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The Current
Commended by judges of the prestigious Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, The Current is the story of a man's obsession with overcoming the forces of nature at all costs.
When the president of a sinking tropical island calls on the world's most ingenious entrepreneurs to help save his people, Peter Van Dooren answers the call. Van Dooren's wealth and prestige mean that his family wants for nothing - except a husband and a father. As an engineer, he believes his idea can not only save the island and its people's way of life. It could also change the idea of nations and borders. After all, changing the world is what Van Dooren really wants. But playing God may cost him his fortune and his own family.
While Van Dooren plots a world away, his wife, son and daughter sink deeper into their own personal abyss of retail therapy, amateur pornography and religious extremism. Everyone is adrift on the same tide of greed, lust and fear. This is the current that shapes the world. It always has; it always will. Is anyone strong enough to resist it?
Ironic and slyly, bleakly humorous, The Current shows us how our modern affluence buys us material comfort at the expense of a sense of purpose in our lives. It is a hopeful story about finding meaning in our relationships and strength through our community. It asks us to rekindle our relationship with nature.
The style of writing is literary (thoughtful but humorous), and will appeal to readers of Jonathan Franzen (particularly Freedom) and Michel Houellebecq (particularly Platform). Stylistically, The Current offers readers a back and forth split storyline and portent of danger comparable to Paul Thomas Anderson's film, Magnolia (1999). The Current is international in scope, the subject and themes are globally topical, encompassing climate change, family drama and refugees.
When the president of a sinking tropical island calls on the world's most ingenious entrepreneurs to help save his people, Peter Van Dooren answers the call. Van Dooren's wealth and prestige mean that his family wants for nothing - except a husband and a father. As an engineer, he believes his idea can not only save the island and its people's way of life. It could also change the idea of nations and borders. After all, changing the world is what Van Dooren really wants. But playing God may cost him his fortune and his own family.
While Van Dooren plots a world away, his wife, son and daughter sink deeper into their own personal abyss of retail therapy, amateur pornography and religious extremism. Everyone is adrift on the same tide of greed, lust and fear. This is the current that shapes the world. It always has; it always will. Is anyone strong enough to resist it?
Ironic and slyly, bleakly humorous, The Current shows us how our modern affluence buys us material comfort at the expense of a sense of purpose in our lives. It is a hopeful story about finding meaning in our relationships and strength through our community. It asks us to rekindle our relationship with nature.
The style of writing is literary (thoughtful but humorous), and will appeal to readers of Jonathan Franzen (particularly Freedom) and Michel Houellebecq (particularly Platform). Stylistically, The Current offers readers a back and forth split storyline and portent of danger comparable to Paul Thomas Anderson's film, Magnolia (1999). The Current is international in scope, the subject and themes are globally topical, encompassing climate change, family drama and refugees.
252 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
478 people want to read
About the author
Yannick Thoraval
3 books35 followersI'm an award-winning writer and author who loves reading and writing character-driven stories that explore relationships in all their messy forms.
When I'm not reading or writing, I teach fiction and creative non-fiction at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.
When I'm not reading or writing, I teach fiction and creative non-fiction at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 7, 2025
Yannick Thoraval’s The Current is a striking and intricately woven literary novel that delves into the fault lines of modern life—climate instability, fractured families, moral complacency, and the illusion of control in an age that increasingly feels adrift. With sharp intellect, ironic undertones, and deeply human storytelling, Thoraval paints a global and intimate portrait of what it means to chase salvation—whether for a sinking island or a disintegrating family unit.
At the center of the novel is Peter Van Dooren, a wealthy engineer whose influence and intellect have made him a global player. When a remote island nation, threatened by rising sea levels, calls on the world’s best minds to help rescue its people and culture, Van Dooren sees more than a humanitarian challenge—he sees a legacy-defining opportunity. To him, this is the kind of project that transcends politics and borders, a chance to reimagine humanity’s relationship with geography, sovereignty, and survival itself.
But while Peter is halfway across the world, engineering a monumental solution to a very literal existential threat, his own home life begins to fracture beneath the surface. His wife and children, insulated by privilege but untethered emotionally, spiral into their own crises—each of them attempting to fill the void left by his absence. What unfolds is a parallel narrative: one man’s grand mission to reshape the physical world, and his family’s quiet, unraveling collapse under the weight of emotional neglect, consumerism, and spiritual confusion.
Thoraval’s narrative is both sweeping and precise. Shifting perspectives and timelines are used to remarkable effect, echoing the disjointed rhythms of modern existence. The book navigates a broad thematic terrain—ecological collapse, displacement, personal alienation—without losing focus on its deeply human core. Thoraval doesn’t simply present a story of environmental urgency; he links it with the more intimate erosion of meaning within everyday life. The central idea is elegantly rendered: we are all subject to unseen currents—forces of nature, of society, of desire—that shape who we become.
What sets The Current apart is its stylistic ambition and tonal balance. Thoraval writes with literary precision, yet his prose carries a sardonic edge. There’s a sly, observational humor running beneath the surface, offering commentary on the absurdities of modern affluence, the hollowness of digital life, and the performative gestures of corporate saviors. At the same time, he never loses sight of the emotional stakes. The pain of disconnection, the yearning for meaning, and the fear of irrelevance are rendered with sensitivity and psychological nuance.
Comparable in style to the introspective sprawl of Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom or the philosophical edge of Michel Houellebecq’s Platform, The Current blends personal drama with larger existential themes. Like the film Magnolia, it captures multiple threads of tension—emotional, moral, ecological—all converging toward an uncertain, yet quietly powerful resolution.
Though set across continents, the novel’s concerns are universally resonant. Climate change, disillusionment, and the commodification of human experience are not confined to one place—they are, as Thoraval suggests, the tides we all must navigate. In this way, the novel feels not only timely, but timeless.
The Current is not a cautionary tale in the traditional sense, but rather a poignant meditation on control and surrender—on the futility of attempting to engineer every outcome, and the unexpected clarity that sometimes comes when we let go. It’s a novel that challenges the reader intellectually, while still engaging the heart.
At the center of the novel is Peter Van Dooren, a wealthy engineer whose influence and intellect have made him a global player. When a remote island nation, threatened by rising sea levels, calls on the world’s best minds to help rescue its people and culture, Van Dooren sees more than a humanitarian challenge—he sees a legacy-defining opportunity. To him, this is the kind of project that transcends politics and borders, a chance to reimagine humanity’s relationship with geography, sovereignty, and survival itself.
But while Peter is halfway across the world, engineering a monumental solution to a very literal existential threat, his own home life begins to fracture beneath the surface. His wife and children, insulated by privilege but untethered emotionally, spiral into their own crises—each of them attempting to fill the void left by his absence. What unfolds is a parallel narrative: one man’s grand mission to reshape the physical world, and his family’s quiet, unraveling collapse under the weight of emotional neglect, consumerism, and spiritual confusion.
Thoraval’s narrative is both sweeping and precise. Shifting perspectives and timelines are used to remarkable effect, echoing the disjointed rhythms of modern existence. The book navigates a broad thematic terrain—ecological collapse, displacement, personal alienation—without losing focus on its deeply human core. Thoraval doesn’t simply present a story of environmental urgency; he links it with the more intimate erosion of meaning within everyday life. The central idea is elegantly rendered: we are all subject to unseen currents—forces of nature, of society, of desire—that shape who we become.
What sets The Current apart is its stylistic ambition and tonal balance. Thoraval writes with literary precision, yet his prose carries a sardonic edge. There’s a sly, observational humor running beneath the surface, offering commentary on the absurdities of modern affluence, the hollowness of digital life, and the performative gestures of corporate saviors. At the same time, he never loses sight of the emotional stakes. The pain of disconnection, the yearning for meaning, and the fear of irrelevance are rendered with sensitivity and psychological nuance.
Comparable in style to the introspective sprawl of Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom or the philosophical edge of Michel Houellebecq’s Platform, The Current blends personal drama with larger existential themes. Like the film Magnolia, it captures multiple threads of tension—emotional, moral, ecological—all converging toward an uncertain, yet quietly powerful resolution.
Though set across continents, the novel’s concerns are universally resonant. Climate change, disillusionment, and the commodification of human experience are not confined to one place—they are, as Thoraval suggests, the tides we all must navigate. In this way, the novel feels not only timely, but timeless.
The Current is not a cautionary tale in the traditional sense, but rather a poignant meditation on control and surrender—on the futility of attempting to engineer every outcome, and the unexpected clarity that sometimes comes when we let go. It’s a novel that challenges the reader intellectually, while still engaging the heart.
November 20, 2014
Peter Van Dooren identifies as a businessman. After growing his father's shipping company, he is considered a forerunner in the engineering and business world. This prestige earns him an invitation from a president of a small island nation, L'Eden Sur Mer. As sea levels rise, L'Eden Sur Mer is sinking and the residents of the island will soon lose their home, their cultures and their identities. President Koyl invites Peter to a summit of his peers to come up with ideas to save the island. Peter gladly accepts the invitation hoping to become the next great engineer of his time; also leaving his home and family behind for months without him. Meanwhile, Peter's wife Alma finds solace in retail therapy, his daughter Gracie becomes involved in a Christian fundamentalist group and his son Steven grows more addicted to pornography and finds an online job at a sketchy business.
I was drawn to this book because of the environmental aspect of the sinking island, a real issue that is affecting many island nations. The issues facing L'Eden Sur Mer accurately reflected many Pacific Island nations. The reactions of the inhabitants of the island also seemed real when facing the loss of their home. Peter's character very interesting, there was a conflict between the good he was doing to save a nation and the damage he was doing to his family by leaving for long periods of time. I was very intrigued by the idea Peter came up with to save the island, I only wish it was put into action. However, the focus of the story is on work vs. family and there is certainly an exploration of maintaining that balance.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
I was drawn to this book because of the environmental aspect of the sinking island, a real issue that is affecting many island nations. The issues facing L'Eden Sur Mer accurately reflected many Pacific Island nations. The reactions of the inhabitants of the island also seemed real when facing the loss of their home. Peter's character very interesting, there was a conflict between the good he was doing to save a nation and the damage he was doing to his family by leaving for long periods of time. I was very intrigued by the idea Peter came up with to save the island, I only wish it was put into action. However, the focus of the story is on work vs. family and there is certainly an exploration of maintaining that balance.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
November 7, 2014
Peter Van Dooren's family has just about everything they want, except for Peter. His wife, Alma, daughter, Grace, and Son, Stephen all overcompensate for his absence in different ways, all dysfunctional. Alma uses retail therapy, Stephen uses pornography, and Grace hides behind Christian fundamentalism.
Yet, Peter is away for a noble cause. The small country of L'eden de Sur Mer is located on a small tropical Island and the Island is sinking. He and other executives are invited to stay on the Island to try to come up with a way to save the Island.
Set among climate change and politics, the Island is drowning and so is the Van Dooren family. Can all be saved?
I really loved this book! There are countries that are physically shrinking, being eaten up by the sea. The time to act is now. Our governments have to look past politics and do something to stop further damage to our planet! 'The Current' shows how silly all of the political arguments are.
I loved how Thoraval contrasted the drowning of a country with the breakdown of a family. It's both man versus nature and nurture. His characters are all well drown out into an excellent character study. His writing is fresh and creative. I just couldn't put this book down. When I finally finished it and looked at the clock, it was just after 4:00 am.
I highly recommend "The Current'! Note: A portion of the proceeds for this book will go to help refugees.
Yet, Peter is away for a noble cause. The small country of L'eden de Sur Mer is located on a small tropical Island and the Island is sinking. He and other executives are invited to stay on the Island to try to come up with a way to save the Island.
Set among climate change and politics, the Island is drowning and so is the Van Dooren family. Can all be saved?
I really loved this book! There are countries that are physically shrinking, being eaten up by the sea. The time to act is now. Our governments have to look past politics and do something to stop further damage to our planet! 'The Current' shows how silly all of the political arguments are.
I loved how Thoraval contrasted the drowning of a country with the breakdown of a family. It's both man versus nature and nurture. His characters are all well drown out into an excellent character study. His writing is fresh and creative. I just couldn't put this book down. When I finally finished it and looked at the clock, it was just after 4:00 am.
I highly recommend "The Current'! Note: A portion of the proceeds for this book will go to help refugees.
November 25, 2014
The Current by Yannick Thoraval Tour Review
First off I want to mention that a portion of the proceeds of The Current will go to refugees. When I saw that; I already had admiration for Yannic Thoraval; not only as an author but as a person.
While I was reading this book I was always trying to figure out what results or technical knowledge would be used to save the people of the island. Yannick Thoraval helped remind me what should be important in life, and how I have allowed my life to not follow what was so important years ago. Sometimes when you get so caught up in your life, you forget what was once your reasons for pushing forward.
I was most impressed with the comparison between the saving of his family and the saving of the island. Maintaining a balance of these can prove to be exhausting. The book keeps you going with trying to figure out how the character of Peter will make this happen. I am not one to expose too much of the story, because I don't like to spoil things for the readers. What I will say is that is definitely one of those, "can't put this book down or I will miss what is going on, books". I appreciate that Yannick took this into consideration when writing it. My hat is off to him for such a wonderfully written book!
If you have not read The Current, it is a book that is a timely sign of things to come that everyone should take under consideration.
First off I want to mention that a portion of the proceeds of The Current will go to refugees. When I saw that; I already had admiration for Yannic Thoraval; not only as an author but as a person.
While I was reading this book I was always trying to figure out what results or technical knowledge would be used to save the people of the island. Yannick Thoraval helped remind me what should be important in life, and how I have allowed my life to not follow what was so important years ago. Sometimes when you get so caught up in your life, you forget what was once your reasons for pushing forward.
I was most impressed with the comparison between the saving of his family and the saving of the island. Maintaining a balance of these can prove to be exhausting. The book keeps you going with trying to figure out how the character of Peter will make this happen. I am not one to expose too much of the story, because I don't like to spoil things for the readers. What I will say is that is definitely one of those, "can't put this book down or I will miss what is going on, books". I appreciate that Yannick took this into consideration when writing it. My hat is off to him for such a wonderfully written book!
If you have not read The Current, it is a book that is a timely sign of things to come that everyone should take under consideration.
December 19, 2014
This is the type of book that makes you think about politics and how sometimes the people in power have no idea what is going on. The fact that Peter was helping the poor while his family was blowing money on material possessions is really the point of the book for me. There were some funny parts, and they were placed in between the sadness of the author's message. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own. I also like that the author is giving some of the profits to charity.
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
February 9, 2017
Yannick Thoraval's The Current is brilliant. Many authors take climate change as their theme, but few understand the complexities of a changing climate and make these accessible to the reader.
But the novel is more than just a book about climate change - it is about the human response to it, and the human response to the broader world we live in. Everyone would benefit from reading The Current.
But the novel is more than just a book about climate change - it is about the human response to it, and the human response to the broader world we live in. Everyone would benefit from reading The Current.
March 25, 2015
This is the most enjoyable, interesting and thought provoking book I've read in a while. I first thought it was a nice easy read, like an airplane novel, but when I tried to put it down, I couldn't. And after I did put it down, I spent the next few days before being able to pick it up again contemplating what was going on in L'Sur Mer and and back home and what it all meant! And I still am!! A thoroughly "Good Read" that's entertaining, thought-provoking and contains some beautiful quality writing. Definitely strongly recommend this!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews