The Light Pirate, Lily Brooks-Dalton, author; Rosemary Benson, narrator
What at first appears to be a novel about the environment’s deterioration, starting with weather events that get increasingly more and more violent and dangerous, becomes a bit of a treatise on the future of our world and our complicity in its destruction.
Hurricane Wanda, sweeps into Rudder, Florida, with fury. Frida, married to Kirby Lowe, is suddenly stricken with labor pains, a month early. Kirby is out checking the lines because of the impending hurricane. He helps to keep the lights on. He had refused to evacuate as she had wanted. His sons, Phillip, 8, and Lucas, 12, have secretly left the house while their stepmother, who was in denial about her early labor pains, lied down hoping they would pass. The children willfully disobeyed her orders to stay in the house, There disobedience brought tragic consequences to the family.
When Kirby arrived home and found out the boys were missing. He did not wait to find out anything else, but left to search for them. Therefore, he did not know of Frida’s dilemma. Frida, was now not only frantic about the boys, she was also in greater pain as her contractions increased. During their absence, she gives birth to a baby girl, all by herself. Although she successfully delivers her baby, she dies in childbirth.
The child is foolishly named Wanda, for the storm. She is raised by her father and her older brother, Lucas. A decade passes. Wanda is a strange child, with no friends. Her name reminds everyone of the hurricane, Hurricane Wanda, that brought so much tragedy and devastation to the town on the day of her birth. The town is still in need of many repairs. She is bullied by her classmates. One day, when she disobeys the rules and ventures to “the edge”, where the ocean has encroached upon the land in Rudder, a sixth grader, Corey, pushes her in and holds her down. His twin sister Brie (later known as Bird Dog), objects, but he ignores her. Suddenly, a strange luminescence lights up the water. There is no explanation, and the children who were watching without objection to her torture, suddenly leave, believing that she is a freak. She rises to the surface, gasping, and does not divulge what happened to her to her father or brother. From then on, her father will not allow her to stay alone. She is cared for by a neighbor, while he and Lucas, now also a linesman, work to keep the power on. Phyllis, the caregiver, is a scientist and survivalist who also has no real relationships or friends. She is a loner who keeps track of the changes in the environment and soon teaches Wanda the same skills. Wanda is happier than she has ever been in her life. They are both well suited to each other. Because they are different, they have both been rejected by their community.
As time passes, the effects of climate change are mounting. In Florida, the water level is rising, land mass is shrinking, certain species of plants and animal life are disappearing, and new ones are developing. As the rain continues to fall, life on the ground becomes more difficult. The skills that Phyllis is teaching Wanda become more and more important. They will soon help to keep both of them alive.
As the time passes, tragedy again touches Wanda over and over. Her father is gone, Phyllis is gone. Her brother Lucas is gone. She is alone. How does she survive? With whom does she engage in a loving relationship? Is their anyone around for company, conversation? Can the devastating changes in the climate be slowed or reversed? Will the planet be covered in water and the land mass totally disappear? Can anyone be trusted? As Florida slowly submerges under water, survivors live above it, in the trees, on top floors of homes, anyplace they can. Services disappear. Food is short. No stores are open. No doctors are present. There is no law and order. The skills that Phyllis taught Wanda are vital to her continued survival.
The book takes place over several decades as the weather and life in Florida and the rest of the country totally deteriorates as in the predictions of former Vice President Al Gore. It does stretch the imagination beyond the point of credibility at times, in the same way his theories did, the theories that have been disproved, actually. However, the message of the book is clear. Privilege is ultimately worthless. Climate change will destroy the world if it remains unchecked. No one wants to bring children into this world. Same sex love is possibly preferred for its compassion and compatibility. Men are more toxic, quick to react without thought. Women are more thoughtful and responsive to the needs of others. The book, like so many today, promotes progressive theories regarding climate, evolution, male toxicity, sexual conduct, privilege and survival. If you are in agreement with the premises and opinions presented in this book, if you believe that humanity, and not nature, is responsible for the increasingly violent and destructive weather events, it might be a good idea to hedge one’s bets and learn basic survival skills to prepare for the impending doom.

I truly enjoyed this book and the insight into what our future might hold. The characters were vivid, strong and Lily Brooks-Dalton transported you into their heads and hearts with her writing.