EDITOR’S CHOICE
A beautifully written, deeply immersive novel that masterfully blends history, faith, and suspense. Credito’s storytelling is both poignant and unforgettable.
Derrick Credito’s The Year of the Tsunami is an evocative and multilayered debut novel, weaving history, faith, and suspense into a compelling narrative. Set against the backdrop of early 2000s New Zealand and Amsterdam, it follows Wes Levine, a young Hebrew scribe honouring his late grandparents by writing a Torah scroll for a progressive synagogue.
Wes’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about commitment. Through his friendships with Harry, a British heir with a link to the Dutch Jewish community, and Kayla, a free-spirited yet enigmatic woman, Wes finds himself drawn into a world far beyond the sanctity of his craft. As love blossoms between him and Kayla, the novel takes a dark turn, introducing the shadowy threat of a sex trafficker who disrupts their lives in terrifying ways.
Credito’s writing is both reverent and fearless, capturing the weight of history while grounding the story in the modern-day struggles of identity, love, and moral obligation. The contrast between the sacred act of Torah scribing and the vice-laden streets of Amsterdam adds depth to the novel’s themes, making it as thought-provoking as it is gripping.
With its richly drawn characters and powerful storytelling, The Year of the Tsunami is a striking exploration of the lengths one will go to in order to honour the past. A bold and affecting read, it lingers in the mind long after the final page.
