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In a world where the ocean can be both a sanctuary and a source of devastation, Tara Menon's debut novel, Under Water, intricately weaves the themes of grief and natural beauty. Menon, an English Assistant Professor, tells the poignant story of Marissa, a protagonist deeply connected to the sea, exploring the weight of loss through a unique narrative structure and vivid descriptions of the natural world.

Under Water centers on Marissa's reflections following the tragic loss of her best friend, Arielle, who died in a tsunami in Phuket, Thailand, in 2004. The novel oscillates between Marissa's life in New York City in 2012 and her childhood memories in Thailand. As Hurricane Sandy approaches New York, Marissa grapples with her decision to return to Thailand, where her past intertwines with her present.

Menon's writing brilliantly captures the juxtaposition of beauty and destruction. As Marissa reminisces about joyous moments spent with Arielle, these memories are immediately countered by reminders of their shared grief. The lush landscapes of Thailand, including the vibrant ecosystems teeming with marine life, are vividly described, yet they stand in stark contrast to the devastation of the tsunami, embodying Marissa’s emotional turmoil.

Through Marissa's childhood memories of her father's research on manta rays, Menon invites readers to appreciate the wonders of marine life. These creatures are given life through meticulous details about their gestation, intelligence, and even individual names like Anna K., Flo-Jo, and Lizzie. This focus not only deepens the reader's connection to the natural world but also highlights the bond between Marissa and Arielle, fostering a sense of loss that transcends personal grief and extends to environmental devastation.

Marissa's work at a travel magazine further accentuates the beauty of nature. Her captions, filled with evocative adjectives such as "crystalline," "pristine," and "spellbinding," offer a striking juxtaposition to the harsh realities of the tsunami's aftermath. This narrative technique underscores the tragedy of mourning not only a friend but also the idyllic beaches of their youth, now forever altered.

The structure of the novel reinforces the theme of memory. Marissa’s internal dialogue often leads her to relive her trauma, such as when a simple visit to a gourmet supermarket's fish counter triggers memories of her and Arielle’s shared admiration for marine life. Menon skillfully alternates between Marissa’s present experiences and her recollections of the tsunami’s destruction, illustrating how inextricably linked her grief is to her memories.

Nightmares about the tsunami and Arielle's death recur throughout the novel, creating a haunting pattern reflective of Marissa's struggle for recovery. Each chapter often opens with a nightmare, reinforcing the connection between the catastrophic natural event and the personal loss she endures. Through this, Menon evokes a shared sense of grief, drawing readers into Marissa's emotional journey.

The friendship between Marissa and Arielle is rendered with stunning depth, making their bond relatable and enviable. As Marissa navigates her grief, readers are not merely spectators; they are invited to experience the profound emotional weight of loss alongside her. By intertwining the loss of Arielle and the ecological devastation in Thailand, Menon elucidates the unbreakable connection between humanity and the natural world, emphasizing that both can be irrevocably altered by trauma.

Under Water offers an engaging exploration of grief intertwined with a deep appreciation for marine ecosystems. Menon’s novel serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between beauty and destruction, encouraging readers to reflect on their own connections to the natural world and the impact of loss. Through her vivid storytelling, Tara Menon not only crafts an emotional narrative but also fosters a greater understanding of the intricate relationship between people and the environments they cherish.