I just read this book today and need to talk to someone about it!! I also read this because of Lena Norms. The story was so tragic and sweeping, it kind of felt like a mix of fables or mythic origin stories. The Ramora reminded me of the Eve story. The snake/devil heckling and tricking Eve (Ea), messing with her mind. It’s not an exact correlation, but there is also something there about the fruit of knowledge being the prophecy or message Ea gets from the manta rays. Then once Ea gets this knowledge and shame and “sin” she exiles herself from the “Eden” of her home water. It was so heartbreaking to read this section of the story for me! But I also agree with you that the Longi have an attitude of toxic positivity when they ignore the Whale’s song of suffering. In that way, the Ramora kind of exhibits the opposite quality, a super pessimistic view that Ea maybe relates to more, but is also disgusted by this quality of herself. Also, poor sweet Google. RIP. Love your perspective and analysis on sitting with the sorrow but also having hope against climate doom.
