Cathy Slusser

What a wonderful journey this book takes you on. I loved the historical facts scattered throughout the book. It was interesting to read about Cuba and how land was so valuable to the owners. The Americans that lived there were fiercely protective of their land. I loved learning about the different crops that were planted in the plantation that Etta owned. I could see the pineapples , bananas and other things grow and become part of the harvest. It was hard work to make a profit but I loved reading about how the people Loved their land and was proud of their hard work to keep it thriving.

The story is told through the eyes of the authors grandmother and great grandmother . It was very hard to read how much they each suffered with loss and how their lives were hard at times. I know it must have been hard to lose children, spouses and hope at times for the characters. The story is so emotional at times, I found tears spring to my eyes. I fell in love with the children and cried when they felt abandoned by their mother.

One of my favorite characters was Florence. She grew up to be a very smart independent woman. The author takes us inside the workings of the government and lets readers experience the bills that are introduced and how they became law. It is evident that the author has done her work in researching historical events with details that make you feel you have traveled back in time. Each character was so well developed it made the story flow with ease. The story spans generations and lets us look into how a family lived through heartache, separation, disappointment, and death. I loved how faith was important to some of the family, and how it helped them deal with hard decisions . I can’t say enough great things about the book. There is so much more I want to say, but I want to keep readers intrigued by saying, this is one book you won’t be able to put down.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (lisätietoja)

Monday, December 4, 2017
The Sea Beneath Us by Cathy Slusser, © 2017

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are continually before me.
Isaiah 49:16

The Sea Beneath Us ~ Based upon the lives of her grandmother and great-grandmother, author Cathy Slusser weaves a tale of immigration, women’s rights, and foreign policy—real and relevant to today’s world, and as compelling as it is enchanting.

~*novels that portray real people enduring hardship, facing fear, and seeking joy*~
author Cathy Slusser

Henrietta (Etta) and her sister, Eugenia Louise (Lou), begin their travels as young children with their family from Canada to America, the first of their many moves.

What do I want to do with my life? I really like working in the bookstore, but I always thought I would marry and have a family. Isn't that what young women are supposed to do? I know one thing. I will not marry a dreamer.
--The Sea Beneath Us, 15

I am astounded at the change in Etta as she changes direction and pursues life head-on. She has not been the overly ambitious woman one would think to become business-minded. But... we are not in her shoes, nor do we know the true intent of her heart. Truly mourning? Has her head been turned by being a dreamer, herself? How many "fresh starts" will she begin?

This is a very vivid accounting from life itself! I am drawn forward ~ so surprised by Etta's actions finally taken. Her sister Lou is the heroine of this story in my eyes, as she appears to be in the background but very much so the keeper of them all. It is true, the turn of our lives and how we choose to respond or react shape us ~ and reflect on those near. Florence will stand out too, with her siblings and their outcomes experienced differently. I loved her story. So beautiful.

Cathy Slusser is a thorough author with the reader arriving right beside her in her reflections. How interesting it would be to talk with her and discover current generational similarities. The love of reading and family highlighted, knit tightly together.

***Thank you to Celebrate Lit for inviting me to be part of the book tour for Cathy Slusser's The Sea Beneath Us. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.**… (lisätietoja)