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* Home * My Books * Browse ▾ * Recommendations * Choice Awards * Giveaways * New Releases * Lists * Explore * News & Interviews Genres * Art * Biography * Business * Children's * Christian * Classics * Comics * Cookbooks * Ebooks * Fantasy * Fiction * Graphic Novels * Historical Fiction * History * Horror * Memoir * Music * Mystery * Nonfiction * Poetry * Psychology * Romance * Science * Science Fiction * Self Help * Sports * Thriller * Travel * Young Adult * More Genres * Community ▾ * Groups * Quotes * Ask the Author * People * Sign in * Join Jump to ratings and reviews Want to read Kindle $14.99 Rate this book ABOVE THE SALT KATHERINE VAZ 3.92 141 ratings53 reviews Want to read Kindle $14.99 Rate this book An irresistible and sweeping love story that follows two Portuguese refugees who flee religious violence and reignite their budding romance in Civil-War America. John Alves, son of a famous Presbyterian martyr on the Portuguese island of Madeira, spends his childhood in jail and in poverty. When he meets Mary Freitas—though the adopted daughter of a master botanist, her true lineage is the subject of dangerous rumor—a spark kindles a lasting bond. But soon their families must confront the rising blood tide of warfare between Catholics and Protestants. Fleeing with only what they can carry, John and Mary are separated and arrive at different times and places in a rapidly growing and changing mid-nineteenth-century Illinois. Years later, John settles into his life as an educator at Jacksonville’s nationally renowned school for the deaf, and Mary is a gardener in Springfield for handsome, wealthy Edward Moore. After John and Mary reconnect, the home of rising politician Abraham Lincoln provides a prime setting for their courtship. But conflict looms on the horizon, and John is torn. Should he join the Union army to prove his loyalty to his new country, or should he stay to fight for the chance to make a life with the one he loves? And should Mary accept Edward’s marriage proposal since he is a partner in her business of selling the miracle-berry fruit she transported from Madeira, or should she choose her passion for John? Social jealousies and betrayals compound the obstacles unleashed by the Civil War. In poignant and lyrical prose, Katherine Vaz’s Above the Salt is a captivating and beautiful tribute to the power of true love and the sacrifices we make to harness it. Show more GenresHistorical FictionFictionCivil WarHistoricalRomanceLiterary Fiction 432 pages, Hardcover First published November 7, 2023 Book details & editions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66 people are currently reading 7,914 people want to read -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THE AUTHOR KATHERINE VAZ 30 books57 followers Follow Follow -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- READERS ALSO ENJOYED Items 1 to 4 of 20 The Frozen River Ariel Lawhon 4.56 2,562 Sisters Under the Rising Sun Heather Morris 3.97 2,854 A Grandmother Begins the Story: A Novel Michelle Porter 3.92 656 The Porcelain Maker Sarah Freethy 4.17 716 All similar books All similar books -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RATINGS & REVIEWS What do you think? Rate this book Write a Review -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FRIENDS & FOLLOWING Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book! COMMUNITY REVIEWS 3.92 141 ratings53 reviews 5 stars 55 (39%) 4 stars 42 (29%) 3 stars 26 (18%) 2 stars 14 (9%) 1 star 4 (2%) Search review text Filters Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews Melany 627 reviews91 followers Follow Follow October 30, 2023 This was breathtakingly beautiful. The author truly has a way with words, it felt like this book swallowed me up but at the same time it was an emotional Rollercoaster and a warm hug as well. So many emotions. The author's writing style is so majestic. Absolutely beautiful! I'm not typically into historical fictions but this one was truly beautiful. I received this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book. Show more 10 likes Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jill 109 reviews6 followers Follow Follow October 18, 2023 Above the Salt by Katherine Vaz Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of this delightful poetic language read. This 19th century read follows soulmates John Alves and Mary Freitas, over eight decades across Portugal and the United States. Meeting at a young age and becoming friends during the blood tide of warfare between Catholics and Protestants in Portugal, their families must flee and go to the United States, where they are separated till meeting again a few years later. Katherine Vaz’s exquisitely written love story will pull you in from beginning to end. Because it is written in the the language of its time, it isn’t a quick read. I found I had to slow down to savor the lyrical writing style of this beautifully told love story. An author I did not know of and look forward to reading more from her. Show more 6 likes Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carrie 25 reviews2 followers Follow Follow August 31, 2023 An absorbing and engaging historical fiction covering multiple historic events. First, the Portuguese anti-Protestant movement on the island of Madeira that provides the back setting of the two main characters, John Alves and Mary (Maria) Freitas, who by chance meet and a make lasting connection, but both must flee the country to America. Thus, the premise of the plot is set, will they meet again? The reader follows the life adventures of all the characters, especially John as an American soldier and inventor working with Thomas Edison and Mary as the obedient wife of Edward, a wealthy businessman, and her work with her father, a famous botanist, plus her passion for fabric design, but many others as well. Not an easy read because of the multitude of storylines, subplots that one must follow, internal narratives and interactions between the characters, but it is essential for the plot development, and so that the reader can identify more readily with and feel for the characters, especially John and Mary, their supporters and enemies, and some famous people, including not only Thomas Edison but also Abraham Lincoln. These plot twists give the reader hope and wonderment of the destiny of characters during the other historic events the author interweaves so well: the American Civil War, the San Francisco earthquake, and other, more minor ones as well. What are their secrets for survival? Is it only marriage for Mary, and being a teacher for the deaf for John, and where and who will provide them support, and who must they support? Yes, John and Mary maintain contact, although not always successfully, but do they meet again and if so, is there a reason and who would orchestrate it? Overall, a highly recommended read, one which the reader receives a different understanding of historic events and some people’s contribution and view of these. Received the book from BookBrowse for an honest review Show more 5 likes Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Linda Zagon 1,432 reviews159 followers Follow Follow November 7, 2023 Katherine Vaz, the author of “Above the Salt,” has written a captivating, poignant, and memorable novel. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Romance, Civil War, and Fiction. Katherine Vaz puts a magical feel in her prose, and this well-written story vividly describes the scenery, landscape, plot, and colorful and dramatic characters. John Alves and Mary Freitas are Portuguese refugees from childhood to late adulthood. Much of the background history deals with Catholics and Protestants friction and the time before, during, and after the Civil War. John spent part of his childhood with his mother, a Protestant martyr, in a jail in Madeira. John spent his young life in poverty and met Mary Freitas, an adopted daughter of a famous Botanist. As conflict and war between the two religions intensifies, both find themselves headed to America at different times. John becomes an educator for deaf students and experiments with ways to improve the student’s learning mode. Mary and her father bring some “magical” plants to the United States and work as gardeners for Edward Moore, a wealthy landowner. Edward does help Mary with her business and would like to be engaged to her. Mary has not forgotten John Alves. When they do meet again, many things have changed. Some people are jealous and cause betrayal. The Start of the Civil War complicates the relationships. I appreciate how the author discusses the tragedies of the Civil War, the brutality, and the cost of lives. There were twists and turns and some unexpected and emotional surprises. I love the poetic images the author describes of nature and the symbolism of the characters. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and heartfelt novel to other readers. I found much of the background educational, and I became aware of some things I didn’t know. I look forward to reading more books from this author. Show more 5 likes Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Robinson 331 reviews12 followers Follow Follow October 30, 2023 Definitely too long - I enjoyed the story but the oft repeated meetings and star crossed lovers theme which spanned 8 decades and multiple cities became almost Forrest Gump like in the events the main characters witnessed (meeting Abe Lincoln, the battle of Shiloh, the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, the Chicago World's Fair, among others) Each event creating a reason one of the other thought their eventual marriage and love was no longer possible. Enjoyable, but, as I said, too long. advanced-reader-copy-titles audio-book historical-fiction 5 likes Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elizabeth Graver Author 16 books170 followers Follow Follow September 14, 2023 I was lucky enough to get to read this book in an early prepublication edition. "Above the Salt" is a gorgeous, surprising novel, at once intricate and bold. What, it asks us to consider, are our obligations to honor and love? How do we build lives across divides of time and space? Katherine Vaz asks big questions through a gorgeous tapestry of daily life while also providing a fascinating window into the experience of Portuguese refugees from the island of Madeira to the United States. I loved this book! 2 likes Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralu Cat 28 reviews Follow Follow November 2, 2023 What a saga!!! If you like Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Isabel Allende, Laura Esquivel or just the poetry of magical realism in general, this book is like that, and *new*, and surprising. Lyrical, but the story flows in a clear line, often fast paced, with no boring episodes. Full of unexpected twists and turns. And what an epic *LOVE STORY* without any feeling of a "romance" book. I was so pulled in by this story, I could barely put it down to go to sleep. Absolutely amazing! I think the audio book will be a dream. Thank you to the publisher, author and Goodreads for the giveaway win, and the opportunity to read this ARC. Just... wow. Show more 2 likes Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mike Rezendes 2 reviews2 followers Follow Follow October 10, 2023 As a Portuguese-American with family still living in the Azores, I’m a long-time admirer of Katherine Vaz’s work (and was happy to blurb this book). I don’t know of any writer as capable of expressing the unique quality of Luso sadness, more formally known as saudade. It is a quality not easy to define, and even more difficult to make a reader feel. I think of it as an intense yearning for something you can barely remember, like an essential dream that dissolves upon waking that you are trying desperately to recall, and failing at the task. It has been expressed most effectively through the plaintive voices of Fado singers over the past 200 years, with their modern-day heirs enjoying a contemporary renaissance, not only in the subterranean bars of Lisboa but on stages throughout the world. In Vaz’s remarkable Above the Salt, a hallucinogenic saga of love and loss and love regained set in the 19th Century, saudade is a constant. At the beginning, a gardener with magical powers on the island of Madeira tells his young adopted daughter that her mother and father live at the bottom of the ocean, where they frolic happily with the sea creatures there. It’s a fairy tale that envelopes the unforgettable Maria Feitas in the “joyful melancholy” that is “the heat of the Portuguese soul.” And she lives with that feeling throughout her life, through a series of connections and miscommunications with the love of her life, the equally unforgettable John Alves. In this sweeping tale, Vaz will take you to places you’ve never been, she will weave an immigrant’s journey to New York, Illinois, Florida and California that you have never experienced, and she will use language and imagery you have never read. There will be, “leaves like crabs a child had cut from brown paper,” a young granddaughter with a “storm-clearing smile,” “a boomerang of geese,” and banana trees that “sway like tall, jeweled women with violent hair who are mad to dance but only in one spot.” Maria and John meet as children in the magical garden tended by Augusto Freitas. They’re separated by the violent clashes between Catholics and Protestants in the Madeira of the 1840s. And they meet again as immigrants in Illinois, where they are shocked to re-discover one another and fall hopelessly in love. The treachery of others and the American Civil War separate them once again, perhaps irrevocably. And as the decades pass, and their separate lives unfold, there is always saudade, the constant yearning for a lost love that is rediscovered only at the end of their long lives. They are in their nineties when Maria and John finally lie side by side, “our nights blessed,” John muses, “dreams pink, this beloved earth, this hand in mine, this story of our lives.” Show more 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sara K 409 reviews Follow Follow November 18, 2023 I listened to this audiobook and it just did not connect with me. I was often confused about what was going on. I found the characters to be ehh. The story went on way longer than necessary, which may have added to the confusion and lack of connection. It did not seem to flow, and was very complicated when listening to. This seems to be a minority opinion, so may be worth considering reading and not listening on audiobook. Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader copy. Show more 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lauren 1 review Follow Follow December 20, 2023 This book devastated me in the best way possible. The language was so beautiful and the prose sings like a melody—not to mention how much I learned about Portuguese immigrants from Madeira settling across the U.S. I loved the interwoven facts about nature and tending plants and the complicated familial dynamics. I was sad when I neared the end, savoring the last few pages like a treat. This may be one of the best love stories ever told. 2023-reads 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pat 4 reviews Follow Follow November 16, 2023 "Above the Salt" by Katherine Vaz is a masterpiece! I understand the novel took its author 18 years to complete --and it shows. The language is gorgeous in this love story of escape from religious persecution in 19th century Portugal. The story is told to us as if from a higher realm of poetic beauty. In Vaz' world, things morph into other things, creating a kind of synesthetic sense of beauty and unity. It makes us see, as the author herself once said, that "magic realism is real." 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Laura 357 reviews Follow Follow October 15, 2023 What I will remember most about this novel is the stunningly beautiful use of words to convey feelings and images! The author possesses an amazing gift in her ability to put into words things that I did not imagine could be described. This is an immigration story, a war story, a historical drama, a family saga, but, mostly a love story. I felt the longing and sorrow emanate from the pages. The resiliency of the human spirit is exhibited many times over. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the amount of uncertainty that was present in people’s lives prior to modern methods of communication. I look forward to reading more by this author. Show more 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Laurie 4 reviews1 follower Follow Follow October 11, 2023 Above the Salt: Historical Fiction at its Finest Based on a true story, Above The Salt by Katherine Vaz spans continents and centuries to tell a sweeping saga of the human heart. So beautifully rendered in its wisdom and details, I can't tell you many times I had to set the book down just to ponder its powerful conflicts of the heart. Ms. Vaz did meticulous research on all of topics covered in this lifelong love story of John Alves and Mary Freitas. Starting with the conflict of Protestants and Catholics on the Portuguese island of Madeira to the Presbyterian sponsored immigration of persecuted Protestants to south central Illinois, the reader follows John and Mary through the Civil War with many betrayals, missed connections, and miscommunications ending in the early twentieth century with the San Francisco earthquake and the early film industry. This is a must read for lovers of historical fiction. One of my top books for the year. Show more 2023-books 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kim McGee 3,104 reviews75 followers Follow Follow November 7, 2023 A generational saga of love, loss, religion and roots that begins in Madeira and continues in the United States. As a child John and his mother flee Madeira with Mary and her father and escape to the United States. They become separated and over the years John becomes a teacher of deaf children while Mary and her father are gardeners for a wealthy landowner in Illinois who is trying to grow pineapple. John and Mary find each other again but it is too late for John as Mary is engaged to Edward her patron. They have bad timing, different religions and the Civil War is looming but theirs is a love for the ages. A very different immigration story that incorporates the promise of freedom, ingenuity by newcomers to the US and the war that will separate families, lovers and communities. Written in what feels like an authentic voice this story will enchant readers who want a different version of the Civil War. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy. Show more 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cathy O'c 56 reviews1 follower Follow Follow September 18, 2023 Epic Novel Above the Salt is unlike any novel I have ever read. The author creates a tale that follows the main characters across oceans and continents, through wars and disasters. The writing style was a bit difficult at first, but soon became almost like a lullaby with its vivid descriptions and lyrical rhythms. The world inside this novel is so encompassing that even after over 400 pages, I was sad to turn the last page. This is a magical tale that will stay with me. I believe that Above the Salt will appeal to anyone who likes fiction full of engaging characters, wound through with accurate historical details, and an unpredictable but believable plot. Show more 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fran 673 reviews790 followers Follow Follow September 9, 2023 On the Portuguese island of Madeira, in the year 1840, five year old John Alves starved in jail alongside his mother, Serafina. She was a Presbyterian who refused to denounce her faith. "Music would feed them, they would feast upon sounds...". Augusto Freitas, a Catholic, led the protest to free John. Augusto was head gardener of a Botanical Garden owned by aristocrats. He lovingly cared for the plants and was devoted to his daughter, Maria. Sparks of friendship ignited between John and Maria, however, contact was lost when unrest between Catholics and Protestants caused each family, separately, to seek refuge in America. Maria had a gift for Madeiran needlepoint work. "Maria plies threads..." She and her father cultivated plants. "On days dedicated to the trees, he wears a bowtie, because in Portuguese it is called a butterfly and the trees appreciate that...[he grows] a shrub with glossy dark pointed leaves and red berries...the miracle-berry or miracle-fruit plant." The father-daughter team would try to transplant the miracle shrubs in America. New beginnings in Springfield, Illinois. John Alves studied sign language. He worked on his Sound Machine. "If only the Sound Machine could capture the gestures and swaying of his students and let the music be felt through the floor so deafness is not a prison...they would feast upon sounds...music would feed them...the melody of birds...to my listening ears all nature sings...Men are studying about capturing sounds...". Augusto Freitas was a "maestro" of plants with a specialty in grafting. He was employed as head gardener on Edward Moore's estate. Edward's motto was "A WISHBONE ain't as likely to get ye as far as a BACKBONE." Augusto and Maria, worked side by side, trying to coax the transplant to root in this foreign soil. Success as master botanists would not entitle them to truly mix with Edward and his inner circle. They would always be viewed as "below the salt". "Above the Salt" by Katherine Vaz is ultimately about the ebb and flow of love. Is love enough? Perhaps not, when hindrances were religious or societal. The outbreak of the Civil War compounded the obstacles and added the dimension of the plight of soldiers on both sides of the conflict in this all encompassing work of historical fiction. Altered communications and betrayals created twists and turns that were heartwrenching, if a tad soap opera-like. Highly recommended. Thank you Flatiron Books and BookBrowse for the print ARC in exchange for an honest review. Show more 72 likes 51 comments Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Collette 92 reviews45 followers Follow Follow December 4, 2023 Above the Salt by Katherine Vaz is a sweeping saga of two Portuguese refugees who flee their island homes to escape religious upheaval, and end up finding and losing one another throughout their lives in America. From the story’s opening line that encompasses God, creation, and echoes of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 100 Years of Solitude, the reader is offered a unique invitation to enter the kaleidoscopic story of John Alves and Mary Freitas. John is the son of a famous Presbyterian martyr and Mary the adopted daughter of a prominent botanist, and the two know upon meeting that they have a special bond. Their story is told in threads that are alternatively tightly woven and frayed, but never severed, even though social acquaintances, family members, miscommunications and historical events try to make it so. Told over eight decades, this star-crossed love story spans the island of Madeira, the dusty plains of Illinois, the tropical climate of Florida and both coasts of the United States. It dips into and depicts the essence of significant historical events while depicting a love story in the language of magic realism, which Vaz and other Latin- and Luso-American writers have established and claimed as their own. The language is rich and evocative and the reader becomes mesmerized by both the chaos and deliberate cadence that makes the human experience. From a cold, dank jail cell to the table of Abraham Lincoln, from the front lines of battle to miracle berries that make lemons taste sweet, this story is told in contrasts. These counterpoints exist to highlight the ultimate thematic duality of the simplicity and complexity found in desires of the heart. While a book this ambitious requires patience and diligent attention, the reader is rewarded with something “new under the sun,” as this writer’s voice feels refreshingly original and fulfilling. I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Gisela Chipe and her authentic performance adds depth to an already rich experience. Thank you to Flat Iron Books and MacMillan Audio for the chance to listen to this treasure. Show more audiobooks favorites historical-fiction ...more 3 likes 4 comments Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AshWood 55 reviews1 follower Follow Follow November 15, 2023 This book was at times beautiful and at times tedious. I think it completely depends on what type of reader you are. I typically love very descriptive narratives, but some times it went a little overboard and drew out unnecessary imagery and made it hard for me to focus on what was going on. And there was a lot going on. The plot was very thorough and well thought-out, and spans nearly a century. It was interesting how the author wove different pieces of history throughout the story, sometimes in detail and sometimes like a passing glance. Those Easter eggs were fun to listen for. As an audiobook, the narrator did a great job. When the plot or POV jumps it was sometimes harder to follow than if it were being read physically, but other than that it was well done. The negatives for me mostly have to do with characters. There are a lot of side characters since it’s such a long book, and I had trouble keeping up with who was who, especially after they’d meet someone again after a decade or more. The main characters are Mary and John, who meet in Portugal as kids, then again in America as young adult immigrants. The story is essentially following their star-crossed love story across decades…except it’s not really a great love story in my opinion. Eventually, I was mentally begging for the author to cross John’s star with someone, anyone else. Mary was selfish and childish in almost every decision, but she’s gorgeous so he let it slide. (As did poor Ward, but I won’t go there.) John and Mary actually aren’t often together, and when they are together it’s mostly just conflict or bad decisions. Unfortunately, the “love story” part of the book was my least favorite part. I wish they would have developed differently and I could have enjoyed the end, but I just really didn’t. Overall, it was a decent 3-3.5 star read for me. And I think it could be higher for someone fully invested in the main characters, but I just didn’t get there. Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review! Show more Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joyce B 6 reviews Follow Follow September 18, 2023 Above the Salt is a wonderful novel about Portuguese immigrants who migrated to America in the mid-19th century for a better life. It is an incredible love story that is full of commitment, romance, and respect for community. It is historical fiction based on a real person, John Alves, and incorporates many actual events such as Lincoln’s presidency, the Civil War, racial prejudice, inventions, the earthquake in San Francisco, the plague in early the early 20th Century, and the beginning of World War I. The manner in which the book is written, told mostly through the eyes of Mary and John, enables the reader to be in their shoes. All of the historical references serve as background information, giving the reader a sense of what ordinary people were going through on a daily basis during challenging times. The intense descriptive prose makes it easy to visualize and feel what the various characters were experiencing. Considering all the “ups and downs” in the story, I’m glad the author ended the book way she did. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It reminded me of Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese which I also really liked and look forward to reading his current novel. However, this book is even better! I give it 6 stars!! Show more 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emily 223 reviews87 followers Follow Follow July 29, 2023 *Goodreads Giveaway Win* This book is epic. I mean that as in epic in scope and epic in my opinion of the book. My opinion went for a ride. I started off being annoyed. The writing felt purple and over-wrought. And then either I got used to it, or it eased off. I don't know but the writing fit the book. It was dramatic, historical and rapturous. At the end of the epic my opinion landed on the upper end of the scale. I felt like I read something different; something idiosyncratic; something I haven't read before. Yes, it was a love story but it took turns that I wasn't expecting. Turns that were almost non-sensical and yet fitting and enjoyable. There is one thing that pulled me out of the book. A thing I hope is fixed in the final published copy. There is a mention of "World War I". This book was written contemporaneously so at the time calling it "World War I" would be like, ummm..., what? It was almost funny. Otherwise, I hope more people read the book and give it good reviews once it's officially published. Show more 2 likes Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Julia Alberino 410 reviews5 followers Follow Follow October 6, 2023 Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for writing an unbiased review. I am amazed by how Katherine Vaz was able to take a small fragment of information about the real John Alves and weave it into a sweeping novel that held my attention from the very first page. I learned some things I didn’t know before, such as the Catholic-Protestant strife on the Island of Madeira in the 19th Century, and that magic berries are real (I googled it; I invite you to do so too). She created characters I cared about, some of whom I liked and admired, others of whom I would have liked to strangle. Vaz shows us the awful power of jealousy, teachery, deception, and greed, but also the healing power of friendship and love. This is a sweeping novel that stretches from 1843-1919, and shows us both the American Civil War and World War II’s effects on those who lived through one or both. Through it all, we have John and Mary and the people in their separate and intersecting orbits to keep us reading and reacting. All in all, a wonderful read. Show more Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patricia Williams 2 reviews Follow Follow October 31, 2023 Above the Salt The story began in the mid-nineteenth century in Madeira, a Portuguese Island, and continued to the early twentieth century in the United States. It was interesting to read about the world during this time span. The story showed the struggles to survive through hardships, religious persecution, poverty, being an immigrant in a new homeland, and social class injustices. It is very difficult to understand the conflicts among different branches of Christianity throughout time, especially when a certain population is driven from its homeland. This is the catalyst that brings the main characters to the United States. The portrayal of the Civil War is brutal and a reminder of the senselessness of war. Love is a constant theme throughout the book, including the great love of parents for their birth children and adopted children, romantic love that endures all challenges, and love of religion and native lands. The story also depicts a strong, capable women who was ahead of her time and how inventions enrich everyday life. Thanks to BookBrowse for the advanced reader copy. Show more Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- tfpjr492 7 reviews Follow Follow December 23, 2023 Above the Salt is the story of Portuguese immigrants to America during the mid-1800s. It presents several themes, and one of those themes is devotion. Both of the main characters, Maria and John, grow up in families that demonstrate great devotion. Maria’s adoptive father devotes his entire life to gardening, and Maria can never forget the plant training and life lessons he imparts to her. “Papa used to caution that if we could invisibly eavesdrop, we would be scalded to find that most friendship is a lie, but that was why true friends must be cherished.” John’s mother is a devout Protestant in an intolerant Catholic country. She endures the hardships of imprisonment with her young son at her side. John reveres her, and he is constantly concerned about her welfare. Devotion is one of several common bonds between Maria and John. They remain emotionally devoted to each other, while each pursues a different life journey. Can their devotion ever blossom into a full romance? This book is recommended for readers with an interest in stories of historical romance. Show more Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rachel R 16 reviews1 follower Follow Follow December 3, 2023 Katherine Vaz's "Above the Salt" is a literary triumph that deftly navigates the intricate landscapes of family, heritage, and resilience. Set against the lush backdrop of Portugal, Vaz's prose is a lyrical revelation, transporting readers to a world where generational sagas unfold with grace and poignancy. Through the lens of her exquisitely drawn characters, Vaz explores the enduring complexities of love, loss, and the indomitable human spirit. The novel's multilayered narrative, rich with historical nuances, serves as a captivating exploration of identity and the ties that bind across time. Vaz's storytelling prowess is on full display as she seamlessly weaves together threads of tradition and modernity, creating a tapestry that resonates with both emotional depth and literary finesse. "Above the Salt" stands as a testament to Vaz's mastery of the craft, inviting readers on a poignant journey that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Show more historical-fiction literary Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ddoddmccue 346 reviews2 followers Follow Follow December 20, 2023 The 1840s immigration of Protestant Portuguese to Illinois. Prompted by religious persecution, the Catholic- Protestant conflict more often associated with Ireland . A real occurrence, often omitted in history books. Vaz uses this as the central anchor of her novel. While the romance of Maria and John and the overarching plot lines are highly contrived, they arched through 8 decades of history. And one of them directly present for many well-known events( (Forrest Gump style). As a literary creation it faltered under the weigh of manipulation. As a springboard to reader curiosity about some previously overlooked historic events, it excelled. The author’s Acknowledgements confirm the breadth and rigor of her research, which may have been better served by a less ambitious fictional creation. Or by a targeted, concise non-fiction effort. Show more Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barbara 475 reviews2 followers Follow Follow October 1, 2023 Above the Salt is a descriptive, lyrical story of two lovers, John Alves and Mary Freitas. Their lives begin in Madeira, a Portuguese island, where the religious uprisings between Catholics and Protestants are at a fever pitch in the mid 1800’s. Both John and Mary become religious exiles to the United States, specifically Springfield, Illinois. They are separated and reacquainted throughout several years, with another suitor in the picture for Mary. More than anything, their lives are impacted by political and religious beliefs. This novel is not written in a language of today’s common people. It is written in the more elegant language of the time period, allowing me to adjust to a more lengthy reading period. It’s honestly one-of-a-kind in the genre of historical fiction. Show more 1 like Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bethany 352 reviews9 followers Follow Follow November 19, 2023 This story had so much potential, yet as I listened to the audiobook, I could not fully decipher what was happening and my interest faded with every poetic description of everything. This was a saga of a story that I felt like would never end. John and Mary, fall in love as children and are forced to leave Portugal in the late 1800’s to America. Once in America they are separated and find each other again years later. There were ongoing obstacles and difficulties they had to overcome throughout their many years together. The writing style was difficult to follow and too descriptive. This was a story about love, loss, and the roots of family. Show more Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jennifer Baker 20 reviews2 followers Follow Follow November 4, 2023 This book follows John and Maria from kids into their 90s, as they are forced to leave Portugal in the 1800s and immigrate to America. The two fall in love as kids, and continue to love each other but that love is thwarted at every turn. But seriously, how many times can roadblocks come their way?? It was a very long, painful book with absolutely too many obstacles thrown their way. If I were a quitter, this book would have been a DNF. At least, I finally got to read a happy ending…after trudging through it for 3 weeks (an eternity for me). This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers. Show full review Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- G.P. Gottlieb Author 4 books55 followers Follow Follow December 12, 2023 Above the Salt is a deeply layered epic novel that opens in 1840 on the Portuguese island of Madeira, from which many families were forced to flee. Much of the community settles in southern Illinois. Mary and John know they’re meant to be together, but the religious fight they escaped follows them, the Civil War separates them, small betrayals keep them apart, and their lives are like one of John’s espaliered apple trees, spread wide against the sky. I thought it was a big, beautifully written book! And I was honored to interview the author: https://newbooksnetwork.com/above-the... Show more Like Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ISA 16 reviews2 followers Follow Follow December 13, 2023 Thank you Flatiron books and Katherine Vaz for the ARC. I'm so glad I found this book from the beautiful book cover because I might have also found my favorite book of the year, if not by all time. The love story of John and Mary is very heartbreaking, just like their separate personal lives but it's also very heartwarming to see how they adjust to their lives and see them grow up. I felt like I had to take my time reading this novel so that I could truly appreciate the poetic way it was written and just enjoyed it overall. Show more giveaways own Like Comment Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews More reviews and ratings JOIN THE DISCUSSION Add a quote Start a discussion Ask a question CAN'T FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR? Get help and learn more about the design. Help center COMPANY * About us * Careers * Terms * Privacy * Interest Based Ads * Ad Preferences * Help WORK WITH US * Authors * Advertise * Authors & ads blog * API CONNECT * * * * © 2023 Goodreads, Inc. 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