They were childhood friends who become lovers.
He wanted a comfortable life.
She wanted to save the world.
Would their love survive?
The End of the Ocean by Maja Lunde is a compelling dystopian novel and a warning. It is also a heartbreaking story of lovers torn asunder by social forces.
The exotic pristine beauty of Norway is the symbol of the beauty and perfection of the world--which humankind is willing to sacrifice to continue an unsustainable lifestyle.
Signe's mother was willing to destroy their Norweigan habitat so the community could progress and thrive by the diversion of the river into a power plant. Her family hotel needed this to survive.
Signe's father protested the loss of the water ouzel, a tiny mollusk that cleaned the water and lived 100 years, and the natural beauty of the River Breio and its waterfall. He and Magnus's father tried to stop the plan. They failed.
At university, Signe and Magnus become lovers and seem to be following in their father's footsteps in protecting the environment. But Magnus opts instead for the status quo--a good life--working for Signe's mother. Signe leaves him.
Years later Signe learns that Magnus is harvesting the glaciers and selling the ice. It is time for one more act of resistance.
The legacy of their actions will impact future climate refugees David and Lou. In 2041, France is burning and the family flees. In the turmoil, David and his daughter Lou are separated from his wife Anne and their infant son. They travel to a refugee camp, at first an oasis of order providing basic needs. Later, things tumble into chaos.
This grim warning on the natural outcome of climate change also offers hope in the healing forgiveness of love.
I received a free ARC from the publisher through Bookish First in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
The End of the Ocean
by Maja Lunde
translated by Diane Oatley
Harper Via
On Sale: 01/14/2020
hard cover $27.99
ISBN: 9780062951366
ISBN 10: 006295136X
