Primarily set in the 1970’s and 80’s, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel, Malibu Rising, is the story of a four siblings living in Malibu. Their father, Mick Riva, is a famous singer, who left his family when his children were young. His ex-wife struggles financially, surviving by running her parent’s fish restaurant. When their mother dies from cancer, Nina, the eldest Riva child and barely an adult, takes over the family restaurant and care of her younger siblings. Nina’s fortune changes when she is discovered surfing and becomes a model. Her financial windfall is further enhanced by her marriage to a tennis star. As they become adults, Nina’s siblings follow her lead : Jay is a surf pro and Hud is a sports photographer, while youngest sibling, Kit, is also an accomplished surfer. The Riva siblings lives change after throwing one wild, unforgettable party in 1983, where secrets are revealed and irrevocable decisions are made.
Malibu Rising is my third Reid novel ( I also read Daisy Jones & The Six, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo), and this has, by far, been my favorite. The Riva family, especially Nina and Kit, are fabulous characters. I love the Malibu setting and surf culture aesthetic. I was delighted by the overlap of characters from Reid’s previous stories. Mick Riva is a connecting presence and one of Evelyn Hugo’s husbands! The overlap does not mean that you need to read Reid’s novels in order of publication, the books are independent stories. However, the connections are a fun Easter egg for fans.
Reid is excellent at writing historical fiction set in California during the 60’s/70’s/80’s. I mentioned this in a previous review, but it bears mentioning again: I’m from California, but I was born in 1977, so I feel that Reid’s novels transport me to my parent’s time growing up in Los Angeles. I love this time capsule aspect to her writing. She’s a fabulous storyteller, but I’m equally attracted to her themes and settings.
I bought Malibu Rising for my recent vacation to Los Angeles and it couldn’t have been a more perfect pick. I’m looking forward to Reid’s next book, Carrie Soto is Back, which also promises to link characters. In Malibu Rising, Nina Riva’s husband cheats on her with fellow tennis champion, Carrie Soto. I can’t wait for this drama to continue!