MAN O' WAR

Trapped in Ohio and tortured by others’ expectations of “normal,” nonbinary Irish and Lebanese American River McIntyre can no more imagine freedom than the animals at the local aquarium can imagine the ocean.

That is, until an unexpected encounter propels them into the overwhelming waters of self-discovery. A man-of-war is not a jellyfish, and River McIntyre can’t be the White daughter their Lebanese mother wants or please their swim coach, but they don’t know why they are unhappy. When Indy Waits, a White, unapologetically queer former classmate, resurfaces during River’s school field trip to the marine life theme park SeaPlanet, River confronts repressed memories and feelings by diving into the shark tank. At first, Indy wants nothing to do with the charismatic and self-destructive River, but their lives keep colliding as if pulled together by the tides. Spanning sophomore year of high school into adulthood, this blend of romance and coming-of-age story depicts a refreshingly messy journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Internalized racism and trauma create a fraught dynamic in River’s relationship with their mother, which McCarthy navigates with nuance. Poignant, self-reflective prose is bolstered by carefully crafted, overarching marine themes and imagery. Love plays a significant role in River’s growth, but neither dependence on a partner nor a dramatic, teen-movie coming-out moment are what carry them into a healthier life.

A beautiful and relentless current of emotion.