The Sea of Tears: A Novel

by Nani Power

"This is all about love," begins The Sea of Tears , a story that is infused with the sensuality and smarts that have established Nani Power as one of our most compelling writers. This otherworldly novel delves into the tangled relationships and hidden world of people brought together—and torn apart—under extraordinary Jedra has fled his native Iraq and is working in the boiler room at the Royale Hotel, where he pines for Phyllis, the front–desk clerk who mysteriously remembers heaven. Khouri, an Iranian engineer, attends a business conference at the Royale, where he meets Patricia, a single mother and hotel maid, and finds himself wanting in ways he never has before. And in the penthouse apartment, young loner Daniel cannot escape his memories of Brazil, and only makes contact with the outside world through room service delivery. That is, until the hotel chef, Leslie Downing, comes knocking on his door.

Harking back to The Arabian Nights and the poetry of Rumi, but with a decidedly modern eye toward the clashing and mingling of cultures, the result is a mesmerizing invitation to take seriously the desires of one's heart.

Genres: Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 8, 2004

About the author

Nani Power is the author of the novels Crawling at Night, The Good Remains, and The Sea of Tears, the first two of which were selected as New York Times Notable Books of the Year.

She lives in The Plains, Virginia.

Reviews

[Rhonda Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the strangest, most disjointed books I’ve ever read. I felt there were good stories in the characters, but as a book, it just never came together for me. Yet there was something oddly compelling about the book that made me continue reading it, maybe just to see if it did come together in the end. Would never recommend it to anyone though.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

People of varying ancestries and ages converge in a hotel ... some are employees, some are guests. Love strikes ...

Quotes:

~ At the root of all evil is a heart denied of love. At the root of all good is generosity and kindness.

~ Like everyone in the world, they each had stories to tell. Terinho was a silent, bursting envelope longing to be opened, that went through life solemnly and cleanly, leaving little residue.

~ How culture is lost, in every way but the food, which goes last. The tongue clings to the brain.

~ Perhaps this is the meaning God has bestowed on him. Another being who can understand the windy feeling of no family.

~ This is about Truth, as the only invariable, absolute need that all seek. In all you do, find and speak the truth. Make your life a vessel of truth.

[Coral · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had promise, but I couldn't get past a few things...

Is Nani Power related to Josh Groban or get a cut of his royalties? Seriously - we don't need to hear about his music playing in the background over and over.

Many of the characteristics and thoughts of her characters - Kouri and Jedra in particular - seem uncomfortably stereotypical.

The switching back and forth between stories is fine, but the last two stories (and Bostitch's in particular) seem like they were thrown in as an afterthought. There didn't seem to be much connection to the larger story, and they felt as if they were what remained from a very brutal edit or were added because the novel was considered too short without them.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her prose is beautiful and I really enjoyed the jumps from major characters to minor ones. However, the epilogue left much to be desired as she spoon fed one of the themes in the last few lines.

-spoilers-
Also, the rape scene between Daniel and Leslie was handled horribly as It happens violently and is completely ignored in the rest of the novel. That really ruined that plot line for me and I don't understand what made the author think that was an okay way of handling it.

[Shalanee' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry. I never cry while engaging in some form of entertainment. This book was beyond moving to me. One of the main characters, Jedra, was just like me- a hopeless romantic who is seen but not acknowledged. I somehow felt his pain & desire to feel a deep connection of love. This book is infused with suspense and love, and not for the narrow-minded. Enjoy! :)

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book. It was kind of quirky, but with enough reality to keep you grounded. Great bonuses for "foodies" like me.

[Katie Logan Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this novel has some magic realism, handled really nicely... tried to order it for a friend recently...bummed its apparently out of print...

[Lynnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

kinda blah.........
Lost interest.
Took me a long time to finish.