Malibu Rising

About the book

Set in August 1983, the story centers on the four Riva siblings—Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit—as they host their famous annual end-of-summer party in Malibu. While the narrative follows the twenty-four hours leading up to a catastrophic fire, it frequently shifts back in time to chronicle the neglectful marriage of their parents, legendary singer Mick Riva and June Riva. The siblings struggle to manage the burdens of their father’s public abandonment and the private sacrifices required to keep their fractured family intact. By midnight, hidden pregnancies, betrayals, and long-held resentments surface, forcing each sibling to confront the cycle of their father's mistakes.

Readers who enjoy family sagas and mid-century California history will find an examination of how generational trauma dictates adult behavior. It appeals to those interested in the contrast between celebrity prestige and the grueling reality of being raised by an absentee parent. The reader walks away with a clear perspective on the distinction between blood ties and the families people build themselves to survive childhood hardship.

Details

Published

2021

Language

EN