Kiss of the Tsunami

Author(s): Rachel Rivers Porter

Location(s): Phuket

Genre(s): Adventure, Young Adult

Era(s): Boxing Day tsunami 2004

A gripping story of survival in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. ‘Kiss of the Tsunami’ is a journey through dark to light, love and loss. In the midst of death and destruction, two people from very different cultures are caught up in the cataclysmic event and their destinies become entwined. Sparks of attraction leap across barriers of culture bringing hope and healing.

The dual narrative alternates between Marti, an indigenous sea gypsy and Krista, an English girl on holiday in Thailand.

Desperate to escape racial taunts, sea gypsy Marti dreams of living an exciting new life. He has left his free-diving lifestyle to work in a seafront hotel and learned to speak Thai and English. The seventeen year-old angers his family by questioning the relevance of their Moken heritage, but Papa says the ocean is his universe and his son shouldn’t ignore the ancient knowledge. Marti makes a decision which he lives to regret.

Arriving in Phuket on Christmas Day with her dad and new step-mum, fifteen year-old Krista is struggling to accept their marriage and to let go of the past. On Boxing Day, the ground tremors, but her dad reassures her, saying it’s just the earth having a little shake-up. An hour later, clutching her late mum’s gold locket, Krista watches Marti entertaining girls by diving in the hotel pool. Confused by her reaction to the tall young man, she walks to the beach which is already filling up with youth and beauty.

Sea gypsy Marti is considered to be one of the ‘Basement People,’ having no rights or education. Standing by the sea wall, he is astonished to see the ocean rolled up in the distance. A childhood story flashes into his mind about the Laboon: the seventh wave that eats people: “When the tide disappears into the mist and the birds stop singing and the crabs crawl to the forest, you must run!”

Krista’s holiday to paradise has turned into a fight for survival. As the dark wall of water powers towards her, she thinks she is going to die. Terrified and alone, she discovers new reserves of strength. Help comes from unexpected sources, but when safety is within reach, she has to confront her greatest fear.

In the tragic aftermath of the tsunami, everything Marti has known and believes in, is thrown into chaos. A deadly tide of junk is pouring down the street, sucking in life and spewing out death. Marti is faced with a terrible choice and he finds out the true meaning of sacrifice.

Lives touch in the midst of devastation and bring healing and hope. Marti is left with a choice: to follow his dream and move to the west, or stay in Thailand to protect his family and affirm his culture.

‘Kiss of the Tsunami’ was long-listed in The Times/ Chicken House Children’s Fiction competition 2016.

Excellent reviews from readers, book events in secondary schools and senior citizens in a library event have shown that its appeals stretches from 11+ to 90 years old!

“’Kiss of the Tsunami’ is a sensitively written, authentic and emotive story of two teens from very different cultures swept up in a horrific event – the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. The author has done an excellent job of creating two narrators with very unique voices. The dual narrative is a clever plot device — Marti and Krista both have very unique voices and the differing perspectives is a great way of showing us two very different sides to the story… A unique and accomplished novel with excellent, moving writing. I really enjoyed this novel and think the writer has a lot of promise.”
Chicken House Reader’s Report

“’Kiss of the Tsunami’ is definitely worth a read – a gripping story about survival and sacrifice.”
Penguin Random House Writers’ Academy

“Rachel Rivers Porter is one of the successes of Penguin Random House Writers’ Academy. It was a fantastic achievement being long-listed by The Times Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition.” Rebecca Watson, Penguin Random House Writers’ Academy

The Assistant Head at Framwellgate School, Durham, has confirmed that the English Department is planning on using ‘Kiss of the Tsunami’ with their Year 9 group. “I absolutely loved this book! As an English teacher, we will be looking to buy a set of these as a class reader. Beautifully written and deals with a variety of themes such as survival, hope and healing.” Jane Rayson

The author is planning to create a Teacher’s Guide to accompany ‘Kiss of the Tsunami.’ The book covers issues such as the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, sea gypsy culture, racism , identity, family expectations, love, loss and sacrifice.

Review this Book