I have been on a reading spree lately and A Waiting Wave by Kulpreet Yadav, a good blogger friend, captured my interest. This is Kulpreet's second novel, having published The Bet in 2006. The novel is set around the December 2004 Tsunami, when the protagonist Harrison Massey (Harry) launches into a tumultous, introspective journey in the Andaman & Nicobar islands. Harry is married to Kareena, their love having blossomed within the competitive walls of an office in Delhi. Six months into married life, the couple find themselves trapped in a web of petty fights, ego clashes, adaptability issues and the usual problems faced by newlyweds. Harry seeks refuge in his father's sprawling house in Port Blair. Unable to find solace anywhere on land, he sets sail all by himself, only to be swept by the Tsunami into the clutches of the ferocious Sentinelese tribes. As fate weaves him in and out of many a struggle for survival, Harry's perspective becomes clearer, paving the way to a well-crafted ending.
Kulpreet's effort in researching the island, its history and natives is praiseworthy. He brings to life the sights, sounds and feel of the Andamans with his narration. However, the not-so-convincing plot and lack of editing mar the reader's experience. All in all, an interesting read. Not exactly unputdownable, but good enough for a rainy day.
RATING: * * *
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