In this Coffee Break episode, Nadine Matheson sits down with debut novelist Tara Menon to talk about her stunning new book Under Water, a story about friendship, grief, and the devastating power of natural disasters.

Tara shares her experiences growing up in Singapore and the impact of two significant natural disasters, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Sandy, on her writing process and the themes of her book.

As Tara delves into the story of Marissa and her best friend Arielle, who navigate the idyllic beauty of their island home before tragedy strikes, she reflects on the heavy responsibility of depicting real-life events in fiction. The conversation touches on the nuances of grief, particularly the loss of a friend, and the disparity in how different cultures respond to natural disasters. Tara also reveals the surprising characters that emerged during her writing journey and shares fascinating facts about manta rays that inspired her narrative.

Watch Tara Menon's recommendation: The Last of the Sea Women (Apple TV+)

Buy Under Water by Tara Menon

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