TRANSIT

A physician trying to escape her old life embarks on a sea voyage in Malin’s novel.

Dr. Jessamyn Quilter methodically plans her professor husband’s “accidental” death. He not only emotionally abuses her; he bullies his students and has even incited a gay man’s suicide. Rid of him, Jessamyn happily moves on to the next chapter in her life, beginning with a two-month ocean excursion. In between docking at such beautiful places as Manila and Singapore, Jessamyn reinvigorates her sex life: Several people onboard catch her fancy, including Lovely Bayani, the captain’s much younger daughter. Menaces abound as well, including individuals who may prove to be more dangerous than her late husband. Jessamyn has vivid recurring dreams of jaguars and later hallucinates one in particular—it’s apparently a sign of a “great evil” she harbors inside. Jessamyn then goes in search of someone who can guide her on a vitally important spiritual quest. The author dives deep into the psyche of her protagonist in an illuminating first-person narrative. Jessamyn isn’t cold-blooded; while she feels justified in killing her repugnant husband, regret and guilt slowly seep into her mindset. She’s surrounded by engrossing characters like the youthful Èlia, who “carries herself with preternatural dignity,” and a band of mercenaries engaged to protect the ship from pirates. The novel’s latter half focuses on Jessamyn’s quest to find herself and address her presumed spiritual affliction, unfolding in a lush rainforest and involving a physically demanding ceremony. Despite the potential presence of spirits, the story feels grounded and authentic.

This absorbing story of self-discovery explores redemption and female sexuality.