The End of the Ocean: Maja Lunde

I read this because it was recommended by a friend. The storyline of a Worldwide Water Shortage seems so relevant in this time of Global Warming.A dual time line with the first part set in 2017 with Signe, a seventy year old lone sailor as the protagonist who is haunted by heart break. The story jumps between 2017 and Signe's important mission and 2041. In the future David and his young daughter are fleeing a war torn drought ridden Southern Europe, in search of a better life.A heartrending story about human strength in times of havoc. Recommended to anyone interested in Climate Change and the way we as humans abuse water. In fact we should all read this as it makes you think seriously about the consequences of drought. It could happen!

The History of Bees was, for me, always going to be a hard book to follow and so it has proved to be with Maja Lunde's The End of the Ocean. Although the parallel stories of Signe and David work well, I found the story of Signe more problematic, both in its concept and technical detailing. I guess I am just not a sailing person. I also felt that it was too heavily focused on the personal relationships of Signe rather than on the issue of environmental damage. I felt that the story of David and Lou was much more relevant, was actual and presented a much better picture of the damage to life wrought by climate change. The ending was5 appropriate in bringing the two strands together, but for me it fell a bit flat.

My thanks to Simon and Schuster U.K./Scribner for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The End of the Ocean’ by Maja Lunde in exchange for an honest review.This work of speculative fiction was originally published in Norway in 2017 as ‘Blå’ (Blue) and translated by Diane Oakley. It is the second in Lunde’s planned Climate Quartet.The novel is set in two time periods. In 2041 David and his young daughter, Lou, have fled from their home. Southern Europe is in the grip of a drought and war has devastated the region. They have become separated from his wife, Anna, and baby August.In 2017 67-year old Signe returns to the small has Norwegian village where she grew up and is deeply disturbed by the environmental changes linked to the nearby glacier. Later, she undertakes a hazardous solo voyage in her sailboat, Blue, while recalling events from her earlier life.Their stories link when David and Lou find Signe’s boat in a French garden, miles away from the shore.According to the author’s website the 2041 scenario links to the desperate conditions depicted in Taos’ story in ‘The History of Bees’, although fifty years earlier and in Europe. The lack of fresh water provides the major source of conflict and despair.Lunde creates an all too possible near future. Water is something that we take for granted and this novel emphasises that it may not always be so.‘The End of the Ocean’ is a serious literary, character-driven novel, that was quite meditative. Its central premise focusing upon changes to the environment triggered by climate change and pollution is one of vital importance. I was heartened by Signe’s environmental activism that had extended throughout her life.I found it quite a heartbreaking, melancholic novel as is fitting its themes. I wouldn’t be surprised to see ‘The End of the Ocean’ nominated for the 2020 International Booker Prize.Having read this I now plan to read her ‘The History of Bees’ and look out for further works in Lunde’s Climate Quartet.Highly recommended.

The End of the Ocean, Maja Lunde's sophomore novel, is a speculative fiction epic about conservation, ecology, climate change, family ties, the deep inner strength we all have as human beings and, most of all, water. Initially published in 2017 in Norwegian, this a book about survival and the desire human beings have to struggle through the often overwhelming obstacles and the adversity that stands in their way. It centres around three characters in particular: Signe, David and Lou. Signe's story is based in 2017 Norway whilst father-daughter duo David and Lou are living in France circa 2041. Signe involves herself in conservation and fights to stop prospective developments that would spoil the natural beauty of the local area and the destruction of waterfalls, lakes and glaciers. David and Lou who are living in post-apocalyptic times are making their way through a Europe in decay and utter chaos; food, water and medicine are all in short supply and the drought is creating tension between the people.This is an important and timely book about a topic we are hearing so much more about now. Our ecological systems are dying and we must look for ways to try and save our planet before it is too late. It's an exciting read but chilling too as it is all too real; there is the distinct possibility we could end up in this situation in the future if we don't take action to remedy the issues. Both Signe and David are passionate, hopeful and hearty and you take them to your heart very quickly. The book immerses you so well into both of these times with one in the recent past and one in the not too distant future. These two interlinked accounts are emotive and affecting from the beginning and Lunde projects our fears for us all to see. This is a tale rich in intricate detail and a wake-up call to change glaciers before it is no longer possible. Beautifully written, we are treated to a superb, engaging work of fiction that, terrifyingly, could actually become reality. Many thanks to Scribner for an ARC.