Malibu Rising

“The water was warm, but the world was cold.”

Part One: June 1956 – August 1983

The novel opens with the backstory of Mick Riva, a famous singer who abandons his wife, June, and their four children—Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit—leaving them to struggle in Malibu. June, a former model, raises the kids alone, instilling in them a deep love for the ocean and surfing. After June’s tragic death, the siblings rely on each other, with Nina, the eldest, stepping into a maternal role.

Part Two: Morning – August 1983

The story shifts to the day of Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer party, a legendary event in Malibu. As Nina prepares, she reflects on her recent divorce from tennis pro Brandon Randall. Meanwhile, her siblings deal with their own struggles: Jay, a pro surfer, faces career doubts; Hud, a photographer, hides a secret about Jay’s girlfriend; and Kit, the youngest, feels overlooked.

Part Three: Afternoon – August 1983

As guests arrive, tensions rise. Mick Riva unexpectedly shows up, stirring resentment. Flashbacks reveal the siblings’ childhood traumas and their complicated relationship with fame. Hud’s secret threatens to unravel Jay’s trust, while Kit grapples with her identity. The party spirals into chaos as old wounds resurface.

Part Four: Evening – August 1983

The party reaches its peak with drunken revelry, fights, and emotional confrontations. Nina confronts Mick about his abandonment, Jay discovers Hud’s betrayal, and Kit makes a bold decision about her future. A wildfire breaks out, forcing everyone to flee, symbolizing the destruction of old bonds and the possibility of renewal.

Part Five: The Morning After – August 1983

In the aftermath, the siblings reconcile. Nina decides to reclaim her life, Jay and Hud mend their rift, and Kit embraces her independence. The fire leaves Malibu changed, but the Rivas emerge stronger, united by their shared history and resilience.

Key ideas

• Family bonds and abandonment
• The cost of fame and legacy
• Self-discovery and personal growth
• Chaos as a catalyst for change
• The duality of Malibu’s glamour and isolation