YA hokey or villainized but rather honest in their portrayal and in their paths of redemption.
January 15, 2025
4.75⭐️
I’m really glad that I stumbled across this title while browsing on Libby for a book that I could borrow immediately.
I have not seen this on any form of social media but man I think it should be talked about.
This is a book that follows two boys throughout their lives - while the book takes you through their same ages, they are happening years apart. These boys, then later men, struggle with identity, body images, love, belonging, loss, love, and loneliness. They each find their peace with the water and the land. And then eventually how their lives cross.
Moorthy writes in one of the most descriptive ways I’ve ever read. I’ve always felt I could really picture what authors are describing, but I could taste the foods Moorthy was writing about, could feel the water they were swimming in, felt the anxiety, the sadness. I’m an in awe that this was her debut novel.
I give this book 4.75 stars and I highly recommend it.
I’m really glad that I stumbled across this title while browsing on Libby for a book that I could borrow immediately.
I have not seen this on any form of social media but man I think it should be talked about.
This is a book that follows two boys throughout their lives - while the book takes you through their same ages, they are happening years apart. These boys, then later men, struggle with identity, body images, love, belonging, loss, love, and loneliness. They each find their peace with the water and the land. And then eventually how their lives cross.
Moorthy writes in one of the most descriptive ways I’ve ever read. I’ve always felt I could really picture what authors are describing, but I could taste the foods Moorthy was writing about, could feel the water they were swimming in, felt the anxiety, the sadness. I’m an in awe that this was her debut novel.
I give this book 4.75 stars and I highly recommend it.
June 9, 2023
Enjoyed this book thoroughly, especially after living in BC and feeling the historical narratives spun throughout the novel. While I am not typically one to read more prose-heavy novels, after about 10 pages I found myself really into this story.
The narratives are not complicated to follow, with easy titles and years dictating who is speaking - and the characters are both different but clearly connected. While some of the story seems a bit predictable, the way this was written and the dissection of negotiated identities in a post colonial world made this a memorable read.
The narratives are not complicated to follow, with easy titles and years dictating who is speaking - and the characters are both different but clearly connected. While some of the story seems a bit predictable, the way this was written and the dissection of negotiated identities in a post colonial world made this a memorable read.
September 24, 2023
River Meets the Sea is an effortless, beautiful read that tells the story of two boys growing up and negotiating their identity in the 20th century in British Columbia, Canada. The story candidly faces the entirety of life and explores connection and disconnection between nature and humans, within families, friendships, between places and identities.
The novel's vivid, saturated prose captivates at the first page and carries the reader into the story. The characters, the land- and cityscapes, the tastes and the sounds are vibrant, colorful and tangible as the novel interchangeably follows the two boys' plotlines. Rather than focusing on one specific period in their lives, chapters provide insight into different stages of their story told in a steady rhythm, painting a larger picture of their fluid, evolving identities and surroundings. Despite this, the characters feel palpable and grow familiar, as their sorrow evokes heartbreak, their mischief elicits laughter and the friendship and love they experience bring joy to the reader.
I savored every bit of River Meets the Sea because I appreciate it when a novel touches my heart and allows me to get immersed in the characters and their stories.
The novel's vivid, saturated prose captivates at the first page and carries the reader into the story. The characters, the land- and cityscapes, the tastes and the sounds are vibrant, colorful and tangible as the novel interchangeably follows the two boys' plotlines. Rather than focusing on one specific period in their lives, chapters provide insight into different stages of their story told in a steady rhythm, painting a larger picture of their fluid, evolving identities and surroundings. Despite this, the characters feel palpable and grow familiar, as their sorrow evokes heartbreak, their mischief elicits laughter and the friendship and love they experience bring joy to the reader.
I savored every bit of River Meets the Sea because I appreciate it when a novel touches my heart and allows me to get immersed in the characters and their stories.
July 31, 2023
I absolutely loved the storyline of the book. It did take me a while to get into, for the first 2 or 3 chapters I kept finding myself drifting off and needing to start that page over again The writing itself was a little cluttered but eventually I got into flow and really enjoyed the book.
January 14, 2024
Like witnessing an Eclipse during an afternoon hailstorm with horizon-wide rainbows erupting every prominent colour of every element of every season, "River Meets the Sea" is an extremely explosive firework that tickles all of the senses with a brush that just won't stop painting. Moorthy's descriptions and attention to detail are woven beautifully as she needles out each millipixel of an enormous, nature flourishing trail that travels down thick branches & deep, windy roads.
A bludgeoning but blissful grip of dedication to discovering bloodlines, understanding and creating a sense of security in one's own skin through the horrid past of Colonization, and a gentle reminder to remember where we ALL originated from as tiny drops amongst the everlasting deep blue.
A bludgeoning but blissful grip of dedication to discovering bloodlines, understanding and creating a sense of security in one's own skin through the horrid past of Colonization, and a gentle reminder to remember where we ALL originated from as tiny drops amongst the everlasting deep blue.
September 10, 2023
The book follows two timelines. One, the river, is about Ronny, an orphan doing his best to survive in 1940s and 50s Vancouver. He is in and out of foster homes, running the streets, fighting gangs, until he eventually joins the navy. The sea is about Chandra, a son of Sri Lankan immigrants, growing up in 1980s Nanaimo. Chandra is a swimmer and has friends, but never feels like he truly belongs anywhere. The book is described as an exploration of masculinity, and I guess there's that, as both Ronny and Chandra try to make sense of who they can become within the parameters they are given. But this book did not work for me. Practically every line is glutted with a metaphor or layers of description. It was dizzying and distracting. Also, the need for both storylines never felt quite clear. They are united in the end, but it felt like too little, too late. That said, there is something interesting going on in this book, Moorthy was going for something. I don't think she succeeded but I applaud her ambition. I just wish she had had an editor who could have helped shape it better, and reign in some of her prose.
July 5, 2023
Told from the perspective of two characters- in two different times and places- this story encourages readers to explore important themes of identity, belonging, history, and reconciliation. I think I enjoyed this novel especially because it was set in British Columbia (where I live) and is centred around symbols of nature, specifically water. The lyrical, poetic prose was what initially caught my attention, and I found myself rereading lines over and over. All the characters in this story were memorable, and I especially liked Saoirse. I also absolutely loved how late in the novel we see how the two main voices are linked.
May 11, 2023
"River Meets the Sea" is a poetic, emotional and captivating read. Rachael turns words into water, the prose easily transporting you along with the characters on their respective journeys.
If you have ever felt othered, this story is for you. Topics such as race, identity, and family are handled with care and beauty. Each character is well-rounded and complex, I found parts of myself in all of them.
This novel broke my heart a million times and repaired it in a million different ways. It leaves you with a bittersweet ache in your chest long after you've finished it.
If you have ever felt othered, this story is for you. Topics such as race, identity, and family are handled with care and beauty. Each character is well-rounded and complex, I found parts of myself in all of them.
This novel broke my heart a million times and repaired it in a million different ways. It leaves you with a bittersweet ache in your chest long after you've finished it.
June 28, 2024
An impressive debut novel, and a wondrous meditation on belonging, otherness, identity, (lack of) heritage, roots/rootlessness, and feeling for the land and bodies of water.
For some, it may take a little while to get into due to its structure with chapters in two different timelines and from two different perspectives. If one takes too long a break in the reading, it's easy to feel confused about which character experienced what. It does, however, come together nicely in the end, and the eventual meeting of river and sea is well worth the effort.
For some, it may take a little while to get into due to its structure with chapters in two different timelines and from two different perspectives. If one takes too long a break in the reading, it's easy to feel confused about which character experienced what. It does, however, come together nicely in the end, and the eventual meeting of river and sea is well worth the effort.
October 28, 2023
A fabulous debut novel. Rachael has a way of bringing her characters to life with her detailed descriptive prose. Her language drew me into their story lines and their challenges, navigating through life as melanated and coded young men in a society with many constraints and biases. I also loved how she vividly described the world around them and integrated indigenous ways of knowing and being into her book.
I will patiently await her future novels.
I will patiently await her future novels.
January 20, 2025
Moorthy’s writing style is incredibly poetic, nearly every sentence is dense with evocative language and the result is a story that’s so tangible. You can feel the water on your skin, the food in your mouth, and the ache of longing as you’re swept away to tall ships at sea, or the dance floor in Hogan’s Alley back in the day. I so appreciated the whole and imperfect characters Moorthy created, and the tenderness that was offered to them in their most complicated and human moments.
July 23, 2023
Wow! Another fabulous debut novel to add to my list this year.
This is a(nother) beautifully crafted and moving coming-of-age story exploring the intersection of colonialism, racism, identity and belonging across two generations.
The setting, the BC lower mainland and also Vancouver Island, is integral to the story and had me longing to be back there once again.
This is a(nother) beautifully crafted and moving coming-of-age story exploring the intersection of colonialism, racism, identity and belonging across two generations.
The setting, the BC lower mainland and also Vancouver Island, is integral to the story and had me longing to be back there once again.
March 6, 2026
I loved the writing style and the authors creative and artistic way to draw a picture of all the characters and their idiosyncrasies in ones head. Furthermore the story offers a fascinating and captivating plot.
I can highly recommend this book!
I can highly recommend this book!
May 3, 2023
I found the premise fascinating but the book itself was absolutely awful. It is poorly written with no continuity. I do not recommend this book
May 22, 2023
One of those books that makes you put off your basic needs so that you can keep reading. I was captivated from the start and sad when the story was over.
June 11, 2023
A beautiful exploration of manhood and race following two distinct characters. Their stories eventually flow into each other in a surprising twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2023
Beautiful story but found that the overly descriptive prose took away from the storytelling.
February 8, 2024
I loved the poetic descriptions in this book, especially of colours.
August 12, 2024
Started it but found I couldn’t read it. It felt like had an agenda and just didn’t pull me in.
February 28, 2025
This book weaves together two parallel timelines, telling two beautifully crafted stories. I’m a sucker for a good narrative, but even more so for well-written sentences—and Rachael Moorthy delivers both.
The author has such a keen eye for detail, and every sentence reads like poetry. Her descriptions of nature and food are especially striking. One scene, where morels are prepared and eaten, stayed with me, I could almost taste the flavors!!
I highly recommend this ambitious, well-written, and thoroughly researched debut novel to anyone who loves elegant prose, layered storytelling, and a romantic outlook on the world despite all challenges.
A beautiful example:
„Sundays were bannock days. Ray liked to experiment with berries and perennial herbs: blackberry and wild violet, salmonberry and sage. I sank my teeth into the fried gold, dappled with orange and purple berry confetti. The bannock dissolved against the roof of my mouth and churned gummy between my teeth. I recognized the thick sweetness
— taste of earthy blueberry with blackcurrant at the core.“
The author has such a keen eye for detail, and every sentence reads like poetry. Her descriptions of nature and food are especially striking. One scene, where morels are prepared and eaten, stayed with me, I could almost taste the flavors!!
I highly recommend this ambitious, well-written, and thoroughly researched debut novel to anyone who loves elegant prose, layered storytelling, and a romantic outlook on the world despite all challenges.
A beautiful example:
„Sundays were bannock days. Ray liked to experiment with berries and perennial herbs: blackberry and wild violet, salmonberry and sage. I sank my teeth into the fried gold, dappled with orange and purple berry confetti. The bannock dissolved against the roof of my mouth and churned gummy between my teeth. I recognized the thick sweetness
— taste of earthy blueberry with blackcurrant at the core.“
August 24, 2024
Poignantly exploring racial identity and settler status within a rich description of the natural landscape, Moorthy's characters grapple with being othered in places which no longer resemble 'home'. The two men's lives meander through the prose like the river and come to spill into a great sea, a story of how finding yourself and navigating labelmongers is a neverending journey in life. A story for the ages that will resonate with those who travel similar paths. Highly recommend!
September 26, 2023
In a time when understanding the intersectionality of oppression is at an all time high. River Meets the Sea captures the elements of racism, sexism, homophobia, truth and reconciliation and children in care at a profound and compassionate level. Rachael's prose is literary and draws you in to a dreamlike existence with captivating imagery and profound storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews