Hey, it's Ampair's Book of the Day. I'm Andrew Limbaugh. A lot of times after a major tragedy,

there's always a narrative of strength and resilience and perseverance. And that's all well and good,

but sometimes I feel like that can overshadow really, truly, how painful these events can be

and how that pain can stick with people,

even if they are resilient and strong and all of that.

Author Xavier Navarra Aquino's debut novel, Velario, takes place in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria back in 2017.

And he told NPR's Ada Peralta that at first he didn't even want to write about the hurricane

because it was so wrenching for him.

But then he talks about another feeling he got when he finally did get around to writing.

Not just pain, but anger.

And just a heads up, they talk about self-harm in the interview,

so a quick warning if you're sensitive about that kind of stuff.

Here's the interview.

In 2017, Hurricane Maria became one of the deadliest hurricanes in American history.

Almost 3,000 Puerto Ricans were killed.

The destruction on the island and the question of how Puerto Ricans would rebuild is the backdrop of Saviard Navarro Akino's debut novel Velorio.

He's here with us now to talk about it. Saviar, welcome to the program.

Thank you, Aida. Happy to be here.

So Velodio starts as Hurricane Maria slams into the island.

Death and destruction follow and as people look to rebuild or just process what has just happened,

they're called to a new town called Memoria, Memory.

Tell us what happens next.

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