Tamara Ellis Smith’s first novel sweeps readers up in a tale imbued with magical realism, a definitive mix of gritty realism and magic that allows the possibility for life-affirming choices.
The adventure begins in the middle of Hurricane Katrina as Zavion and his father fight to stay alive amid rising floodwaters. Zavion manages to survive the harrowing ordeal, but he has difficulty dealing with the emotional trauma caused by the storm and the recent death of his mother.
Another boy, Henry, is on a quest after his best friend’s death on a mountain in Vermont, a death for which he feels responsible. Henry believes he must find the magic marble that he and his friend shared, and the trail leads him to New Orleans immediately following Katrina. These two protagonists’ storylines weave together like a knitted scarf, ultimately becoming one unified story.
Another Kind of Hurricane recognizes diversity in many forms, depicting two boys in pain who begin healing and, in the process, learn about themselves.
This article was originally published in the July 2015 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.
