Solarpunk discussion

Lorac, the youngest of a family of sea nomads, suffers a series of unfortunate events and has to seek refuge in the heart of the sea.

The transition isn’t easy, and unexpected difficulties arise. But helped by his new friend Zoe, Lorac joins a family of centenarian creatures and discovers the secrets of the coral reef―his real home.

A threat that affects the marine world, however, makes him depart to the place he once knew and now knows no more, in a daring mission to save the ocean―and the planet.

I'm excited about this discussion!

This book is available at several online retailers and, to make it equitably accessible, it can be downloaded with an optional donation on its website.

More details at https://imwithlorac.com/get-the-book/

It's available on Scribd!

Just finished the first chapter! The story takes place in 1903 concerning a Moken family.

The Moken had always been self sufficient. Their language has no words for “want”, “take”, “mine”

Sounds lovely... to an extent, maybe among family. That quote is from an article I pulled up on the Moken, which I stopped reading - depressing. But hopefully this story will not be!

Read up to chapter two - I'm really liking this so far! The writing rhythm feels a lot like the older fairytales and stories - it feels like it would make for a great audiobook.
The illustrations are also really lovely - maybe it's just the pandemic talking, but I could absolutely just dive in.

I studied and met the Moken when I was restoring corals in Myanmar, back when it was safe to be in that country. I hope they find peace soon.

Just finished Chapter Four, my did that take some turns! From tragedy to fantasy, that is the classic way to build a superhero. There are also aspects of When Kingdoms Collide by Telmo Marçal from Solarpunk: Ecological and Fantastical Stories in a Sustainable World.

Lena wrote: "Just finished Chapter Four, my did that take some turns! From tragedy to fantasy, that is the classic way to build a superhero. There are also aspects of When Kingdoms Collide by Telmo Marçal from ..."

Nice! I have this book on my reading list. I'll pay special attention to When Kingdoms Collide when I read it.

Lena wrote: "Just finished Chapter Four, my did that take some turns! From tragedy to fantasy, that is the classic way to build a superhero. There are also aspects of When Kingdoms Collide by Telmo Marçal from ..."

Good call! The symbiosis with Zoe is similar - though chosen in this case.

I've been horrible at updating - but still reading, so there's a little bit to catch up on.

I've read up to Chapter 11 , and loving the underwater world - did either of you ever read the Phantom Tollbooth? This felt similar, though obviously it's corals rather than mathematical concepts guiding Lorac (which I've just realised is an anagram for coral - nicely done, Neus :D)

LOVED the shark agents, and I'm learning more about corals by googling every name. I can't wait until my godchild is old enough for this, she's going to love it.

Fiona wrote: "Lena wrote: "Just finished Chapter Four, my did that take some turns! From tragedy to fantasy, that is the classic way to build a superhero. There are also aspects of When Kingdoms Collide by Telmo..."

I hadn't heard of The Phantom Tollbooth, but it's now on my reading list.

Nicely noticed, Fiona! I like to name my characters with meaningful names.

I'm glad you loved the underwater world and so excited that your godchild will read the book :)

I was going to dive back in when this disappeared from Scribd!

Lena wrote: "I was going to dive back in when this disappeared from Scribd!"

Oh no :( I had a look at the book's site, and the link still takes me through to a page for it on Scribd - could it be a regional issue? Maybe that link would let you access it again?

Ah, good advice. It seems I have exceeded Scribd’s hospitality for the month. The book will be available to me again on April 5th. Guess it will be a flash finish for me :)

Oh wow, I had no idea they had a monthly limit on how much you could read - what a bummer :(

They do and it surprises me at awkward moments. I take advantage of scribd as an old school library - a pre-internet search engine. Whatever I’m interested in at the moment there is a book. I skim the book and just read the chapters I’m interested in then forget about it. It doesn’t go on GR, but it adds up to Scribd.

I didnt' know about Scribd's monthly limit either. Imagine if you reach your limit just before the end of a book and have to stay on the cliffhanger until the next month! But it seems handy to use it as Lena does.

Just finished chapter 10. The various coral section felt long but I enjoyed the idea of sharks as agents and eternal guardians of the reef. The dolphin idea was creepy! When you grow up with them depicted as jovial, chatty, fun living creatures it’s striking that another culture would see them as the grim reapers of the ocean.

Sorry for being silent lately. I've lost a loved one recently.

I too was shocked that the dolphins symbolized a link between the living and the dead for the Moken, but it is also a refreshing vision that it doesn't have to be a grim and frightening figure but a smiling and jovial one.

Oh my, that is understandable. I'm sorry Neus. My dog died last month after almost 15 years and I have been lost.

Oh you guys, I'm so sorry for you both. What horrible news

Thank you, guys. And sorry, Lena.

Now I will answer your comments more quickly.

The first part of the book is more marine and it's in the second part where the solarpunk comes in.

I am on chapter 13 and the bleaching has started in the coral reefs and Lorac has been told to talk to the half mast brain coral.

“Listen to me,” said the porites, solemnly. “Sometimes lunatics tell truths that no one else can see.”

Funny and true.

Lena wrote: "I am on chapter 13 and the bleaching has started in the coral reefs and Lorac has been told to talk to the half mast brain coral.

“Listen to me,” said the porites, solemnly. “Sometimes lunatics te..."

Yay! Glad to read you.

Up to Chapter 17, the start of part 3 and Lorac's quest has commenced! Lorac and Zoe have bonded so sweetly - 100 years together would mean you'd need to :)

Fiona wrote: "Up to Chapter 17, the start of part 3 and Lorac's quest has commenced! Lorac and Zoe have bonded so sweetly - 100 years together would mean you'd need to :)"

Nice to read you reached part 3!
Lorac and Zoe bonded so deeply that the dialogues between them almost wrote themselves.

Finished Chapter 19, it was heart wrenching to hear how Sam never stopped looking for Lorac. Especially considering how quickly Lorac gave up on Sam.

I thought about writing a kind of spin-off about San Win's adventures, but it hasn't gone beyond an idea yet. Lorac's sequel, however, seems to be taking shape.