Sea Change

Sea Change by Gina Chung is a captivating novel that draws readers into a world filled with emotional depth and intricate storytelling. This extraordinary tale has been praised as “absolutely stunning” by Frances Cha, the acclaimed author of If I Had Your Face.

In Sea Change, we meet Ro, a nearly thirty-year-old woman grappling with the complexities of her life. As she navigates a fractured relationship with her mother and copes with her boyfriend's departure for a Martian expedition, Ro finds herself entrenched in the mundane routine of her aquarium job. Her evenings are spent with a curious concoction known as the 'sharktini'—a blend of Mountain Dew, gin, and a hint of jalapeño.

Adding to her emotional turmoil, Ro's best friend is busy planning a wedding, leaving her feeling increasingly alone. In her solitude, she discovers an unexpected connection with Dolores, a magnificent Pacific octopus. This bond serves as a poignant reminder of her lost father, a marine biologist who mysteriously disappeared during an expedition in Ro's childhood.

• Genre: Fiction, Mystery
• Award Recognition: Acclaimed by notable authors like Bryan Washington and Jean Kyoung Frazier
• Themes: Longing, Trauma, Connection, and Self-Discovery

As Ro confronts her past, she must navigate the impending sale of Dolores to a wealthy investor while reclaiming her own identity. Sea Change is an emotionally resonant narrative that encourages readers to reflect on their own connections and transformations, making it a must-read for those seeking a unique and original tale.