Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Wave summary
Brief summary
Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala is a heartbreaking memoir that recounts the author's experience of losing her family in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It is a powerful story of grief, resilience, and the enduring love for those we have lost.
Topics
Table of Contents
Wave
Summary of key ideas
The Devastating Loss
In Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala, we are taken on a heart-wrenching journey through the author's unimaginable tragedy. The book begins with a vivid recount of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, a natural disaster that claimed the lives of nearly 230,000 people. Deraniyagala, her husband Steve, and their two young sons were vacationing in Sri Lanka when the waves hit. In a matter of moments, her entire family was swept away, and she was left as the sole survivor.
Deraniyagala's description of the tsunami is hauntingly vivid, capturing the sheer force and terror of the event. She recounts her desperate struggle to survive in the waves, clinging to a tree for hours before being rescued. The author's raw, unfiltered emotions are palpable as she grapples with the immediate aftermath of the disaster, coming to terms with the loss of her beloved family.
The Unbearable Aftermath
After the tsunami, Deraniyagala returns to London, where she and her family had been living prior to the vacation. Here, the full weight of her loss begins to settle in. She is consumed by grief, unable to accept the reality of her situation. She describes her days as a blur of pain, loneliness, and alcohol, her only solace found in the memories of her lost family.
Despite the persistent encouragement from friends and family to seek therapy or join support groups, Deraniyagala resists all attempts at healing. She is fiercely protective of her grief, refusing to let go of the memories of her husband and sons. Her refusal to move on is a testament to the depth of her love for her lost family.
A Slow Journey to Acceptance
As the years pass, Deraniyagala's grief takes on different forms. She moves from London to New York, hoping for a fresh start, but the memories of her past continue to haunt her. It is only when she returns to Sri Lanka, almost seven years after the tsunami, that she begins to accept her new reality.
Deraniyagala's return to Sri Lanka is a turning point in her journey. She confronts the physical remnants of her past life and the memories associated with them. The trip is emotionally challenging, but it also marks the beginning of her healing process. She starts to understand that moving on doesn't mean forgetting her family but learning to live with their absence.
A New Beginning
In the final part of Wave, Deraniyagala begins to rebuild her life. She finds solace in her work as an economist, and her love for her lost family continues to inspire her. She acknowledges that her grief will always be a part of her, but she is no longer consumed by it.
Despite the unimaginable tragedy that she has endured, Deraniyagala emerges as a survivor. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love. By sharing her story, she offers a profound insight into the depths of grief and the long, painful road to healing.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Wave about?
Wave is a memoir by Sonali Deraniyagala that recounts her experience surviving the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. In the book, Deraniyagala shares her personal journey of grief and loss as she grapples with the devastating aftermath of the disaster. It is a poignant and raw exploration of resilience and the human spirit.
Wave Review
Wave (2013) recounts the author's journey through loss and grief after the 2004 tsunami. Here's why this book is compelling:
- Through heartbreaking personal experience, it offers a raw and honest portrayal of the aftermath of tragedy.
- By exploring themes of resilience and healing, it provides a poignant reflection on the human spirit's capacity to endure and find hope.
- With its vivid storytelling and emotional depth, it captivates readers, ensuring a profound and unforgettable reading experience.
Who should read Wave?
Readers who are interested in personal narratives of resilience and overcoming tragedy
Those seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience in the face of loss and grief
Individuals who appreciate introspective and thought-provoking memoirs
Categories with Wave
Book summaries like Wave
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Wave FAQs
What is the main message of Wave?
The main message of Wave is resilience and finding strength in the face of tragedy.
How long does it take to read Wave?
Reading Wave takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Wave a good book? Is it worth reading?
Wave is a poignant and moving book that portrays the human spirit's ability to endure and rise above profound loss, making it a compelling read.
Who is the author of Wave?
The author of Wave is Sonali Deraniyagala.
What to read after Wave?
If you're wondering what to read next after Wave, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright