Cross Currents by John Shors

Genre: General Fiction
Publication Date: 6th September 2011
Pages: 352
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: Thailand's pristine Ko Phi Phi island attracts tourists from around the world. There, struggling to make ends meet, small-resort owners Lek and Sarai are happy to give an American named Patch room and board in exchange for his help. But when Patch's brother, Ryan, arrives, accompanied by his girlfriend, Brooke, Lek learns that Patch is running from the law, and his presence puts Lek's family at risk. Meanwhile, Brooke begins to doubt her love for Ryan while her feelings for Patch blossom.

In a landscape where nature's bounty seems endless, these two families are swept up in an approaching cataclysm that will require all their strength of heart and soul to survive...

My Thoughts:

The gorgeous cover of Cross Currents caught my eye and after reading Staci's glowing review, I knew I had to have it (... something that happens regularly when I visit Staci's blog.) What a beautiful story, having spent 3 weeks in Thailand years ago I immediately felt I'd returned; mesmerised by the breathtaking beauty of Ko Phi Phi and it's people. 

With tender insight Shors describes the interactions between Thai family members Lek, his wife Sarai, her mother Yai, their three children and American brothers, Patch and Ryan, the day to day happenings on Ko Phi Phi island and at 'Rainbow Resort'. Sights, sounds, smells, it's all so vivid you feel a part of it, invested in these people's lives, their joys, sorrows and troubles. 

I liked the honesty with which Shors portrays the relationship between locals and tourists, the struggle emotionally and physically to eke out a living, the importance of family to the Thai people.

John Shors has a special gift, not just for storytelling, or giving a wonderful sense of time and place but in making you care about the people - because he cares deeply. I had no idea I would be so completely captivated by the characters and care about them so much.

In Cross Currents, when the catastrophic tsunami of 2004 devastates Ko Phi Phi ... I cried a bucket load as I did when the tragedy occurred. Obviously this devastating event received much media coverage, living in Australia, with Thailand being a popular Australian tourist destination maybe even more so, and John Shors covers it with sensitivity and respect.

Profoundly touching, Cross Currents illustrates the depth of strength, love and human kindness we are capable of and leaves you, not with overwhelming sadness but hope.

Another favourite read for 2012, if John Shors' other novels are as breathtaking as this one I'm in for a treat. 

Want to know more about John Shors and his work? Visit his website. Please stay a minute and check out John's beautiful photos of this special place.