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Inland
Inland is a harrowing account of separation and resilience as two families struggle to reunite after the Eastern Seaboard succumbs to catastrophic flooding. Trapped in the rapid floodwaters, Juliet and Martin search for a viable way back to Boston while their children face their own challenges for survival in the rising seas. This intense tale of endurance and hope examines the human connection and the unpredictable role of technology in a warming world.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2024
4 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Kate Risse
1 book5 followersI'm the author of the novel: Inland
https://www.katerisse.com/
I teach at Tufts University.
When I'm not in Boston, I like to spend
time on Dog Island, on the Florida Panhandle, and
in the Mountains of Vermont, just outside of Montpelier.
https://www.katerisse.com/
I teach at Tufts University.
When I'm not in Boston, I like to spend
time on Dog Island, on the Florida Panhandle, and
in the Mountains of Vermont, just outside of Montpelier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 21, 2024
I am not going to finish Kate Risse's Inland. I have absolutely no idea how it currently has 4.7 stars on Goodreads, from the first 15 readers.
I'm having the worst time engaging. It's supposed to be about families surviving climate change, but the characters are making ridiculous and deadly decisions. I can't find sympathy for them. I don't even like them.
Also, WHAT IS UP WITH THE NATIONWIDE BAN ON SMARTPHONES? If the author is going to make up something damaging or toxic about what the phones are made of or how they work, please tell us so we're in on the details of the world you're creating. Otherwise it comes off like conspiracy nonsense. The first 20% of the book is all about how the phones are contraband, but everyone can't put them down, but they're making people sick (?), so they should be resisting. It's all just too much, and too little at the same time.
As well, Rachel Fulginiti, the narrator, has a harsh and gravelly voice that is a real turnoff for me.
Overall this was a one-star.
I'm having the worst time engaging. It's supposed to be about families surviving climate change, but the characters are making ridiculous and deadly decisions. I can't find sympathy for them. I don't even like them.
Also, WHAT IS UP WITH THE NATIONWIDE BAN ON SMARTPHONES? If the author is going to make up something damaging or toxic about what the phones are made of or how they work, please tell us so we're in on the details of the world you're creating. Otherwise it comes off like conspiracy nonsense. The first 20% of the book is all about how the phones are contraband, but everyone can't put them down, but they're making people sick (?), so they should be resisting. It's all just too much, and too little at the same time.
As well, Rachel Fulginiti, the narrator, has a harsh and gravelly voice that is a real turnoff for me.
Overall this was a one-star.
January 13, 2025
I was not impressed with this one. There was no backstory on the events that led up to the flooding or why phones are dangerous and banned? The wife didn’t seem very concerned about why her child was abandoned by her husband and other son? Perhaps that was my interpretation of how it was so drolly narrated. I finished the audio the whole way through purely hoping to understand literally any of it and was sorely disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review.
July 26, 2024
I wasn’t impressed by this book and the POVs given. I could not connect with Mom and her son made stupid and irrational decisions.
Reminds me of a draggy soap
Opera.
Reminds me of a draggy soap
Opera.
July 1, 2024
Inland by Kate Risse tells the tale of Juliet, who has been separated from her family, and her son Billy, who is all alone and only able to contact each other by phone, which is banned in their country. Juliet can’t help but reminisce about the days before the ban, when she hated this technology and believed that children should spend less time with it, but now it has become her only way to reach her son Billy and rescue him. She travels with Martin, her neighbor also separated from his family, and together they seek out ways through this flooding world to reunite with their families.
Through the eyes of Billy, we are able to see different perspectives from those of Juliet on their family’s dynamics. I found it fresh and interesting as I got to rethink my opinion on certain events told by Juliet. Though I understood Billy’s desire, I couldn’t help but find his decision foolish to remain in the flooding house and wait to be rescued by his family instead of leaving when he had the chance, as he is most likely to die before any help comes. And I can’t help but feel that book deserves a sequel, as there is still some unfinished business.
I like that each flashback was indicated with a graphic design, but I wish it was more clearly indicated, especially at the beginning of each chapter. It is not properly organized for being a pdf. I had to scroll up and down and then back and forth to keep up with the page number, and because of this, it was very confusing at the start until I noticed this problem.I believe people who enjoy books on family and the spirit of resilience will love this book.
Through the eyes of Billy, we are able to see different perspectives from those of Juliet on their family’s dynamics. I found it fresh and interesting as I got to rethink my opinion on certain events told by Juliet. Though I understood Billy’s desire, I couldn’t help but find his decision foolish to remain in the flooding house and wait to be rescued by his family instead of leaving when he had the chance, as he is most likely to die before any help comes. And I can’t help but feel that book deserves a sequel, as there is still some unfinished business.
I like that each flashback was indicated with a graphic design, but I wish it was more clearly indicated, especially at the beginning of each chapter. It is not properly organized for being a pdf. I had to scroll up and down and then back and forth to keep up with the page number, and because of this, it was very confusing at the start until I noticed this problem.I believe people who enjoy books on family and the spirit of resilience will love this book.
July 21, 2025
ARC review
Inland by Kate Risse is speculative fiction taking place after parts of the US have been overtaken by climate crisis and flooding. There are also other speculative elements at play throughout such as mobile phones being eradicated due to (what seems like) propaganda and fear-mongering, making communication during this disaster very limited.
Juliet and Martin are both married (to other people) and their families live next door to each other. They are separated from said families due to an extra-marital trip that occurs at the same time as the floods. Juliet's son, Billy, is home by himself and doesn't know where his father and brother are, or that there has even been a disaster until he emerges from the family's basement. Juliet allowed Billy to keep his phone when the rest were surrendered if he agreed to keep it hidden and it is now the only connection he has to his mother. The narrative switches first-person perspectives between Juliet, travelling with Martin to try to get home, and Billy, who finds company against his will after a lot of nagging with Martin's daughters who are also home alone.
Inland is essentially a boiling pot of tension: between Juliet and Martin about how they will explain their whereabouts, between Juliet and Billy as limited phone signal leaves a lot of room for misunderstanding, between Billy and Martin's family who he feels are hiding something. This is all compounded on top of each character's stress over the recent events and fear for the future. The author did a great job of showing how this kind of stress effects everyone differently (some will close of, some will seek to help others, some will get angry, etc.) and Juliet and Martin cross paths will people from all along this spectrum on their journey. I like the balance of plot-driven and character-driven elements and I think in that regard this is a great example of what makes speculative fiction different to dystopians.
A couple of things I really struggled with was the switching perspectives and the choices characters made in an attempt to stretch the story further. It's really important to me when I'm reading different first-person perspectives that each character has a unique voice and it is easily identifiable. I don't feel like the author's voice changed when writing for Juliet and Billy bar a few instances where Billy's speech/thoughts seemed to be intentionally youthful. I also felt really frustrated because Juliet and Martin kept making stupid and unrealistic decisions which served no other purpose than stoking drama and making their journey longer. Sure, it can be argued that you don't know what decisions you'd make in life-or-death circumstances until you're in it, but it definitely felt forced to me.
Overall I think this book has a lot of promise! It would also be a good introduction to speculative fiction as it's really easy to follow.
Inland by Kate Risse is speculative fiction taking place after parts of the US have been overtaken by climate crisis and flooding. There are also other speculative elements at play throughout such as mobile phones being eradicated due to (what seems like) propaganda and fear-mongering, making communication during this disaster very limited.
Juliet and Martin are both married (to other people) and their families live next door to each other. They are separated from said families due to an extra-marital trip that occurs at the same time as the floods. Juliet's son, Billy, is home by himself and doesn't know where his father and brother are, or that there has even been a disaster until he emerges from the family's basement. Juliet allowed Billy to keep his phone when the rest were surrendered if he agreed to keep it hidden and it is now the only connection he has to his mother. The narrative switches first-person perspectives between Juliet, travelling with Martin to try to get home, and Billy, who finds company against his will after a lot of nagging with Martin's daughters who are also home alone.
Inland is essentially a boiling pot of tension: between Juliet and Martin about how they will explain their whereabouts, between Juliet and Billy as limited phone signal leaves a lot of room for misunderstanding, between Billy and Martin's family who he feels are hiding something. This is all compounded on top of each character's stress over the recent events and fear for the future. The author did a great job of showing how this kind of stress effects everyone differently (some will close of, some will seek to help others, some will get angry, etc.) and Juliet and Martin cross paths will people from all along this spectrum on their journey. I like the balance of plot-driven and character-driven elements and I think in that regard this is a great example of what makes speculative fiction different to dystopians.
A couple of things I really struggled with was the switching perspectives and the choices characters made in an attempt to stretch the story further. It's really important to me when I'm reading different first-person perspectives that each character has a unique voice and it is easily identifiable. I don't feel like the author's voice changed when writing for Juliet and Billy bar a few instances where Billy's speech/thoughts seemed to be intentionally youthful. I also felt really frustrated because Juliet and Martin kept making stupid and unrealistic decisions which served no other purpose than stoking drama and making their journey longer. Sure, it can be argued that you don't know what decisions you'd make in life-or-death circumstances until you're in it, but it definitely felt forced to me.
Overall I think this book has a lot of promise! It would also be a good introduction to speculative fiction as it's really easy to follow.
October 23, 2024
Being a Louisiana gal, Inland reminded me of the levee-break in Nola during Katrina, although vastly dilated.
This harrowing story is told from alternating perspectives, by Juliet and her teenage son, Billy, who are apart when catastrophe strikes. The story that unfurls is a vivid one, albeit bleak with an eerie, plausible apocalyptic air.
To the readers with a penchant for environmental calamities and the fight for survival through diligence, admirable resilience and the love of family, you don't want to miss this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for review.
Pub Date: Jun 15 2024.
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | 12 Willows Press
This harrowing story is told from alternating perspectives, by Juliet and her teenage son, Billy, who are apart when catastrophe strikes. The story that unfurls is a vivid one, albeit bleak with an eerie, plausible apocalyptic air.
To the readers with a penchant for environmental calamities and the fight for survival through diligence, admirable resilience and the love of family, you don't want to miss this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for review.
Pub Date: Jun 15 2024.
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | 12 Willows Press
January 12, 2025
This one, as the saying goes, has good bones. The alternating perspectives format is really having a moment right now, and this is the kind of story it’s made for. Yes, the story takes place during a near-future cataclysmic wipeout of the entire East coast - but it’s not sci-fi, or even really about climate change or environmental politics per se. The heart of the drama is two people (and eventually more who make communication even harder to achieve) attempting to communicate in a non-synchronous format (sporadically available text messages) through mistaken assumptions, misinformation, fear, shame, and just good old fashioned talking past each other.
The real brilliance is that, unlike most alternating POV stories which either show the same scene from both perspectives or have one narrator pick up where the other left off, this author lets us see the context in which the same texts were sent and received. The sender and recipient, each in the midst of their own struggles to survive and not sure when they will lose access, each take for granted a vast array of knowledge and context to which the other party has no access. I promise you will gasp when Juliet finally asks how high the water is - and hopefully you will take a closer look at how you communicate with your loved ones and colleagues.
It is only a very minor spoiler to warn you that many questions will be left unanswered at the end - but that’s as expected in a story about failure to communicate.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The real brilliance is that, unlike most alternating POV stories which either show the same scene from both perspectives or have one narrator pick up where the other left off, this author lets us see the context in which the same texts were sent and received. The sender and recipient, each in the midst of their own struggles to survive and not sure when they will lose access, each take for granted a vast array of knowledge and context to which the other party has no access. I promise you will gasp when Juliet finally asks how high the water is - and hopefully you will take a closer look at how you communicate with your loved ones and colleagues.
It is only a very minor spoiler to warn you that many questions will be left unanswered at the end - but that’s as expected in a story about failure to communicate.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
April 8, 2025
Inland is a cli-fi novel where the sea levels rise with no notice leaving people stranded and underwater all along the coasts. This book follows Juliet and her neighbour Martin, who get stranded somewhere along the southern coast and need to make their way back to Boston to their children. I really liked the premise for this book but the characters fell extremely flat for me I didn't care about any of them, so what if they drown in the rising water? Again cool premise but negative points for the POVs and time jumping.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.
October 29, 2024
2.75 stars, rounded up for the idea.
The premise of this story is so good but the execution was lackluster. Unfortunately for this book, I decided that I would try to be a bit more strict in my ratings for arcs and Inland how has to be the first to face harsher judgment. I was definitely intrigued by the description of this book and it had me hooked in the beginning. The idea of a dystopian post COVID world with major climate crises and disasters seemed like it would be action packed. However, the world left me with more questions than answers.
This book is dual pov between a mother, Juliet, and her son, Billy. They are separated when a cataclysmic natural disaster happens. This books follows both of their journeys. I found both main characters to frankly be idiots. They made dumb decision after dumb decision. They were both so entitled in their thinking processes and literally have no survival skills whatsoever. I don’t know if the point of this book was for the characters to be “realistic” but I hope no one would be that dense during a situation like this. There were side characters that added no real purpose to the book, including the guy the mom was traveling with. I still don’t understand how they ended up in FL together at the beginning or anything.
I also didn’t understand the major point of cell phones making everyone sick and being banned across the country (or world?). The characters talked about that issue a lot but all of the information was very surface level. I got tired of hearing about it. It didn’t make sense and did not add anything to the story. The cell phones could have stayed like normal but service would just be really spotty or out because of the disaster. Really hated that plot point. Also HATED the ending. I basically read this book to know no more than I did at the beginning? Honestly, after writing this I have decided to knock my rating down to 2.25 stars and round it down.
Thank you Netgalley and 12 Willows Press for the audiobook arc.
The premise of this story is so good but the execution was lackluster. Unfortunately for this book, I decided that I would try to be a bit more strict in my ratings for arcs and Inland how has to be the first to face harsher judgment. I was definitely intrigued by the description of this book and it had me hooked in the beginning. The idea of a dystopian post COVID world with major climate crises and disasters seemed like it would be action packed. However, the world left me with more questions than answers.
This book is dual pov between a mother, Juliet, and her son, Billy. They are separated when a cataclysmic natural disaster happens. This books follows both of their journeys. I found both main characters to frankly be idiots. They made dumb decision after dumb decision. They were both so entitled in their thinking processes and literally have no survival skills whatsoever. I don’t know if the point of this book was for the characters to be “realistic” but I hope no one would be that dense during a situation like this. There were side characters that added no real purpose to the book, including the guy the mom was traveling with. I still don’t understand how they ended up in FL together at the beginning or anything.
I also didn’t understand the major point of cell phones making everyone sick and being banned across the country (or world?). The characters talked about that issue a lot but all of the information was very surface level. I got tired of hearing about it. It didn’t make sense and did not add anything to the story. The cell phones could have stayed like normal but service would just be really spotty or out because of the disaster. Really hated that plot point. Also HATED the ending. I basically read this book to know no more than I did at the beginning? Honestly, after writing this I have decided to knock my rating down to 2.25 stars and round it down.
Thank you Netgalley and 12 Willows Press for the audiobook arc.
October 23, 2024
(2.0 Stars)
I debated if this was a 1 star or 2 stars book. I went with 2, but I'll expand on that more later.
The world-building in this book is "explained", but not coherently. It is unrealistic, implausible and just doesn't make sense or seem to be based in any reality. Even the scenes that were supposed to be tense and dramatic were just underwhelming.
The characters are flat, and unlikeable. I spent the whole book trying to bring myself to care about what happened to them. They do not follow reason, or seem to have any logic skills.
I'm trying to be generous to the author, and kept thinking that maybe this was a warning for what could happen to a country that places conspiracy theories and religious zealotry above fact, science, and reality... but I really don't think that is the case. It's like listening to a fantasy of "what could happen" as told by your crazy, tin-foil-hat wearing uncle.
The narrator was ok. She did try a few different "accents", but mostly everyone sounded the same.
Unfortunately, this book also does not have a logical ending. Like the rest of the book, it seemed confusing, not well thought out, and anticlimactic.
So, why did I give it any stars at all? especially a full two stars? Well, I have a feeling that if this book gets a sequel, I'd read it... hoping that the author grows and has an actual plan for a real ending.
I debated if this was a 1 star or 2 stars book. I went with 2, but I'll expand on that more later.
The world-building in this book is "explained", but not coherently. It is unrealistic, implausible and just doesn't make sense or seem to be based in any reality. Even the scenes that were supposed to be tense and dramatic were just underwhelming.
The characters are flat, and unlikeable. I spent the whole book trying to bring myself to care about what happened to them. They do not follow reason, or seem to have any logic skills.
I'm trying to be generous to the author, and kept thinking that maybe this was a warning for what could happen to a country that places conspiracy theories and religious zealotry above fact, science, and reality... but I really don't think that is the case. It's like listening to a fantasy of "what could happen" as told by your crazy, tin-foil-hat wearing uncle.
The narrator was ok. She did try a few different "accents", but mostly everyone sounded the same.
Unfortunately, this book also does not have a logical ending. Like the rest of the book, it seemed confusing, not well thought out, and anticlimactic.
So, why did I give it any stars at all? especially a full two stars? Well, I have a feeling that if this book gets a sequel, I'd read it... hoping that the author grows and has an actual plan for a real ending.
January 26, 2025
In a perhaps unfortunately near future, climate change has resulted in catastrophic flooding all along the East Coast of the USA. A woman and her neighbor meet several states away from their families, and when the flooding starts they set out to try to get to their homes and families. Meanwhile their families do their best to survive.
The science is shaky, the story id often confusing, and the characters make some really dumb decisions to keep the plot moving. The woman and her son stay in contact using smart phones they have kept despite a ban on them, because smart phones have some sort of dangerous metal in them, but not a radioactive metal, apparently, and I was very distracted trying to work out what metal could be in those smartphones that would not also be in flip-phones, that could be so dangerous encased in an intact phone. I'm not sure this element was helpful enough to be worth the distraction. But, perhaps everyone not having smartphones helps the characters stay less informed as they try to travel from state to state without maps that show flooded areas.
This book had enough going for it that I wanted to like it more. It was not bad, but despite my fondness for books that flood major cities , this one was frustrating.
The science is shaky, the story id often confusing, and the characters make some really dumb decisions to keep the plot moving. The woman and her son stay in contact using smart phones they have kept despite a ban on them, because smart phones have some sort of dangerous metal in them, but not a radioactive metal, apparently, and I was very distracted trying to work out what metal could be in those smartphones that would not also be in flip-phones, that could be so dangerous encased in an intact phone. I'm not sure this element was helpful enough to be worth the distraction. But, perhaps everyone not having smartphones helps the characters stay less informed as they try to travel from state to state without maps that show flooded areas.
This book had enough going for it that I wanted to like it more. It was not bad, but despite my fondness for books that flood major cities , this one was frustrating.
February 20, 2025
As someone who grew up in coastal South Carolina and works as an earth scientist, I was eager to dive into Inland, intrigued by its premise and the potential exploration of climate driven disaster. However, this is not a sci-fi novel, nor does it deeply engage with the science behind such an event. In fact, some elements of the story, like the smartphone ban which is never explained other than "they are causing cancer", veer into debunked conspiracy territory, which was disappointing.
At its core, this is a story about a mother’s determination to reunite with her son, told through alternating POVs. While I appreciated the themes of perseverance and the emotional depth of their journey, both characters lacked any survival instincts and made frustratingly poor decisions along the way. Ultimately, I was let down by the misrepresentation of the book as sci-fi, but as a story of endurance and human connection, it had its moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and 12 Willow Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: Jun 15 2024.
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | 12 Willows Press
At its core, this is a story about a mother’s determination to reunite with her son, told through alternating POVs. While I appreciated the themes of perseverance and the emotional depth of their journey, both characters lacked any survival instincts and made frustratingly poor decisions along the way. Ultimately, I was let down by the misrepresentation of the book as sci-fi, but as a story of endurance and human connection, it had its moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and 12 Willow Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: Jun 15 2024.
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | 12 Willows Press
December 18, 2024
This is a science fiction/narrative fiction story around the premise of global warming causing disastrous flooding on the East coast of the United States. We follow two characters, a woman who is traveling to see her mother at the time of the catastrophic event, and her son, who has been left home by himself and under the influence when the big surge happens. They are trying to get back together somehow with the world upside down and cell phones illegal. I just could not get into this story. It felt forced and not very believable to me. I didn’t like any of the characters, and the ending didn’t really conclude. It left things pretty open. It’s definitely not tied with a bow at the end. I almost abandoned this one until the son, Billy, started interacting with the neighbor girls and helped them get out of their situation. The story picked up a bit for me at that point. I liked the idea of this premise and feel like some of this could have been explored a bit further, but I didn’t like the execution. Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC audio of this book!
January 9, 2025
This book kept me frantically reading. Disasters are so real to me and they can happen anytime, so this kind of books always trigger me.
There are unclear issues and moments in the book, which definitely need a good editing and smoothing out, but overall it was a good story, which may become even better if edited properly.
Mother and son's messaging drove me crazy, most of the time it was totally unsubstantial, why? They could have clarified the current situation with two sentences, though they kept texting anything, but what is important. This drove me crazy.
Billy and Martin's daughters acted totally their age or even younger, but maybe this is due to the shock of the flood?
There were strange things that I never understood their role in the book - what about Naiomi and her baby? What happened to Juliet's husband Tom and her other son, I forgot his name? What about the teacher, who asked Billy to evacuate with him? What happened next, the ending of the book was sudden for me and there were issues to be clarified still.
There are unclear issues and moments in the book, which definitely need a good editing and smoothing out, but overall it was a good story, which may become even better if edited properly.
Mother and son's messaging drove me crazy, most of the time it was totally unsubstantial, why? They could have clarified the current situation with two sentences, though they kept texting anything, but what is important. This drove me crazy.
Billy and Martin's daughters acted totally their age or even younger, but maybe this is due to the shock of the flood?
There were strange things that I never understood their role in the book - what about Naiomi and her baby? What happened to Juliet's husband Tom and her other son, I forgot his name? What about the teacher, who asked Billy to evacuate with him? What happened next, the ending of the book was sudden for me and there were issues to be clarified still.
November 4, 2024
The best dystopias to me are those that are enough like our current reality that you only need to squint a little to see them happening. This is decidedly not that. It relies on an unrealistic, poorly explained premise that somehow doesn’t impact all spots equally (a sudden, catastrophic rise in sea level basically all at once, but not a tsunami), and includes silliness like smart phones having been named because they cause brain cancer. And that’s all alongside an infuriatingly paternalistic, misogynistic view of the world in which women (and teen girls) are useless, screechy, and in desperate need of rescue by men. I finished the book because I was hoping for some sort of redemption arc for the women (that were not all stupid and helpless), but sadly that did not occur. Deeply disappointing to see this from a female author.
December 1, 2024
2.5 stars
A mother on vacation in Florida and her teenage son at home in Boston try to find each other when an apocalyptic flood hits the coast.
Even though there were plenty of things happening in this book it felt very flat. I think this is likely due to there not really being any “wins” or significant moments of emotional reprieve for the characters before they face off with the next challenge or stage of their journey. The ending was also extremely dissatisfying in a way that did not add to the story in any way.
Also, I listened the the ALC and did not like the narrator’s voice for the teenage son. Some of the annoyance may also be how the son was written sometimes.
Thank you to NetGalley, 12 Willows Press, and Victory Editing for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
A mother on vacation in Florida and her teenage son at home in Boston try to find each other when an apocalyptic flood hits the coast.
Even though there were plenty of things happening in this book it felt very flat. I think this is likely due to there not really being any “wins” or significant moments of emotional reprieve for the characters before they face off with the next challenge or stage of their journey. The ending was also extremely dissatisfying in a way that did not add to the story in any way.
Also, I listened the the ALC and did not like the narrator’s voice for the teenage son. Some of the annoyance may also be how the son was written sometimes.
Thank you to NetGalley, 12 Willows Press, and Victory Editing for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2025
I was really drawn to this book by the description/premise, and honestly still would be. However, the execution was poor and I didn't feel like I could connect with the characters that were making nonnnnnsense decisions. I generally love dystopian and climate disaster books, but with this one, I didn't really feel like I was immersed and it felt like (especially with the smartphone ban) a lot of the normally pertinent/worldbuilding information given was super surface level and didn't bring me into their world enough. I was able to keep going to get around 40% done, but had to put it down after that.
Sincere thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review!
Sincere thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review!
January 27, 2025
*spoilers*
Well, that was long-winded with only brief moments of feeling the story propelled forward. The reason I give it 2 stars instead of 1 is because things got a bit more exciting once the teenagers rally together to move inland. But that was it. We never get any answer to why the entire Eastern Seaboard is flooding, only a little bit of insight to The Ban of smartphones, and we don’t even find out if characters actually make it inland enough to be safe, let alone if the parents find their kids again. For such a long novel, you’d think we’d get a little more answers, but it just felt like a lot of descriptions of sludge-y water and driving through flooded areas.
Thank you to NetGalley and 12 Willows Press for allowing me to be an ARC reader in return for an honest review.
Well, that was long-winded with only brief moments of feeling the story propelled forward. The reason I give it 2 stars instead of 1 is because things got a bit more exciting once the teenagers rally together to move inland. But that was it. We never get any answer to why the entire Eastern Seaboard is flooding, only a little bit of insight to The Ban of smartphones, and we don’t even find out if characters actually make it inland enough to be safe, let alone if the parents find their kids again. For such a long novel, you’d think we’d get a little more answers, but it just felt like a lot of descriptions of sludge-y water and driving through flooded areas.
Thank you to NetGalley and 12 Willows Press for allowing me to be an ARC reader in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and 12 Willows Press for the Audio ARC!
I guess it's inevitable that, like anything trendy, the speculative fiction climate crisis sub-genre is bound to have its hits and misses. Having recently read several of the hits (The Deluge, Orbital, Playground, Enlightenment), I was anxious to read Inland. If you have read and enjoyed any of the aforementioned books, you may also like Inland. However, like me, you might find that the writing is just too clunky, the characters too unlikable and underdeveloped, the story-line too extreme (yes, even for this sub-genre!), and even the narration just kind of a dud.
I guess it's inevitable that, like anything trendy, the speculative fiction climate crisis sub-genre is bound to have its hits and misses. Having recently read several of the hits (The Deluge, Orbital, Playground, Enlightenment), I was anxious to read Inland. If you have read and enjoyed any of the aforementioned books, you may also like Inland. However, like me, you might find that the writing is just too clunky, the characters too unlikable and underdeveloped, the story-line too extreme (yes, even for this sub-genre!), and even the narration just kind of a dud.
November 22, 2024
Although there are some interesting aspects, and I found Billy’s inner dialogue relatable and age-appropriate, the science is too simplistic and the anti-phone scolding is over-bearing.
The eastern seaboard becomes completely submerged over the course of a day and two neighbors, are trying to get back to Boston to rescue their children.
Female characters are useless. Parents are easily distracted from the plight of their children. There were hints of a shady business deal that completely fizzled. Everyone is the most desperate situations were pretty mildly behaved. And the heavy handed scolding made me almost turn off the story.
The eastern seaboard becomes completely submerged over the course of a day and two neighbors, are trying to get back to Boston to rescue their children.
Female characters are useless. Parents are easily distracted from the plight of their children. There were hints of a shady business deal that completely fizzled. Everyone is the most desperate situations were pretty mildly behaved. And the heavy handed scolding made me almost turn off the story.
December 17, 2024
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this dystopian book, two parts of the same family try to reunite after flooding of the Eastern Seaboard. As the waters rise, parents and children search for ways to find each other in a changed world. Not as good as I thought it would be: great premise but fell short on the writing style, only my opinion.
In this dystopian book, two parts of the same family try to reunite after flooding of the Eastern Seaboard. As the waters rise, parents and children search for ways to find each other in a changed world. Not as good as I thought it would be: great premise but fell short on the writing style, only my opinion.
November 5, 2024
I unfortunately couldn’t get into this one. It was a bit of a waste of time. Characters were frustrating. Pacing dragged. 2/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2024
Book Review: Inland by Kate Risse 😍😍📚📚📚🥰
Inland by Kate Risse is a gripping and hauntingly relevant story set in 2026, where the devastating impacts of climate change have reshaped the world. Risse skillfully explores the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of this environmental catastrophe, focusing on a fractured family’s desperate fight for survival amid rising floodwaters.
At the core of the novel is Juliet, a mother who finds herself cut off from her son Billy. In a world where smartphones have been banned due to their radiation, Juliet, who once disliked technology, is forced to rely on this forbidden tool to communicate with Billy, who is trapped in their flooded home. The irony of this situation adds layers of emotional depth to the story, as Juliet recalls a time when she believed in limiting technology—now, it’s the only lifeline keeping her connected to her son.
Alongside her neighbor Martin, who is also separated from his family, Juliet embarks on a harrowing journey through a drowned world. Together, they navigate the chaos and danger of this new reality, determined to reunite with their loved ones. The tension and urgency in their quest is palpable, and Risse brilliantly captures their fear, hope, and resilience.
What makes Inland stand out is how it uses the personal struggles of its characters to highlight the broader consequences of climate change. Risse vividly illustrates a near-future world where inaction has led to devastating consequences, both for the environment and for humanity. The novel doesn’t just focus on the destruction—it also examines the interconnectedness of human beings and the planet, showing how deeply our lives are intertwined with the health of the world around us.
Through powerful storytelling and richly developed characters, Inland offers a moving meditation on survival, technology, and the fragility of human relationships. The book challenges us to think about the choices we make and the impact they have on the future—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
😍😍📚📚📚🥰 If you love thought-provoking, emotionally charged survival stories that touch on climate issues and the human spirit, Inland is a must-read. It’s a chilling yet hopeful look at what the future could hold if we don’t act, and it’s bound to leave a lasting impression on you.
Inland by Kate Risse is a gripping and hauntingly relevant story set in 2026, where the devastating impacts of climate change have reshaped the world. Risse skillfully explores the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of this environmental catastrophe, focusing on a fractured family’s desperate fight for survival amid rising floodwaters.
At the core of the novel is Juliet, a mother who finds herself cut off from her son Billy. In a world where smartphones have been banned due to their radiation, Juliet, who once disliked technology, is forced to rely on this forbidden tool to communicate with Billy, who is trapped in their flooded home. The irony of this situation adds layers of emotional depth to the story, as Juliet recalls a time when she believed in limiting technology—now, it’s the only lifeline keeping her connected to her son.
Alongside her neighbor Martin, who is also separated from his family, Juliet embarks on a harrowing journey through a drowned world. Together, they navigate the chaos and danger of this new reality, determined to reunite with their loved ones. The tension and urgency in their quest is palpable, and Risse brilliantly captures their fear, hope, and resilience.
What makes Inland stand out is how it uses the personal struggles of its characters to highlight the broader consequences of climate change. Risse vividly illustrates a near-future world where inaction has led to devastating consequences, both for the environment and for humanity. The novel doesn’t just focus on the destruction—it also examines the interconnectedness of human beings and the planet, showing how deeply our lives are intertwined with the health of the world around us.
Through powerful storytelling and richly developed characters, Inland offers a moving meditation on survival, technology, and the fragility of human relationships. The book challenges us to think about the choices we make and the impact they have on the future—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
😍😍📚📚📚🥰 If you love thought-provoking, emotionally charged survival stories that touch on climate issues and the human spirit, Inland is a must-read. It’s a chilling yet hopeful look at what the future could hold if we don’t act, and it’s bound to leave a lasting impression on you.
November 3, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
Kate Risse’s debut novel, Inland, is a gripping and hauntingly relevant story set in a near-future world ravaged by climate change. The audiobook, narrated by Rachel Fulginiti, brings this intense tale of survival and resilience to life with a compelling and immersive performance.
Inland follows the harrowing journey of two families struggling to reunite after catastrophic flooding devastates the Eastern Seaboard. Friends Juliet and Martin, separated from their children, must navigate the treacherous floodwaters to find a way back to Boston. Meanwhile, their children face their own challenges, battling the rising seas and the chaos that ensues in a world where technology and human connection are both unpredictable and vital.
Rachel Fulginiti’s narration is a stellar feature of this audiobook. Her ability to convey the emotional depth and urgency of the characters’ experiences adds a powerful layer to Risse’s already vivid storytelling. Fulginiti’s nuanced performance captures the fear, hope, and determination of Juliet, Martin, and their children, making the listener feel every moment of their perilous journey.
Risse’s writing is evocative and VERY thought-provoking, (if not prescient) painting a stark picture of a world transformed by climate change. The novel’s exploration of human connection and the role of technology in a warming world is particularly poignant, offering a chilling glimpse into a possible future. The tension and suspense are expertly maintained throughout the narrative, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
The audiobook format enhances the immersive experience of Inland. Fulginiti’s voice brings the characters to life, making their struggles and triumphs feel immediate and real. The pacing of the narration matches the intensity of the story, ensuring listeners are fully engaged from start to finish.
Inland by Kate Risse, narrated by Rachel Fulginiti, is a must-listen for fans of climate fiction and psychological thrillers. The combination of Risse’s powerful storytelling and Fulginiti’s exceptional narration creates an unforgettable audiobook experience.
This debut novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds and a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change.
Kate Risse’s debut novel, Inland, is a gripping and hauntingly relevant story set in a near-future world ravaged by climate change. The audiobook, narrated by Rachel Fulginiti, brings this intense tale of survival and resilience to life with a compelling and immersive performance.
Inland follows the harrowing journey of two families struggling to reunite after catastrophic flooding devastates the Eastern Seaboard. Friends Juliet and Martin, separated from their children, must navigate the treacherous floodwaters to find a way back to Boston. Meanwhile, their children face their own challenges, battling the rising seas and the chaos that ensues in a world where technology and human connection are both unpredictable and vital.
Rachel Fulginiti’s narration is a stellar feature of this audiobook. Her ability to convey the emotional depth and urgency of the characters’ experiences adds a powerful layer to Risse’s already vivid storytelling. Fulginiti’s nuanced performance captures the fear, hope, and determination of Juliet, Martin, and their children, making the listener feel every moment of their perilous journey.
Risse’s writing is evocative and VERY thought-provoking, (if not prescient) painting a stark picture of a world transformed by climate change. The novel’s exploration of human connection and the role of technology in a warming world is particularly poignant, offering a chilling glimpse into a possible future. The tension and suspense are expertly maintained throughout the narrative, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
The audiobook format enhances the immersive experience of Inland. Fulginiti’s voice brings the characters to life, making their struggles and triumphs feel immediate and real. The pacing of the narration matches the intensity of the story, ensuring listeners are fully engaged from start to finish.
Inland by Kate Risse, narrated by Rachel Fulginiti, is a must-listen for fans of climate fiction and psychological thrillers. The combination of Risse’s powerful storytelling and Fulginiti’s exceptional narration creates an unforgettable audiobook experience.
This debut novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds and a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change.
October 18, 2024
Kate Risse's Inland is a gripping narrative that tackles both the personal and environmental devastation brought on by climate change. Set against the backdrop of catastrophic flooding along the Eastern Seaboard, Risse expertly weaves a story of survival, separation, and the enduring power of familial bonds.
Highlight Points:
1. Emotionally Charged Storyline: The emotional depth in Inland is palpable. Juliet and Martin's struggle to reunite with their children is more than just a physical journey; it's a raw exploration of fear, desperation, and hope in the face of environmental disaster.
2. Resilience Amidst Catastrophe: Risse presents resilience as the core theme, with each family member battling not only the natural elements but their own emotional turmoil. Their unwavering determination to survive and reunite is heart-wrenching and uplifting.
3. Environmental Commentary: One of the strongest aspects of Inland is its unflinching portrayal of the consequences of climate change. Risse doesn’t shy away from the reality of rising sea levels and the havoc they wreak on society, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of a not-so-distant future.
4. Compelling Use of Technology: In an unpredictable and rapidly changing world, Risse’s examination of the role of technology adds a fascinating layer to the narrative. Technology, often seen as the solution, is portrayed as both a help and a hindrance, creating tension and uncertainty throughout the story.
5. Characters That Stay With You: The characters in Inland are deeply human, each flawed but relatable. Juliet’s resilience, Martin’s quiet determination, and the children's adaptability in the face of crisis make them characters that linger long after the last page.
Final Thoughts:
Inland is a thought-provoking, emotional rollercoaster that touches on the fragility of human existence and the strength of the human spirit. Risse’s vivid descriptions of a world ravaged by climate change are both haunting and a wake-up call, while her portrayal of familial love and determination makes this book a must-read for fans of environmental fiction.
Highlight Points:
1. Emotionally Charged Storyline: The emotional depth in Inland is palpable. Juliet and Martin's struggle to reunite with their children is more than just a physical journey; it's a raw exploration of fear, desperation, and hope in the face of environmental disaster.
2. Resilience Amidst Catastrophe: Risse presents resilience as the core theme, with each family member battling not only the natural elements but their own emotional turmoil. Their unwavering determination to survive and reunite is heart-wrenching and uplifting.
3. Environmental Commentary: One of the strongest aspects of Inland is its unflinching portrayal of the consequences of climate change. Risse doesn’t shy away from the reality of rising sea levels and the havoc they wreak on society, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of a not-so-distant future.
4. Compelling Use of Technology: In an unpredictable and rapidly changing world, Risse’s examination of the role of technology adds a fascinating layer to the narrative. Technology, often seen as the solution, is portrayed as both a help and a hindrance, creating tension and uncertainty throughout the story.
5. Characters That Stay With You: The characters in Inland are deeply human, each flawed but relatable. Juliet’s resilience, Martin’s quiet determination, and the children's adaptability in the face of crisis make them characters that linger long after the last page.
Final Thoughts:
Inland is a thought-provoking, emotional rollercoaster that touches on the fragility of human existence and the strength of the human spirit. Risse’s vivid descriptions of a world ravaged by climate change are both haunting and a wake-up call, while her portrayal of familial love and determination makes this book a must-read for fans of environmental fiction.
September 2, 2024
"A supersonic boom wakes me. It rocks the whole house. I can hear it rebounding around me like jet bombers." Billy jolts awake, only to find himself trapped in the basement, with water gushing in. His struggle to survive begins as he searches for any signs of George and his dad, while the house is being flooded, with water swarming everything in its path. Juliet, Billy's mom, is on Dog Island, away from her son. Juliet had to leave her own mother behind in order to survive. The world is drowning in merciless water, reeking of death and disaster. In this world, smartphones are banned due to the radiation they emit and are mostly non-operational. Juliet is determined to find a way back home to Billy, George, and Tom. Billy, however, is in denial and afraid to leave his house, which will eventually fall apart and be swept away.
"Inland" is a post-apocalyptic novel set in 2026, primarily based on a world dealing with the aftermath of a technological revolution, rising temperatures, and dangerously evolved diseases. "Chaos brings out the worst in people," and this is particularly true in this context. The addiction to smartphones has already grasped humanity, and the device intended to bring people together has individualized them even more. Social media has filled everyone's mind with gore, unreal, materialistic, and misinformation. The author successfully raises awareness about the impending doom of our actions in the future.
I was rooting for the characters to meet somewhere in the middle of the story, but I was let down. The story involves a range of emotions, from desperation and selfishness to hope. The reading experience was mostly monotonous, and the sense of urgency the author intended to convey amidst the chaos didn't quite resonate with me. The vocabulary and narration were commendable, moderate, I would say, although they could have been improved.
If you are a doomsday enthusiast like me then go for this book, It would certainly make you feel thrilled.
"Inland" is a post-apocalyptic novel set in 2026, primarily based on a world dealing with the aftermath of a technological revolution, rising temperatures, and dangerously evolved diseases. "Chaos brings out the worst in people," and this is particularly true in this context. The addiction to smartphones has already grasped humanity, and the device intended to bring people together has individualized them even more. Social media has filled everyone's mind with gore, unreal, materialistic, and misinformation. The author successfully raises awareness about the impending doom of our actions in the future.
I was rooting for the characters to meet somewhere in the middle of the story, but I was let down. The story involves a range of emotions, from desperation and selfishness to hope. The reading experience was mostly monotonous, and the sense of urgency the author intended to convey amidst the chaos didn't quite resonate with me. The vocabulary and narration were commendable, moderate, I would say, although they could have been improved.
If you are a doomsday enthusiast like me then go for this book, It would certainly make you feel thrilled.
October 12, 2024
Book Review: Inland by Kate Risse 😍😍📚📚📚🥰
Inland by Kate Risse is a gripping and hauntingly relevant story set in 2026, where the devastating impacts of climate change have reshaped the world. Risse skillfully explores the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of this environmental catastrophe, focusing on a fractured family’s desperate fight for survival amid rising floodwaters.
At the core of the novel is Juliet, a mother who finds herself cut off from her son Billy. In a world where smartphones have been banned due to their radiation, Juliet, who once disliked technology, is forced to rely on this forbidden tool to communicate with Billy, who is trapped in their flooded home. The irony of this situation adds layers of emotional depth to the story, as Juliet recalls a time when she believed in limiting technology—now, it’s the only lifeline keeping her connected to her son.
Alongside her neighbor Martin, who is also separated from his family, Juliet embarks on a harrowing journey through a drowned world. Together, they navigate the chaos and danger of this new reality, determined to reunite with their loved ones. The tension and urgency in their quest is palpable, and Risse brilliantly captures their fear, hope, and resilience.
What makes Inland stand out is how it uses the personal struggles of its characters to highlight the broader consequences of climate change. Risse vividly illustrates a near-future world where inaction has led to devastating consequences, both for the environment and for humanity. The novel doesn’t just focus on the destruction—it also examines the interconnectedness of human beings and the planet, showing how deeply our lives are intertwined with the health of the world around us.
Through powerful storytelling and richly developed characters, Inland offers a moving meditation on survival, technology, and the fragility of human relationships. The book challenges us to think about the choices we make and the impact they have on the future—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
😍😍📚📚📚🥰 If you love thought-provoking, emotionally charged survival stories that touch on climate issues and the human spirit, Inland is a must-read. It’s a chilling yet hopeful look at what the future could hold if we don’t act, and it’s bound to leave a lasting impression on you.
Inland by Kate Risse is a gripping and hauntingly relevant story set in 2026, where the devastating impacts of climate change have reshaped the world. Risse skillfully explores the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of this environmental catastrophe, focusing on a fractured family’s desperate fight for survival amid rising floodwaters.
At the core of the novel is Juliet, a mother who finds herself cut off from her son Billy. In a world where smartphones have been banned due to their radiation, Juliet, who once disliked technology, is forced to rely on this forbidden tool to communicate with Billy, who is trapped in their flooded home. The irony of this situation adds layers of emotional depth to the story, as Juliet recalls a time when she believed in limiting technology—now, it’s the only lifeline keeping her connected to her son.
Alongside her neighbor Martin, who is also separated from his family, Juliet embarks on a harrowing journey through a drowned world. Together, they navigate the chaos and danger of this new reality, determined to reunite with their loved ones. The tension and urgency in their quest is palpable, and Risse brilliantly captures their fear, hope, and resilience.
What makes Inland stand out is how it uses the personal struggles of its characters to highlight the broader consequences of climate change. Risse vividly illustrates a near-future world where inaction has led to devastating consequences, both for the environment and for humanity. The novel doesn’t just focus on the destruction—it also examines the interconnectedness of human beings and the planet, showing how deeply our lives are intertwined with the health of the world around us.
Through powerful storytelling and richly developed characters, Inland offers a moving meditation on survival, technology, and the fragility of human relationships. The book challenges us to think about the choices we make and the impact they have on the future—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
😍😍📚📚📚🥰 If you love thought-provoking, emotionally charged survival stories that touch on climate issues and the human spirit, Inland is a must-read. It’s a chilling yet hopeful look at what the future could hold if we don’t act, and it’s bound to leave a lasting impression on you.
November 8, 2024
I was lucky to be able to read the book and listen to the audiobook, and to tell the truth this story seemed to be right out of my alley, climate change, mother trying to reach her son, the son trying to survive an incredible flood… and if you just go by this little synopsis maybe it seems really good for you too, but while reading there were lots of things that didn’t make sense for me or they went unexplained… for instance that prohibition about using phones, that really didn’t make sense for me, it felt much more, like the author didn’t really like the phones and wanted an excuse not to have them… or how they are portals to pornography or something… but when you get there you’ll understand what I meant…
at first, seemed to me, that the mother had a good relationship with her husband, even thou he wasnt with her, when she came to try and take her mother back with her to the mainland, but she forgot so fast that she was married and had a husband.. that also didn’t go well with me… not knowing what happened with the characters that were mentioned but not really talked about also disturbed me, I wanted more… and the son, well he was youngish so I will forgive some things.. but it was dumb to do just what your mother said to you not to do, while your father was home… and that is pretty much the beginning of the story…
I wish the person reading the story, was able to perform a bit more, I mean, she tried to do voices, but it didn’t go that well, but at the same time I had worse experiences before, so for the performance I will give it 3.5 stars, made me enjoy the story much more, but I will just say this, if we had a male voice and a female one it would make the performance so much better…
Thank you NetGalley and Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | 12 Willows Press, for the free AAC and this is my honest opinion.
at first, seemed to me, that the mother had a good relationship with her husband, even thou he wasnt with her, when she came to try and take her mother back with her to the mainland, but she forgot so fast that she was married and had a husband.. that also didn’t go well with me… not knowing what happened with the characters that were mentioned but not really talked about also disturbed me, I wanted more… and the son, well he was youngish so I will forgive some things.. but it was dumb to do just what your mother said to you not to do, while your father was home… and that is pretty much the beginning of the story…
I wish the person reading the story, was able to perform a bit more, I mean, she tried to do voices, but it didn’t go that well, but at the same time I had worse experiences before, so for the performance I will give it 3.5 stars, made me enjoy the story much more, but I will just say this, if we had a male voice and a female one it would make the performance so much better…
Thank you NetGalley and Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | 12 Willows Press, for the free AAC and this is my honest opinion.
August 30, 2024
Kate Risse's book, Inland, is a gripping look at a future where the unrelenting forces of climate change have changed everything. Set in 2026, Risse creates a story that explores the psychological and emotional toll that flooding takes on Americans in addition to showing the physical destruction of the country.
The story of Juliet, who has been cut off from her family, and her son Billy, who is alone and can only communicate with his mother via phone because it is illegal in their nation, is told in this book. Juliet can't help but think back to the times before the ban, when she detested technology and thought kids should use it less, but now that it's out of her control, she needs to use it to communicate with and protect her son Billy. Together, she and her neighbour Martin, who has also been split up from his family, traverse this flooded world in search of a means to return back to their loved ones.
The author deftly combines each character's unique path into a seamless whole that emphasises the difficulties of interpersonal relationships during difficult circumstances. The experiences of the characters provide a moving meditation on the dual nature of technology, which may be a source of danger as well as a means for survival.
Risse's portrayal of a near-future world vividly illustrates the severe consequences of inaction on the environment. The book challenges readers to critically consider the urgent need for sustainable practices and the extensive impact of climate change. Through her compelling narrative, Risse underscores the interconnectedness of humans and the environment, demonstrating that neglecting our planet has repercussions that extend beyond ecological damage to touch the very essence of human life.
The story of Juliet, who has been cut off from her family, and her son Billy, who is alone and can only communicate with his mother via phone because it is illegal in their nation, is told in this book. Juliet can't help but think back to the times before the ban, when she detested technology and thought kids should use it less, but now that it's out of her control, she needs to use it to communicate with and protect her son Billy. Together, she and her neighbour Martin, who has also been split up from his family, traverse this flooded world in search of a means to return back to their loved ones.
The author deftly combines each character's unique path into a seamless whole that emphasises the difficulties of interpersonal relationships during difficult circumstances. The experiences of the characters provide a moving meditation on the dual nature of technology, which may be a source of danger as well as a means for survival.
Risse's portrayal of a near-future world vividly illustrates the severe consequences of inaction on the environment. The book challenges readers to critically consider the urgent need for sustainable practices and the extensive impact of climate change. Through her compelling narrative, Risse underscores the interconnectedness of humans and the environment, demonstrating that neglecting our planet has repercussions that extend beyond ecological damage to touch the very essence of human life.
August 2, 2024
‘We grownups had been negligent for having no plan despite our big talk…’ – ‘Mother Nature gone berserk’
Massachusetts author Kate Risse brings to her initial novel an impressive depth of experience. She lives in Boston and summers in the Florida Panhandle – the focal locales of her novel – and teaches both Spanish language/culture and climate justice at Tufts University. After the 2018 Hurricane Michael (category 5) on the Florida Panhandle, she witnessed first hand the ever-increasing cruelties of climate change and now translates those experiences and insights into this powerful debut novel.
With rich prose that images the changed atmosphere stirring this story, we meet vacationing Juliet and her neighbor Martin as the floods encroach on the homes on Dog Island, Florida, creating a sense of both terror and instability heightened by the government’s ban of smartphones barring communication with their families in New England. And so begins the journey to be with their families in Boston – Juliet’s sons Billy and George and Martin’s daughters Lana and Agnes – a venture constantly threatened by the rising waters of the Atlantic. The human values of endurance and adaptability underscore the importance of relationships as challenged by crises, allowing examination of the interconnectedness between nature and humanity. Exceptionally well written, this novel is particularly important during the current dramatic changes in climate control that increasingly become more obvious every year. Important and impressive, this is a debut novel by a fine new author! Highly recommended.
Massachusetts author Kate Risse brings to her initial novel an impressive depth of experience. She lives in Boston and summers in the Florida Panhandle – the focal locales of her novel – and teaches both Spanish language/culture and climate justice at Tufts University. After the 2018 Hurricane Michael (category 5) on the Florida Panhandle, she witnessed first hand the ever-increasing cruelties of climate change and now translates those experiences and insights into this powerful debut novel.
With rich prose that images the changed atmosphere stirring this story, we meet vacationing Juliet and her neighbor Martin as the floods encroach on the homes on Dog Island, Florida, creating a sense of both terror and instability heightened by the government’s ban of smartphones barring communication with their families in New England. And so begins the journey to be with their families in Boston – Juliet’s sons Billy and George and Martin’s daughters Lana and Agnes – a venture constantly threatened by the rising waters of the Atlantic. The human values of endurance and adaptability underscore the importance of relationships as challenged by crises, allowing examination of the interconnectedness between nature and humanity. Exceptionally well written, this novel is particularly important during the current dramatic changes in climate control that increasingly become more obvious every year. Important and impressive, this is a debut novel by a fine new author! Highly recommended.
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