In her second novel, Lauren E. Rico weaves an intricate tapestry of family secrets, lost love, and redemption against the vibrant backdrop of Puerto Rico. After the Ocean follows the story of Emilia Oliveras, a young pianist whose life is shattered when her new husband Paul Winstead vanishes during their honeymoon cruise. Thirty years later, living as Emily Oliver, she receives a mysterious call suggesting Paul might be alive, setting in motion a chain of events that forces her and her daughters to confront long-buried truths.
Narrative Structure and Character Development
Rico demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting a multi-layered narrative that seamlessly shifts between past and present, weaving together the perspectives of multiple characters. The story unfolds through alternating viewpoints, primarily those of Emilia/Emily, her daughter Gracie, and several other key players. This technique allows readers to piece together the mystery gradually while developing deep emotional connections with the characters.
The author’s portrayal of Gracie, a successful defense attorney struggling with personal relationships, is particularly compelling. Her complex relationship with her sister Meg, a rising concert pianist, adds depth to the story’s exploration of family dynamics and inherited trauma. The sisters’ discovery of their mother’s hidden past serves as a catalyst for their own journey of self-discovery.
Strengths and Notable Elements
Rich Cultural Detail: Rico’s portrayal of Puerto Rico is vivid and authentic, from the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to the musical traditions that permeate the story
Complex Family Dynamics: The relationships between mothers and daughters across three generations are expertly portrayed
Musical Elements: The author’s background in classical music shines through in detailed descriptions of performances and technical aspects
Mystery Plot: The circumstances surrounding Paul’s disappearance keep readers engaged throughout
Areas for Improvement
While the novel excels in many aspects, there are a few elements that could have been strengthened:
The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows, particularly during extended flashback sequences
Some secondary character arcs feel slightly underdeveloped
The resolution of certain plot threads comes together perhaps too neatly in the final chapters
Thematic Depth
The novel explores several profound themes:
Identity and Reinvention
The concept of identity, both chosen and imposed, runs throughout the narrative. Emilia’s transformation into Emily represents not just a name change but a complete reinvention of self for survival.
Intergenerational Trauma
Rico skillfully examines how trauma ripples through generations, affecting relationships and life choices in subtle yet significant ways.
The Power of Music
Music serves as both metaphor and plot device, binding characters together across time and distance. The author’s expertise in classical music adds authenticity to these elements.
Writing Style and Technical Execution
Rico’s prose is elegant yet accessible, with a particular talent for describing musical performances in ways that engage both musicians and general readers. Her dialogue rings true, especially in emotionally charged scenes between family members. The alternating timeline structure is well-executed, though occasionally the transitions between past and present could be smoother.
Comparison to Similar Works
Fans of Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You and Jodi Picoult’s family dramas will find familiar elements in Rico’s work, though she brings her own unique voice to the genre. The novel also shares thematic elements with Julia Alvarez’s work, particularly in its exploration of cultural identity and family secrets.
Impact and Resonance
After the Ocean succeeds not only as a mystery but as a deeply moving exploration of family bonds, identity, and the cost of secrets. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its ability to make readers question their own assumptions about family, truth, and forgiveness.
Final Verdict
Despite minor flaws, After the Ocean is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that marks Rico as a significant voice in contemporary fiction. Following her successful debut Familia, this sophomore effort confirms her ability to craft complex, culturally rich narratives that explore universal themes through deeply personal stories.
Recommended for:
Readers who enjoy family dramas with mystery elements
Music lovers, particularly those interested in classical music
Fans of dual-timeline narratives
Those interested in Puerto Rican culture and setting
Readers who appreciate complex mother-daughter relationships
After the Ocean proves that sometimes the greatest discoveries come not from finding what was lost, but from understanding what was there all along.