Under the Wave at Waimea
Under the Wave at Waimea by Paul Theroux is a novel published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2021, featuring 409 pages in English. This atmospheric narrative follows Joe Sharkey, a big-wave surfer grappling with the realities of aging and privilege as he navigates a life-altering incident. After accidentally killing a stranger near Waimea, Joe’s world spirals out of control, prompting his girlfriend, Olive, to delve into the mystery surrounding the deceased and help him reclaim his passion for surfing.
Readers will find a rich exploration of themes such as mortality and the choices that shape our lives, set against the backdrop of Oahu’s vibrant yet gritty landscape. The story intertwines elements of suspense and romance, as Olive’s quest for truth unfolds amidst the challenges Joe faces in his personal and professional life. This edition presents a unique perspective on the complexities of human relationships and the impact of past decisions, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in literary fiction and mystery.
Official synopsis Publisher
“Theroux’s work is like no one else’s.” -Francine Prose, New York Times Book Review
From legendary writer Paul Theroux comes an atmospheric novel following a big-wave surfer as he confronts aging, privilege, mortality, and whose lives we choose to remember.
Now in his sixties, big-wave surfer Joe Sharkey has passed his prime and is losing his “stoke.” The younger surfers around the breaks on the north shore of Oahu still idolize the Shark, but his sponsors are looking elsewhere. One night, while driving home from a bar after one too many, Joe accidentally kills a stranger near Waimea, a tragedy that sends his life out of control. As the repercussions of the accident spiral ever wider, Joe’s devoted girlfriend, Olive, throws herself into uncovering the dead man’s identity and helping Joe find vitality and refuge in the waves again.
Set in the lush, gritty underside of an island paradise readers rarely see, UNDER THE WAVE AT WAIMEA offers a dramatic, affecting commentary on privilege, mortality, and the lives we choose to remember. It is a masterstroke by one of the greatest writers of our time.
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