Genre: Literary/Historical Fiction
Sometimes a book leaves me wordless. I’ve been trying to think of how to write an engaging hook and am failing. Katherine Vaz’s epic tale Above the Salt that spans countries and decades is a delight for me. She tells the story of Mary and John beginning at their first meeting in their native Portugal. Though young, they feel a connection immediately. Both victims of religious persecution, they travel to the United States with their families. Years later, they meet again and the angst of their relationship begins. Vaz follows their separations, reunions, and marriages through decades - including the Civil War, reconstruction, and the gilded age. Folks, this summary is a terrible one. I can’t adequately describe the spiritual and magical aspects. I can’t give enough attention to the impact of the secondary characters. The attention to the science of hearing and botany aren’t properly noted. The scope of the novel (I listened to the beautiful narration by Gisela Chipe - 23 hours) cannot be summarized in a fair way.

The language of the novel is absolutely poetic. Sometimes I had to rewind and listen again - because I just loved the music of the words - and thanks Gisela for the interpretation. I loved the albeit sad reminder that religious conflict and prejudice has existed for as long as humans have. I am often overwhelmed by what feels like historical division when in fact division has existed throughout history. Such a reminder provides hope for the future! I love the allusion to Emily Dickinson who is one of my favorite poets - would love to have lived in a world in which she is alive. I like the meetings between Mary and John at Abraham Lincoln’s house - Just a friend you know? I loved the complexity of the characters. I wanted to find easy categories to put them in, particularly, Edward, but their behaviors were honest and human and defied easy classification.The book spanned decades, and Vaz allowed her characters to develop and change in expected and unexpected ways. I like learning that sitting above the salt can indicate a change in social status - which of course is more acceptable for some than others. I love the idea of magic berries and a tablecloth beautifully embroidered with a lifetime of memories.

Perhaps most importantly - I admired and learned from these folks. We have a pretty easy life in 2023 in many ways in terms of transportation and communication and generally just knowing what is going on in the world and with the people we love. In fact, I often bemoan constant texting and worry about the damage it can cause in relationships. However, Mary and John are plagued with delays and miscommunication often to heartbreaking results. What I admire is that they simply forge on. They live with the results of their decisions and their mistakes and while devastated, they live with honor and with hope. I admire their fortitude. I have much to learn from it.

Please read Above the Salt by Katherine Vaz. Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.