The Weight of a Thousand Oceans by Jillian Webster is a thought-provoking book about climate change and what life might look like when the world is sparsely populated and so much of Earth is submerged underwater or inhabitable for different reasons. In this post, I will be highlighting aspects of the story that I particularly connected with as well as comparing it to another book that this one reminded me of. Take a quick look at the synopsis and content notes and then dive into my review. 🙂
In a world where cities sprawl like half-submerged skeletons, Maia has spent her entire life hidden within the mountains of New Zealand. Her only companions being her ailing grandfather and a nomadic dog named Huck, Maia resents being alone. She spends her days wandering the ruins of a population long gone, dreaming of a place where the few humans left behind can start again—a place her grandfather insists is a myth.
But Maia cannot escape a strong and mysterious force calling her out into the world, as well as bizarre events following her around the island. There is something strangely enchanted about the land in which she lives… or is it her?
When Maia hears a rumor that people are heading to The Old Arctic Circle half a world away, she knows this is where her destiny lies—until a devastating turn of events seems to shatter any hope of reaching her destination. Clinging to the edge of her life, Maia must come face to face with the transformative power of fate, discovering the one thing she has spent her life running from may be the only thing to save her.
Content Notes include loss of loved ones, confinement, sickness.
Thoughts on The Weight of a Thousand Oceans
On Society: Then and Now
Jillian Webster creates a haunting unforgettable world in The Weight of a Thousand Oceans. As the reader, it was impossible to not ask myself how would I survive in a place like that – a nomadic sort of life until we find a space that we can make home for a long period of time. Through Maia, exploring her island, we get a glimpse of what childhood was like for her as well as what her life could be if she chooses not to leave.
When her journey leaves her at the mercy of pirates, I thought about how society has crumbled back to old ways like piracy. Her grandfather originally wanted her to marry into a tribe and that brought up another descent into old ways where procreation is a woman’s responsibility.
On Resources
As I learned more about the world from Maia and her grandfather, the use of renewable resources came up a lot. Growing up, we were taught in school about the alternatives to fossil fuels and how important it is for us as a society to switch to renewable sources of energy. Through The Weight of a Thousand Oceans, I pondered if that will truly save us in the future. Renewable resources like wind and geothermal are highly dependent on the electricity grid being in place and until we find a way to keep it going, these renewable forms of energy would not be accessible to future generations.They also need upkeep and without the human knowledge to keep them functional, we will not be able to use them, as is clean in Maia’s world.
The Weight of a Thousand Oceans offers a wonderful commentary on climate change and what the world will look like if we are not careful as a species. The ocean full of garbage and submerged cities under water make for a haunting tale with Maia’s own personal revelations and relationships.
On Coming of Age
Maia grew up in a sheltered environment, interacting with very few people. Her mom passed away when she was a child and she has grown up with her grandfather. In her twenties now, she is just starting to figure out who she is and her higher purpose. I loved the magical realism elements in this book and am interested to see how they develop in the remaining books. As the first book in a series, The Weight of a Thousand Oceans built her character while showing part of the storm inside her.
Falling in love is one of those rights of passage in growing up. The circumstances in which Maia meets Lucas and their relationship were another highlight of the book for me. It’s a pure love that maybe is only possible in dire situations where the world has crumbled to survival needs.
Relation to The Bear
This book reminded me of a number of books, all from different genres. The beginning of The Weight of a Thousand Oceans was like The Bear and what it means to live without society. When we started to learn about pockets of society around the world, I thought of The Book of M. Firewalkers is a recent book about climate change. Let’s look into each of them briefly:
A beautiful story about parent relationships, growing up and adapting to the world, The Bear by Andrew Krivak is a heartwarming tale about one girl’s journey to get back home. Set in a time when only two humans exist in the world, a father and daughter, this is the story of a girl coming of age.
Both The Weight of a Thousand Oceans and The Bear are centered around female characters, trying to find their own place in the world. Their grandfather and father, respectively, play a pivotal role in helping them learn about the world and become self-sufficient. While the world in The Bear is smaller, Maia’s world is more dangerous and has come about due to bad choices made by humanity. Maia’s mom, while deceased, is present in driving Maia to her destiny.
The feel of the two books is similar so if you are looking for beautiful atmospheric tales that are bound to transport you to another world, choose either of them! They have a lot to teach in their own respect.
Reading Experience Summary
The Weight of a Thousand Oceans is an unforgettable book and I look forward to accompanying Maia on her journey in the next book, The Burn of a Thousand Suns.
Will you pick up this book?
The Weight of a Thousand Oceans is available in stores. Be sure to check your local library and order it through there to help this book reach more readers.
Amazon Print
Amazon Kindle
(available on Kindle Unlimited)
Many thanks to the author for providing me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you for reading this post about The Weight of a Thousand Oceans! Come back tomorrow when I chat with author Jillian Webster about the book, climate fiction and more!
A very thoughtful review, Kriti! It seems like a great dystopian book with detailed world building, that tackles some extremely important issues.
Thanks Stephen 🙂