Tall Water

by S.J. Sindu, Dion MBD (Illustrator)

A coming-of-age teen graphic novel that follows one girl’s journey to Sri Lanka to reconnect with her long-lost mother during the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004.

Ever since she turned sixteen, Nimmi has wanted to see her mother. Though she has a loving but overprotective father and a budding relationship, she yearns to travel to Sri Lanka to confront the mother who refused to leave the island during a war, not even for Nimmi’s sake. Her father is going back for the first time as a reporter on assignment, but he refuses to take her, deeming Sri Lanka too dangerous.

But then Nimmi's mother appears to her in a dream, asking her to come find her, and Nimmi knows she must go. Her father is livid when he sees her at baggage claim, but by then it’s too late, and he reluctantly agrees to help Nimmi make contact with her mother. In Sri Lanka, Nimmi tags along with her father and his guide, past checkpoints and armed soldiers and increasing hints of the war that rages there.

However, the day after Christmas, disaster strikes and a tsunami ravages the island. Stranded amid the devastation and destruction, can Nimmi reunite with her mother? Through her journey, Nimmi might just learn that the person she most needed to find was herself.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, War

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 12, 2025

About the author

SJ Sindu is a Tamil diaspora author of two novels, Marriage of a Thousand Lies and Blue-Skinned Gods, as well as the hybrid fiction and nonfiction chapbook I Once Met You But You Were Dead. A 2013 Lambda Literary Fellow, Sindu holds a PhD in English from Florida State University, and teaches at the University of Toronto.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew...

CW: violence and death on page

This was a powerful, but tough read. Shout out to Sindu for using the specific art form to capture a conflict that many Western individuals (including myself) know little about. I've been searching for more books that take place in Sri Lanka or have Sri Lankan representation. Especially books that are written for a middle grade/young adult audience. Though I've read Sindu in the past (Shakti), this book is strikingly different. It encourages readers to engage with history in a different manner and forces us to reckon with conflict on a global scale. Though I was aware of the impact of the tsunami of 2004, I had no idea that the Sri Lankan civil war occurred at the same time. Through the development of Nimmi as a character, readers learn more about the emotional, physical, and mental ramifications of the civil war as well as the tsunami. This is one I definitely recommend checking out.

[Andrea Beatriz Arango]

Where are my SHAKTI fans at? 👀 S.J. Sindu is back (with Dion MBD illustrating), this time with a YA graphic novel set in Sri Lanka during the 2004 tsunami.

In it, aspiring journalist Nimmi travels to Sri Lanka to finally meet her Tamil mother for the first time since the civil war separated her parents when Nimmi was a baby. Except it's 2004 and the war is still happening, and Nimmi is as unprepared to witness that as she is to live through a climactic disaster.

I've personally only ever read one other kidlit book set in Sri Lanka during the war (the middle grade I Am Kavi, which I highly recommend) so I was thrilled to pick this one up to add to my rec list. It's heavy, but well worth the read, and like all of Sindu's kidlit so far, includes really lovely casual queerness as well.

[Elizabeth A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set around the time of the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 this coming of age YA graphic novel explores a biracial teen's journey to connect with her Tamil mother in Sri Lanka.

Illustrations by Dion MBD and his color palette choice are really good, though I was confused as to why our protagonist looks like she's a tween and not 17. While I appreciate the rep, complex themes were t00 lightly touched on for this adult reader. Can see how this would work better for the target audience.

Ratings for S.J. Sindu books
Marriage of a Thousand Lies - 4
Shakti: A Graphic Novel - 3
Tall Water - 3

[Cece🍂🧸 · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐️
My opinion: I wanted to dnf immediately, but decided to finish it because it was so short. I really didn’t like the drawing style in this book and it was unexpectedly really graphic which made me uncomfortable. This is my fourth 1⭐️ ever, a rating I reserve only for books I truly hate. I rated it this way for a few reasons: mostly because of how unsettlingly graphic the violent scenes are, but also because the whole book felt kind of unnecessary. The story is about the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, which I was interested in learning more about. Nothing really sets this book apart from other recounts or retellings of this event though, nothing I haven’t heard before. If you’re interested in reading Tall Water, I highly recommend watching the movie ‘The Impossible’ instead, which portrays the event so much better.

genre: graphic novel, historical fiction
pov: first person, present tense
trope: -

Age rating: 14+
Violence: so. much. blood. People shed blood from getting scraped on their arms or legs, a guy gets a black eye, a guy gets hit in the head with the butt of a gun, he bleeds a lot, the illustrator drew the pages with violent scenes to look like they’re splattered with blood - it’s actually very unsettling. Kids drown (kind of graphic), de@d people float face down in the water
Romance: the fmc has a boyfriend
Drinking/drugs/smoking: people are seen smoking in the background of a couple illustrations (which I felt was unnecessary)
Language: 1 h3llh0le
Other: a girl kisses fmc on cheek twice throughout the book, there are obvious romantic feelings between them, but nothing happens more than that (this felt very unnecessary to the story)

Trigger warnings:
- blood (on-page)
- death (on-page)
- war (off-page)

Publish date: 12-August-2025
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Sacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I absolutely love Sindu's writing, but based on what I've encountered so far, I did not anticipate a YA graphic novel. This - though serious in its themes - was a pleasure to encounter.

Nimmi is in her teens and facing the impending challenge of college admissions, a birthday, and a reminder that her mom is more distant (in all ways) than she'd like. She's determined to get to know her mother, who lives in Sri Lanka (Nimmi does not), and she takes drastic measures to try to make that happen.

The book is set in the thick of violence, and Sindu does not shy away from this. The depictions are appropriate for older teen readers, but they are there, so I'd suggest a quick content check for all prospective readers simply to make sure they're in the right headspace to encounter all of this. There are scenes of war-related violence and Mother Nature's wrath, and both reflect reality, difficult as they may be.

I really appreciate a book that not only comes through with engaging characters and plotting but also that has a lot to offer in a cultural and historical context that will be new to many. I'm looking forward to sharing this one with students (and recommend it highly to prospective readers of all kinds) for many reasons.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tall Water" is a coming-of-age graphic novel that teaches readers about the importance of perspective, empathy, and bearing witness. Nimmi's family is separated by more than just distance as her parents were forced to take different paths during the Sri Lankan civil war. Having never met her mother and having maintained correspondence only through letters and awkward phone calls, Nimmi is reunited with her mom for the first time since she was just a baby and has to confront her emotions of being left behind.

The novel moves quickly and smoothly aided by the clear and beautifully illustrated pages. Unlike some graphic novels, the characters in "Tall Water" feel well developed and complex. While there were times I felt Nimmi's actions were a bit childish for an eighteen year old, the reasons behind her behavior felt realistic.

I would definitely read another of Sindu's books, and I'll be on the look out for more of Dion MBD's gorgeous work!

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know much amount the Sri Lankan Civil War or the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and earthquake before requesting this graphic novel on NetGalley. While reading, I was overcome with grief for the people affected by both of these devastating tragedies. I was moved by the storytelling, art style, and emotion striking each page. The visual portrayal of Nimmi’s hopes and dreams juxtaposed with her fear and pain is heartbreakingly beautiful. I appreciated how Nimmi’s coming-of-age experiences, like high school, applying to college, self-discovery, relationships, and family dynamics, were incorporated, too. She felt real and relatable, so I was invested in her as the story progressed and the stakes increased exponentially. It was impossible not to make connections to current events and recent history about which I have read, studied, and/or recall. Amongst many others, some of the events I could not help but think about while reading were Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people, the United States quickly descending in fascism, the Sierra Leonean Civil War, and Hurricane Katrina. The role of the media and journalism is crucial to this story, the other aforementioned examples, and countless more. As Nimmi’s father reminds her, “Never look away.” It is my greatest hope one day this kind of story will no longer be considered timeless and timely. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you the publisher for a gifted copy of this book; all thoughts are my own!

📖 Book Review 📖 SJ Sindu & Dion MBD whisk readers on an absolutely beautiful and heartfelt coming of age journey. Like any young adult, Nimmi feels a strong sense to connect with her past as she grows into her own identity. While she lives with her father in the Midwest, her mother stayed in war-torn Sri Lanka and her hope is to reconnect with her prior to attending college in the states. In her own act of rebellion, she joins her father on a press journey to Sri Lanka in 2004, facing risks greater than they would have ever anticipated. As the ocean surges in a massive tsunami, this family - and country’s -true strength is tested. Tall Water explores the invisible string that exists between families no matter the distance, the magic of dreams, and the awesome yet terrifying strength of natural disasters. Grief and healing comes in waves and this powerfully cathartic graphic novel speaks volumes to this nature.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gut wrenching and beautiful graphic novel. Nimmi hasn't seen her mother since she was a baby because she lives in Sri Lanka. Her father refuses to take her when a job comes up for him but she sneaks over anyway. Nimmi finally sees her mother again when they go to the UNICEF orphanage she runs. Unfortunately, they are there on December 26, 2004 when the big tsunami hits. This is a story of loss, love, abandonment, and what it means to be a parent, child, and refugee. The illustrations absolutely bring this story to life.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book which has not affected my review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly moving, personal and eye-opening YA graphic novel about Nimmi, a biracial American Sri Lankan teen who tags along with her journalist father when he goes back to a war-torn Sri Lanka in December 2004, just before the country is ravaged by a freak tsunami.

Though mad when he discovers Nimmi came against his wishes, her dad does allow Nimmi to come with him as they travel to visit her mother's orphanage. The mother she hasn't seen since she was a tiny child. Along this journey, Nimmi is shocked by the occupation, the treatment of soldiers and eventually is able to make peace with her mother's abandonment, while also catching feelings for the cute young female guide who helps her and her father.

Highly recommended with absolutely GORGEOUS illustrations! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! I loved this book a LOT and can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it's released later this year.

[MSabatiniReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read a pre-publication/ARC of this and although some of the transitions between scenes were lacking, the overall story is a must read. A suggested read for those who love a good graphic novel memoir (or in this case, historical fiction graphic novel) about a teen trying to find her identity after having been separated from her Sri Lankan mother her entire life. She travels to Sri Lanka "with" her father only to experience a mother who she feels did not try hard enough to come to her and build a relationship with her. She experiences violence, the effects of war and poverty on a nation that she is a part of, but does not really connect to. In one trip and one tsunami event, she learns more about herself than she ever anticipated. A tiny insight into Sri Lankan history, the limitations of the visa and asylum systems and how knowing where one comes from can bring power and confidence.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tall Water is a YA graphic novel by SJ Sindu and follows the character of Nimmi, a teen girl living in the US with her father while her mother, who she does not have a memory of, still lives in Sri Lanka, unable to get a visa to come to the US. Nimmi wants to go meet her and gets the opportunity when her father, a journalist, gets his visa reinstated to go cover the war in Sri Lanka. While there she learns more about the civil war going on in Sri Lanka and its effects on the people in the region. While there, she also experiences the 2004 tsunami and the destruction it brought to the region. So, while the readers enjoy Nimmi's coming of age story, they are also learning more about the history of the region. Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for this ARC.

[Hami Gua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart wrenching and incredibly human depiction of civilians impacted by war and a natural disaster

This graphic novel was a masterpiece in storytelling. At the end, in the author’s letter, she says that the events of the book were based on experiences she and her friends and family had. Every moment of the story felt so real, I had no doubt that it was based on real experiences, even before reading that letter. I loved going on this journey with our main character, 17-year-old Nimmi. My biggest pet peeve when I read books about teenagers is usually that their actions and logic don’t make sense. Of course, from an outsider’s perspective a teen’s logic can be very skewed, but inside someone’s mind, they always have reasons for what they do. From the very first few pages of this book, though, I was struck by how fleshed out Nimmi’s character was. Sometimes I didn’t agree with her choices, but I could see exactly where she was coming from. Her anger, passion, fear, and sadness all made perfect sense to me.

The emotional impact of this graphic novel was intense. I didn’t know anything about the Sri Lankan Civil War before reading this. The depiction of war and natural disaster was so visceral that I am tearing up again just writing this review. It wasn’t gory necessarily, but the suffering came clearly through the pages. It was hard to see, but just like the tagline on the back cover says, you can’t and shouldn’t look away.

There was a tiny bit of wlw romance, and I liked how it was done. There wasn’t a lot of time spent building it up, but it also didn’t feel random. The mother-daughter relationship exploration was also well done. I did wish during a few moments that Nimmi’s Amma’s expression more clearly showed hesitation when she didn’t answer Nimmi’s questions, but the payoff of the reveals were good, so it wasn’t a big deal. The art told the story well enough, but there were just a few moments when the anatomy was off and that took me out of the immersion a little bit. Overall, it was an incredibly raw, realistic, and hopeful depiction of people trying to survive and find humanity during war. This is a very age-appropriate way to help highschoolers build empathy and activism for people going through global crises around the world.

[Julesy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nimmi’s American father is a journalist who has an assignment in Sri Lanka, where her mother has natively lived since Nimmi was an infant. Nimmi longs to see her mother again but her father forbids her from going with him was the war-torn country is quite dangerous for a teenager. Nimmi goes against her father’s wishes and boards on a plane to Sri Lanka anyway. Her furious father tells her the conditions of being in a war-torn country. After they were held captive and she witnesses a vicious beating of their bus driver, she sees firsthand that her father’s warnings are not to be taken lightly. Once they arrive at the orphanage where Nimmi’s mother works, the family reunites. After the Indian Ocean major earthquake, a tsunami hits Sri Lanka and sweeps away the orphanage. Who will survive?

I didn’t feel any real connection to the story. I know that war plays a significant part of Sri Lanka’s history but I felt like it consumed too much of the story. I was well aware of the earthquake and tsunamis that hit much of that part of the world at the time. However, there was not much on the tsunami and the aftermath, comprising only one-third of the entire book – the title is misleading. I was not impressed with the artwork nor the coloring. The lines on the illustrations were broken and not clear. The colors were drab and sepia toned, perhaps to set the mood for the story but I found it incredibly dreary. I also did not care for the growing attraction between Nimmi and the Red Cross volunteer. It seems like it was thrown in there just to appeal to an LGBTQIA+ audience. The interactions between Nimmi and her mother are heartbreaking yet hopeful. I am happy to see there is some representation for people from Sri Lanka. This is the first story I’ve read that included Sri Lankans.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.

[Erin Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper Teen for the ARC.

Tall Water is a powerful YA graphic novel that blends personal identity, historical trauma, and survival into a brief but emotionally intense story. Set during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and amid the ongoing Sri Lankan civil war, the novel follows Nimmi, a teen girl traveling to reconnect with her estranged Tamil mother for the first time.

The setting is compelling, and the inclusion of Tamil and Sri Lankan perspectives is long overdue in Western YA. S.J. Sindu writes with restraint and clarity, while Dion MBD's illustrations are expressive and memorable, though at times quite graphic. Some readers may find the depiction of blood, death, and natural disaster unsettling, but it matches the scale of the real-life tragedy being portrayed.

This is a coming-of-age story that doesn’t offer easy answers. The narrative is fast-paced, and while that makes it accessible, it also limits emotional depth in a few key scenes. The romantic subplot is very light, but it adds dimension to Nimmi’s character without becoming the focus. Ultimately, this book succeeds in giving space to lesser-known stories of survival and loss, and it may resonate deeply with readers who value emotional honesty.

• Striking visual storytelling that supports the emotional weight
• Rare Tamil and Sri Lankan rep in YA
• Thoughtful handling of trauma and identity
• Casual queer representation without needing explanation

• Some scenes may be too graphic for sensitive readers
• The pacing moves quickly and may feel rushed
• Lighter touch on some heavier themes that could use more development

Rating: 4 stars
Tall Water is a sobering and timely story, brief but important, and it opens a door into a region and history often overlooked in teen fiction. Recommended with care.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about Tall Water. It truly packs an emotional punch--more like an emotional knockout! That is actually part of the issue. When I evaluate based upon my visceral reaction of caring about people impacted by the tsunami of December 26th, 2004, I want to rate this book higher (as a four). However, when I let the emotional impact subside somewhat, I have issues with plot elements and presentation.

I want this to be a book about someone imbedded into the culture and society impacted by the tsunami. I really think that all of the framing (Nimmi being half Sri Lankan, the early childhood separation from her mother, the American portions of the story, discussion of journalism/relationships/college, and the white savior impact of focusing on an outsider's perspective) detracts from the story and the messaging. There's remarkably little from a Sri Lankan perspective here, although that lack is slightly mitigated by portions where Nimmi's mom's story dominates the narrative. Overall, I had a small ick reaction to this, because I am really tired of the predominance of white savior/outside voices telling the stories. Although Nimmi is half Sri Lankan, her years away from Sri Lanka and Americanized reactions to the country still led me to process her actions through the white savior lens.

I didn't want this to be Nimmi's story. I want it to be a story of the Sri Lankan experience. If the whole story were instead told from the perspective of Nimmi's Amma (mother), or 18 year old Red Cross employee and Sri Lankan Sheila, I would like it more.

I also have intrusions of doubt into plot viability. A teen who tags along on her reporter dad's international trip without his knowledge? Really? Two knowledgeable reporters (dad and mom) don't recognize the receding ocean as a major warning sign? Really? That one blows my mind. I just think that major plot points are contrived to move the characters like puppets and tell the story as the author wants it to be told. That bugs me, and disrupts my belief in the characters and the story.

I will be recommending this book for purchase at my library because I think the minority representation and the factual story elements (Sri Lankan civil war and tsunami) are important. But it's a recommendation with caveats because of the plot and character flaws.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ebook in exchange for a fair review.

4/5 stars

Set during the 2004 Tsunami in Sri Lanka, this book tackles difficult ideas of identity, abandonment, rebellion, and disaster. I didn’t expect this to be as hard-hitting as it was. Tall Water doesn’t shy away from showing the horrors of a war zone, or the devastation of the natural disaster. After she sees their driver get beaten for potential rebel ties by the government soldiers, Nimmi experiences what seem like PTSD flashbacks. I thought the art style during those times was as beautiful as it was disturbing.

There’s a quote that I can’t remember the origin of: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” I can see why some people thought that this was too graphic, but I disagree. I think it had to be like this in order to truly tell the story. I think that those with ties to Sri Lanka may get some closure from seeing the understanding reached between Nimmi and her mother, and people like me who have never seen a natural disaster will be aghast at the aftermath of the tsunami. Since the author was in Sri Lanka after the tsunami hit, I believe that this is a true depiction.

Content-wise, this book is a 10/10 for me. I do wish it had taken a bit more time to go into the immediate aftermath. The month-long timeskip was a bit jarring, and I think it would have been a great opportunity to have more little interactions between Nimmi and her mom. Still, this was beautiful, poignant, and overall hopeful that individuals can affect change in an unjust world.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

You did the best you could.

Nimmi has seemingly always felt out of place at home, at school, and in herself. Having so much uncertainty as a backdrop to her life is such a driving force within Nimmi's overall arc in finding all of the truths she can. She wants to discover where she belongs, where she came from, who her mother is--all of her answers are found within her time in Sri Lanka. Told through vibrant, detail oriented art, Tall Water explores the complexities of impossible decisions and circumstances, as well as how those specifics are difficult to process even with explanation. Nimmi finding out why her relationship with her mother unfolded how it did doesn't make it any easier to comprehend. Even in her sleep, Nimmi yearned for authentic connection with her mother and their arc together felt really grounded.

There were points where Nimmi's dialogue and behaviors felt a bit too immature for her age, but she is charting such incomprehensible circumstances so reverting to childlike behaviors is believable in a way. I appreciated the duality of the reality of war and the propaganda that's spewed about it. This graphic novel's greatest asset is delving into the actuality of war through the lens of an outsider seeing it for the first time. Nimmi's learning facets when the audience is and I have no doubt that readers will not only want to learn more about Sri Lanka but also themselves in the end.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for the arc!

[Hallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this beautiful graphic novel, one girl sets off to Sri Lanka to find her long-lost mother, but ends up discovering herself in the process. Nimmi Campbell is a senior in high school who wants to be a journalist like her parents, writing and publishing articles in the student newspaper to raise awareness about the Sri Lankan civil war that sometimes run afoul of the school's administration. But writing about the conflict while safe at home in South Dakota and seeing it and its far-reaching consequences firsthand are completely different things, as she soon realizes. Following her dad to Sri Lanka to find her mother proves to be a catalyst for her character growth. While this novel does not shy away from moments of abject brutality and tragedy, it also makes clear that Nimmi and other Sri Lankan Tamils she meets, like her mother, Sheila, and those three adorable brothers, can find joy and happiness as well. Everything she experiences, good and bad, ultimately give her a new sense of herself and inspire her to find new ways to do good in the world. All of this shines through in the gorgeous illustrations, making me wonder if the story if would have succeeded on the same level if told any other way.

I believe that this is the first book have read about Sri Lankan Tamil people and the first exposure I have had to Sri Lankan history. After reading this, it won't be the last. We need stories like this more than ever.

(Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for a review copy.)

[Izzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read with beautiful art. The main concept is very touching.

Spoilers:
I liked how the reality of civil war was portrayed and the journalists who cover war news were highlighted for the dangers of their jobs. I did find it hard to actually empathize with the main character. From the start she's just constantly fighting and we never see her act as anything but self serving or victimized. She felt forever brooding and her change of heart from helping the orphan kids and a budding like with the Red Cross worker, to calling Sri Lanka a hellhole, to yearning to go back felt out of nowhere and at times unearned. She also seemed to have only been interested in journalism cause her parents were, because that personality trait goes nowhere in the end despite being built up as her main interest at the start. I would have liked to see her at least want to start an independent press or aim for a job doing news on Sri Lanka's war. I know page limit restriction could have played a part in this, but the character was very untethered in a way that made caring about her journey difficult at times. However, the parents struggles and individual hardships and the general plot were very strong and really helped elevate this story.

Overall it is a good read, especially for young person interested in topics like civil rights, found family, and heritage.

[K.C. Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know very little about Sri Lanka, and this book is set in the recent past with very specific political context with which I was not familiar. The illustrations are lush, and Nimmi's family story is complex and engaging. Her parents' relationship is something of a mystery to her, although we're never really told what she *thought* before the revelations in this book. Nimmi is forced to confront her assumptions about her mother and the region where she was born, since she left when she was a baby and has no firsthand memories of either before this story begins.

Perhaps it's a limitation of the medium, but there were a few places that felt a little rushed or incomplete. In part, that may have been a function of the art style, since the individual children in the orphanage Nimmi visits are hard to distinguish from one another visually. All of my comments are quite small, though I did have some questions that makes me wonder about how someone with greater knowledge of the region would interpret certain choices that were made here.

The core relationships were beautiful, though, and I'm going to have to look more into the history now. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this beautiful book before its release.

[Zaidee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tall Water is heartbreaking but also quite tender at times. As Nimmi navigates her feelings around a mother she's never met before, we also see her genuine connection to others around her, from caring for the children her mother watches over, to the budding relationship formed with Sheila, who was initially her guide. I found myself quite invested in Nimmi's connection to her heritage, her parents, and curious how she would navigate her return to America after her time in Sri Lanka. I would certainly read a follow up if ever there was one, and would've loved more development between Nimmi and Sheila, and Nimmi and her mother. The story does not shy away from the horrors of both war and natural disaster, and might be very eye opening for some readers. I thought the art was an effective balance of soft and detailed, able to express connection, fear, and hardship, though I did find the illustration style of the young children a little confusing/off-putting. I was immediately struck by the beauty of the opening pages; Like a still frame from an animation, the images of winged Nimmi portray such a strong sense of movement and atmosphere.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC!

[Tabby Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during true events of war and natural disaster that occurred in Sri Lanka in 2004, Tall Water is a moving story of a teenage girl named Nimmi trying to reconnect with the mother she hasn’t seen since she was a baby. While Nimmi and her journalist father live in Sioux, South Dakota, Nimmi’s mother lives in Sri Lanka where war wages on the doorstep.

Driven by dreams of her mother calling out to her, when Nimmi’s father gets a job covering the war in Sri Lanka, Nimmi seizes the chance to follow. But even knowing there is a war where she’s going doesn’t prepare her for how scary it is to be in the middle of it. Unfortunately, war isn’t the only scary thing looming on the horizon.

Though a lot of the subject matter in the story is difficult to stomach, it’s told beautifully with art that feels graceful and not gratuitous. There is death and some violence, as would be in any story involving war or natural disaster, but it’s shown as a matter of fact and not embellished. Ultimately, this story feels like an important tale of strength and self-discovery, and how you can find both in places you never expected. I loved it.

5⭐️s out of 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this Advanced Copy! All opinions are my own.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming of age graphic novel set in Sri Lanka, 2004. Main character Nimmi has spent almost her entire life in the US with her white father. She was separated from her Sri Lankan mother when she was an infant, and at seventeen has no memory of her. Her journey in this book is finally meeting her mother, getting to know her, and getting the full story of why they've been separated for so long. I really liked how this was handled. Nimmi experiences a full range of realistically conveyed emotions, and I felt like Sindu gave the reader room to judge her mother as well as empathize with her.

Because of the setting, this book also touches on the Sri Lankan civil war and the 2004 tsunami. The civil war basically shapes the entire narrative. It's why Nimmi has been separated from her mother for so long, and why it's so difficult for them to reunite. Sindu doesn't shy away from depicting brutality, but it isn't overly gory or inappropriate for a young adult audience. It doesn't quite feel fair to say that the tsunami is incidental, but it is only a relatively small part of the story. It does have a big impact on the characters, which gives it an appropriate level of importance in the book overall.

[Gunner James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tall Water by SJ Sindun is an emotional rollercoaster. It follows a young girl determined to get into the university of her dreams. With her sights set on her goals, little can distract her from following in her parents' footsteps as a journalist—until she starts having vivid dreams of her mother, who lives in Sri Lanka.

When her father is sent there to cover the war, she gets the idea to join him, despite his protests. Once in Sri Lanka, she finds herself at the heart of a country in turmoil, witnessing history unfold. Reuniting with her mother isn’t the warm homecoming she had imagined; the connection she longed for feels distant, and rebuilding their relationship proves difficult. It takes time, intense moments, and life-altering events for them to truly reconnect.

While visiting her mother at an orphanage, a tsunami strikes, devastating the town they’ve come to call home. The graphic novel tackles themes of abandonment, loss, natural disasters, war, and prejudice with depth and emotion. The protagonist can be frustratingly stubborn at times—almost bratty—but her growth throughout the story is both compelling and heartwarming.

I couldn’t put this one down.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for early copy for review*

I was want to say that this graphic novel had such a great art style.
Second I want to take time to say the focus on the civil war and tsunami of 2004 in Sri Lanka was not only something that I was not aware of, but I'm glad this author wrote this to bring more light to these struggles. With it being AAPI month I like to take the time and read from perspectives that are not seen everyday in media.

I always enjoy a coming of age story. Nimmi, our main character, really has her life together with top grades and a passion to want to be a journalist like her father. There is a hole missing in her life which is her mother though. While Nimmi lives in America her mother is back in her home country. I felt so bad for her that she kept getting denied the chance to see her mom. It's hard to imagine only having your mother in letters. This did such a great job of showing Nimmi having an idolized version of her mother in her head, and then when she met her having the feeling of meeting a stranger.

Highly recommend this title.

[pineapple tofu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nimmi has never lived with her mother, except through letters of correspondence. With her mother running an orphanage in Sri Lanka, Nimmi is desperate to meet her finally. However, when her father receives notice to be a journalist once more in Sri Lanka, he refuses to let his daughter accompany him. War is happening there, and everything is dangerous. But Nimmi makes her own choice and buys a plane ticket, meeting her dad at the airport. Through a stark change in everyday life in Sri Lanka, Nimmi finds her voice amongst the people. Yet, something dangerous is coming, and everything will change forever.
Not quite as interesting as SJ Sindu’s Shakti, this graphic novel is more realistic about the onset of war and the choices people make as a result. The relationship between Nimmi and her mother is balanced on a thin line of misunderstandings and hard decisions. I wish there were more background information on Nimmi’s dream world, especially regarding her wings. Otherwise, this graphic piece is part contemporary and part magical realism.

[Ingrid Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful coming-of-age teen graphic novel that follows one girl’s journey to Sri Lanka to reconnect with her long-lost mother during the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. 

A beautifully written and equally beautifully drawn story of a young woman about to go to college and begin her life. But something was always missing, her mother. Why was she not not with her and her father? Why did she not try harder to get the Vusa she needed to follow him to the U.S.?
She has so many things she's looking for, her mother, her future, her destiny, when what she really needs to find is herself.

Highly recommended. Expected publishing date August 12, 2025


Thanks to @netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperAlley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Melisa Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This coming-of-age graphic novel follows 17-year-old Nimmi, who’s carrying the weight of being estranged from her mother. Set in 2004 during the Sri Lankan civil war, the story captures her emotional journey as she defies her overprotective father and travels to a homeland she barely knows. What starts as a personal mission to reconnect with her mom turns into something much bigger when a devastating tsunami hits. The illustrations of the destruction were absolutely heart wrenching.

Amid the chaos and grief, Nimmi begins to uncover who she is as a daughter and as a young queer woman trying to find her place in the world. Her time in Sri Lanka reshapes her understanding of family, love, and her future. This story hits on loss, resilience, identity, and the strength it takes to forge your own path.

[Mimsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-ARC of Tall Water!
4 / 5 ⭐
Tall Water is a beautifully illustrated coming of age graphic novel centered on Nimmi - a 16 year Sri Lankan American who has never met her mother. She plans to visit her mother in Sri Lanka to change that but nothing goes as planned. The horrors of the war in Sri Lanka - which she has known about from afar - unfold around her in brutal honesty, teaching her what it means to bear witness to their horrors. A tsunami sweeps through the island, impacting everyone she’s met on her journey; the landscape is changed, and so is she. Learning what it means to rebuild after tragedy, Nimmi finds parts of herself on her journey despite devastating losses. Like Nimmi, we cannot look away.