CARRIED AWAY FAQ’S

What is Carried Away about?

Carried Away is a debut novel by filmmaker and author TJ Derry. Set in Indonesia, it’s a gripping, character-driven story about a group of travelers swept into a life-or-death survival scenario following a tsunami. It blends elements of fiction, adventure, emotional transformation, and sharp observational writing. It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in travel, loss, and love.

What genre is the book?

The novel falls under multiple genres:

  • Contemporary fiction

  • Comedic fiction

  • New love

  • Survival fiction

  • Travel fiction

  • Psychological coming-of-age

  • Friendship and relationship drama

It’s a vivid, emotionally intelligent story with cinematic detail and pacing.

Is Carried Away based on a true story?

While the novel is fictional, many moments and sensations in Carried Away are inspired by the author’s real experiences traveling through the tropics and working in physically and emotionally intense environments. TJ Derry brings authenticity to the details—from the survival to the surf scenes to the romantic encounters—based on years of observation and personal exploration.

Where does the novel take place?

Primarily in Sumatra and the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. The book captures the beauty, intensity, and unpredictability of this remote region, from jungle roads to island beaches, weaving the setting into the emotional fabric of the story.

Who is the main character?

The story is told from the point of view of Cole, a New Yorker, an office jockey, surfer and wanderer grappling with disconnection, heartbreak, and existential drift. Through harrowing events and unexpected friendships, Cole is forced to confront himself and the weight of his past.

Is this a book about surfing?

Surfing serves as more of a conduit or vehicle for the story to unfold; but this is so much more than a book about surfing. The waves are both literal and metaphorical—representing risk, surrender, and awakening. Readers who surf will appreciate the realism; those who don’t will still find the characters, the romance, the drama and the ocean a powerful backdrop.

Who should read Carried Away?

Readers who enjoy:

  • Gritty, emotional fiction

  • Thoughtful, introspective characters

  • Survival stories with depth

  • Books like The Beach by Alex Garland or Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

  • Themes of masculinity, disconnection, longing, and human resilience

It’s also a powerful book for anyone questioning their place in modern life or navigating post-pandemic meaning shifts.

Is this book appropriate for younger readers?

Carried Away is intended for adult audiences, with mature themes including trauma, substance use, sex, and psychological distress. It is raw, honest, and written for readers who appreciate emotional and intellectual depth.

How can I contact the author or request an interview/review copy?

For media inquiries, interviews, or review copies, please reach out via the Contact page or email