‘Ten Thousand Rocks’ by Ndirangu Githaiga is a multifaceted story following the lives of a young couple and the ability for their relationship to endure through difficult circumstances. Touching on varying topics from racism and prejudice to coming to terms with life altering events, Laura and Will’s relationship reflects on how we communicate and how single decisions can lead to life altering consequences. ‘Ten Thousand Rocks’ is a well-written story with realistic and relatable characters throughout. Through Laura and Will’s relationship and the events of the book we see how their upbringing and their experiences with their family mould both characters, leading them to find a place of belonging in their life or causing conflict within the relationship. The massive ups and downs of a relationship can be found in this entertaining work of fiction. I would have liked to have seen more from Will’s perspective later in the storyline, and I think some of the plot could have been tied up better (the lawyers in particular). However, I did enjoy reading this book and I think that this is an insightful story about communication and relationships.
Will’s abrupt decision to leave his medical practice in Atlanta and take up a new job in Virginia Beach catches Laura by surprise. But moving back to their hometown was always going to be complicated since Will never told his family about their eight-year marriage. Still fresh in their minds is the stinging memory of Laura’s disastrous first meeting with his parents, particularly his mother—for whom a white daughter-in-law is an anathema. As Will settles into the tedious routine of his new job, the simmering estrangement between him and Laura gradually deepens, until the day comes when he is involved in a near-fatal car accident. Laura is left reeling in the aftermath and forced to come face to face with her in-laws at the hospital, when complex medical decisions need to be made in the absence of clear-cut answers, and where strong opinions and poorly disguised animosities seem to have the upper hand. Weeks later, Will emerges from a coma, and upon discovering he is quadriplegic becomes uncharacteristically vicious towards Laura, sending their relationship into dark, unfamiliar territory. Amidst this rising turmoil, the ocean remains a source of serenity, with the rhythmic breaking of waves and joyous cries of seagulls serving as an abiding reminder that life is worth living even when we go astray and need help finding our way back home.
Ndirangu Githaiga was born and raised in Kenya, and immigrated to the United States as an adult. He is a practicing Pulmonary and Critical Care physician, based in Virginia.
