I want to give it a higher rating, but this is not an audiobook to listen to while driving in stressful traffic to and from work. This is soothing, and takes you on a wonderful visual journey that deserves more attention than driving allows. I may try this audiobook again but just lay in bed or on the couch, all nice and cozy. It's mindful, almost meditative, and brings a much wider perspective. And yes, there is a natural disaster all the while the story is unfolding, and it's sad but also hopeful in ways that helps make the novel grounded.