Two years after the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004 that killed hundreds of thousands of people, Kimina Lyall’s ‘Out of the Blue’ reflects on the personal experience of herself and her female partner caught in the wave and its aftermath. With the clear, incisive writing to be expected of an experienced and successful journalist, Lyall’s narrative is a gripping reminder of the fragility of human life and the ties that bind our societies together.

‘Out of the Blue’ begins by detailing the traumatic circumstances leading to Lyall seeking refuge as a part-time resident of the ‘Queer corner’ of the Golden Buddha Beach in the months before the tsunami. It’s eerie being introduced to the other residents of the beach – as you read you realise that some of these people will not have survived the tsunami. When the tsunami hits, you are swirled along with the residents as they separately fight for their lives – the fragmentation of the narrative at this point an effective device evoking the surreal experience of tragedy unfolding. The horrific impact and chaos in the wake of the Tsunami are accompanied by Lyall’s distraught attempts to maintain enough professional distance in order to file copy to the news desk.

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Although the very act of writing seems to be her way of distancing herself from the emotional impact of the disaster, Lyall’s commitment to journalism, and attempts to stay ahead of the scoops in the face of such tragedy almost beggar belief. Despite the very human tragedy that unfolds, one of the most frightening elements of the book was not the wave, but the rapacious appetite for news that drives the media. 

This is a compelling and thought provoking account of a personal experience of disaster and loss. Well worth a read – but make sure you can get in touch with the people you care about and tell them they’re loved when you’re done.