A Flood of Posies

Meuret’s bewitching debut follows the evolving relationship between sisters Doris and Thea before and after an apocalyptic flood sweeps Earth in 2025. Meuret braids multiple timelines and juxtaposes the sisters’ childhood memories with the initial horror of the rising waters and their subsequent fight for survival. Before the flooding, their relationship had become outright antagonistic, due in part to Thea’s heroin addiction, but the catastrophe draws them back together. With the flood comes an invasion of sea monsters (termed “posies” after Poseidon) that overrun Earth. And in mysterious flashes forward to one year after the initial flooding, Thea, now separated from Doris, discovers a frightened child aboard an abandoned boat. This atmospheric page-turner is occasionally disrupted by forced lyricism that will pull the reader from the narrative. Despite an overly sentimental ending, Meuret offers enough thought-provoking meditations on sisterhood, addiction, and memory to make this a worthwhile experience. This is a promising first outing for Meuret. (Feb.)