This Magnificent Dappled Sea

by David Biro

Two strangers—generations and oceans apart—have a chance to save each other in this moving and suspenseful novel about family secrets and the ineffable connections that lead us to one another.

In a small Northern Italian village, nine-year-old Luca Taviano catches a stubborn cold and is subsequently diagnosed with leukemia. His only hope for survival is a bone marrow transplant. After an exhaustive search, a match turns up three thousand miles away in the form of a most unlikely Joseph Neiman, a rabbi in Brooklyn, New York, who is suffering from a debilitating crisis of faith. As Luca’s young nurse, Nina Vocelli, risks her career and races against time to help save the spirited redheaded boy, she uncovers terrible secrets from World War II—secrets that reveal how a Catholic child could have Jewish genes.

Can inheritance be transcended by accidents of love? That is the question at the heart of This Magnificent Dappled Sea, a novel that challenges the idea of identity and celebrates the ties that bind us together.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Book Club, War, Italy, World War II, Historical

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2020

About the author

David Biro graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia Medical School. He earned his PhD in English Literature from Oxford University. He currently teaches at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and practices dermatology in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

David is the author of two non-fiction books: One Hundred Days: My Unexpected Journey from Doctor to Patient and The Language of Pain: Finding Words, Compassion, and Relief. His first novel, This Magnificent Dappled Sea, debuted in November, 2020. His new novel, And The Bridge is Love, was published in October 2021. He has also published pieces in The New York Times, Slate, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and various medical journals.

David lives in New York City with his wife, Daniella, and twin boys, Daniel and Luca.

Reviews

[Stephanie Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is much like an ill made burrito. All the meat and good stuff was up front and only a shell left in the back. The last 100 pages usually are the most interesting, the most intense, but at this point in the book it’s where it fell flat. I was so in love with this story up until then and it’s so disappointing that it didn’t carry well through the second half. The end was scattered and honestly didn’t contribute to the heart of the story.

[Greta Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update 10/11/23:
This book popped up on my Facebook memories today.
I actually still think of it 3 years later.
If you haven’t had the chance to read this one yet, I do recommend it! It is heartfelt and was a lovely adventure for me.


Are you a perfect match? I was! I was a bone marrow donor for a stranger in another country in the early 90’s - around the same time Luca needed a bone marrow match and Joseph was that match.

This is a beautiful story of 2 people who are very different and very much the same (right down to their DNA)

Your history lives inside of you - and you get to decide what to make of it

[☕Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book by a doctor-wannabe-author reads very much like a book by a doctor-wannabe-author, and that's not a good thing. The writing felt simplistic and amateurish and the characters were flat and inauthentic. The story line held some promise but it tried to cover way too much: the Holocaust, childhood leukemia, abortion rights, 9/11, religion, etc., etc. There is no editing, and there are certain things that are returned to over and over that don't really impact the story, such as one character's large birthmark, or the life of the chemist Primo Levi. It felt like these things had some relevance to the author's life so he felt the need to include them for no real reason. Then there are the things that just don't make sense; a rabbi eating non-kosher foods as if it's not even an issue, someone seeking funding for a family planning clinic from Catholic clergy as it that's a real option. Throw the apparent acceptability of an extra-marital affair and 12-year-old boys visiting prostitutes into the mix and you have one of my least favorite books EVER. It has good ratings so there are plenty of people who would disagree, but I really hated this book.

Ratings:

Writing 1
Story line 2
Characters 1
Impact 1

Overall rating 1.25

[Elissa Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. I loved seeing how the lives of people from across the world connected and impacted each other. I stayed up most of the night to finish the book.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel overflowed with potential and fell flat. I am not someone who seeks a happy ending, but I am a firm believer in a novel’s resolution, and this story had none. Every character, conflict, and theme was static and unfulfilled.

[Chris Lindner · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Amazon prime first read book. I felt it was just okay for me. I felt the pacing was a bit disjointed, as the first 1/4 of the story engaged me, moving well. However, from then on, parts moved slow, until the last 1/4 which skipped years, losing the connection for me to the characters. I did enjoy the themes of family, religion, and need for belonging, as well as the WWII and Holocaust involvement. Overall it is a good story about human connection.

[Sherry Gravot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revealed new areas of history that I had not been aware of before.

I liked the way the author weaved together the story of the two main characters on two continents but brought them together in such a remarkable way. The Holocaust was such a terrible tragedy; I wasn't aware of what happened in Italy. It was a wonderfully written story.

[Joy D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Italy in 1992, nine-year-old Luca is diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. After an unfortunate incident, nurse Nina Vocelli becomes determined to make it up to him by going beyond what is officially allowed to help him find a donor. Rabbi Joseph Neiman, living in Brooklyn, appears to be a match but his wife objects. She cannot forget the manner in which her relatives were treated during World War II in Italy. The storyline relates to connections between the Italian Catholic Luca and Rabbi Neiman.

Written by a doctor, it is an interesting story about what is involved in bone marrow transplants. There are a few information dumps and plot holes. I think this book could have been even better with a bit more editing for pacing and focus, as it gets sidetracked by events that have no bearing on the primary storyline. What I liked best was the emphasis on interconnectivity of people around the world. It is the main focus of Luca’s story and strengthened by the Rabbi’s work with a Priest and an Imam in trying to spread goodwill among the disparate religious communities.

3.5

[J.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine year-old Luca Taviano is a spirited young child, growing up in a small northern Italian village, until he catches a cold that won't go away. It turns out Luca has a form of leukemia that doesn't respond to the usual treatment. He'll need a bone marrow transfusion if he is to survive. But it needs to come from a genetic match, and as Luca's red hair attests, his background isn't straightforward.

Rabbi Joseph Neiman is facing his own crisis in Brooklyn, New York. His son is fighting and causing problems at school, and he's beginning to doubt his work. When a young girl in his synagogue is diagnosed with leukemia, Rabbi Neiman has his blood tested. Although he's not a match for the girl, he is a match for someone else: a young Italian boy.

One thing Luca was certain about, no matter how old or different he might be, it didn’t feel weird to have Joseph Neiman’s marrow inside him, even when Luca lived on one side of the world and this man on the other. Even when he was Catholic and this man Jewish, a priest of the Jews who had never received the sacrament or communion.

I started this book yesterday and read all afternoon and evening until I was too tired, but finished it early this morning. The story was so compelling, I just couldn't put it down. So why don't I feel more enthusiastic about it? Maybe the cold and damp morning today isn't helping, but the story left me feeling melancholy. Don't get me wrong: I'm not suggesting the story should have been written any differently, but it wasn't quite the ending I was hoping for. (No, it's not a tragic ending!)

David Biro has written an excellent and beautiful story that spans continents, generations, and years. It touches the Jewish Holocaust of WWII and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, but it's much more than that. It's about the mistakes we make and the pain of trying to cover them up. It's about family and the way it can either complete us or leave holes in our lives. It's about belonging and our roots. That's not always the happy ending we hope for, but it's life. And sometimes it makes for a really good story.

[Kris Diller]

I thought the book was just fair. It just met the parameter where I feel it worthwhile to finish it as opposed to abandoning it as not worth my time. The premise was interesting but it devolved into corniness about halfway through. Also, it was quite apparent that the author was highly in favor of abortion--something I categorically oppose--so I didn't appreciate the political/cultural jibe. I would not recommend this book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This is a very interesting and sweet story which addresses the importance of knowing our genetic family tree. It also begs the question: who is family?

[Joanne Kelleher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two sections of this book had me hooked - a trans-atlantic, life-saving bone marrow transplant connecting a depressed rabbi in Brooklyn and and charismatic Italian boy, family secrets, lost relatives. I thought "I am going to recommend this book to everyone!" However, the third section was a jumble of multiple points of view, and the sense of disorientation continued right until the end. There were huge jumps in time, then lots of narration describing the important things that transpired during the missing chunk. The ending was less than satisfying.
This book had such potential to be great. Perhaps another round of editing might have helped it along.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about an Italian boy with Leukemia, whose life is saved by the donation of bone marrow from a stranger from across the sea in New York. This generous act reveals a surprising truth about the boy and his past.

I mostly loved this novel, but found the end to be disappointing and anti-climatic. I just finished and I can hardly remember it. It's as if the author himself lost interest or ran out of time at the end and just wanted to finish it.

[Cathie Stumpenhaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story relevant to today’s issues. Well written with well developed characters. A page turner. I learned new things about events from in Europe during the 1940s. And gathered some nuggets of information on genetics. All around great read!

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like so many others said, the last of the book took away from the very good beginning. Interesting to learn about Italy’s treatment of Jews during WWII. The descriptions of towns and countryside, food, etc. made this come alive. The details about bone marrow donors and the process was very interesting. But the end… too long and mostly irrelevant and not contributing to the story.

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle First Reads October 2020 book
I'm of two minds about this book. On the plus side, I like the concept of linking modern-day Italy and its connection to the Holocaust. The plot outline was interesting. However, the pacing was all over the place. Some parts of the book were full of long descriptions, while others skipped over time and moved us quickly ahead. Somewhere around the middle of the book, it felt like the author had decided to start moving the plot forward and then filling in the background information to catch the reader up. Again and again. Very uneven.

I liked the characters, but would have preferred to learn more, in particular about Giovanni's depression. I know he wasn't a main character, but his story would be interesting. And Orlando? No conclusion, no closure...the only magical realism element of the story never completed. And why/how did Sarah and the Rabbi's relationship just heal? There's another interesting story to develop.

The writing was uneven, to the point that near the beginning, I was wondering if the book was a translation. The diction was just off. Some bits were just jarring. For example, what was the Jewish Embassy? Why wasn't the Yiddish word "daven" explained? (I mean, I know what it means, but not everyone does.) Bottom line: Whenever writing makes me stop and reread, because I didn't understand or it didn't flow, that's points off.

Still, the story of Luca's leukemia was fascinating. The Holocaust in Italy is a relatively untold bit of history that needs to be shared. So I read to the end, and it was not a hardship. But my final verdict is that this book feels kind of like a rough draft.

[Rick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such promise with the beginning! Great conflict, great heart and characters I really cared about. Around the 60% mark, I began thinking, "WTF? Why has a book I enjoyed reading so much become a chore?" I think it was because nearly the last half of the book was denouement. The big conflict, of a young dying boy finding a bone marrow donor and discovering his complicated past because of it, was resolved far too early. Nearly the last 40% of the book was a let-d0wn and not just because it was all denouement, but also because the writing seriously flagged. It was all showing and not telling. Not recommended.

[Nicholas Quarrier · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this book I rate 4-5 stars - wonderful read with a small boy dying of cancer and a Rabbi wanting to give him his bone marrow. Once the boy gets cured, the book then hops around creating some confusion and I am left waiting for a climax that never comes - thus only 3 stars (probably 3.5 stars)

[Robert Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dont know quite what to make of this book .
I wanted to like it but I wasn't convinced by the characters.
I thought the storyline meandered and was not convincing .The ending was inconclusive . What did Luca really think/feel . The reader is left none the wiser .

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has the chance to be quite compelling. But it really is just OK

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome book about a young Italian boy with leukemia and his bone marrow donor, a rabbi in New York. It kept me interested through the entire book.
The book shares his relationships with his doctor and nurse and his grandparents and how getting the results of his bone marrow information leads him to a whole another part of his life he never knew.
You will not be let down!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written from several points of view, this book proved to be an exploration of relationships and what makes family. It was a fascinating look at religious roots (Jewish vs Catholic), adoption, family ties created by nonfamily friends, and adolescence coming of age. It would lend itself to interesting book club discussions. Set in Italy, the story is about a young boy who develops leukemia and the nurse who cares for him. Early in life an auto accident claimed the lives of both his parents. The boy survives the accident and is raised by his grandparents. His grandfather is conflicted over the adoption of the boy's father and the story about how that adoption happened is woven through the experiences of the book as it looks into how the Italians both betrayed and came to the aid of Jewish people trying to escape the atrocities of World War II. A Jewish Rabbi from New York and his and his wife's backstories come into play as he donates bone marrow for the boy's treatment. A realistic story line combined with well-written and believable characters play into the success of this story.
Adult factors:
Sex: minimal (one scene where the nurse recalls a sexual encounter without detail)
Language: minimal
Adult Themes: Extramarital affairs, Suicide
Graphic Violence: minimal

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon Prime Giveaway Published November 1, 2020, by Lake Union Publishers.
This Magnificent Dappled Sea is an extraordinary novel set in northern Italy during World War II and also in the early 1990s. The protagonists are well rounded and lovable for the most part, the history of Italy from WWII to the mid-1990s is true to form and the medical information is, as well. If you know someone who has undergone bone marrow transfers as a donor or recipient, there is information here that answers so many questions with no painful medical-speak translations required. But on top of that, this is a heart-warming story that I found impossible to put aside for food or sleep. In our current time of turmoil with the pandemic and Washington Clowns, it is good to know that folks have lived in more trying times and managed to come out on top. I was also impressed by the way all these strands of the story came together. A wonderful read.

Reviewed on December 12, 2020, on Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or GooglePlay.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story had a lot of potential but the writing was uninspired.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This Magnificent Dappled Sea is such a beautiful piece of writing. Every word is selected so perfectly in this beautiful, heart warming and heart breaking story. This book was definitely a slow burner but it worked so well for the subject of the story, This moving tale tells the story of Luca Taviano at various stages in his life, from being nine years old and contracting an aggressive form of leukaemia which leaves him requiring a bone marrow transplant, to his young adulthood, pursuing a career in something he truly passionately believes in.

This story takes place from 2003, up until 2017 with some hints and memories told about what happened in the past, during the world war, the holocaust and Italy's history with the mafia. All of which I thought were told so well and I really enjoyed this addition.

[Julie K Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed to have a number of different stories; the young Italian boy fighting for his life, the nurse who befriended and championed his cause, her affair with a married doctor, a Rabbi in NYC whose faith is restored when he is able to help this boy.
The boy is being raised by his grandparents after he is left orphaned. The grandfather acts strangely as he is carrying the guilty secret of his son’s “adoption.” This ties into the role of Italians regarding Jewish refugees trying to escape Nazi persecution. This part of the book was the most interesting for me.
I was never able to figure out the relevance of the title, as I could see nothing that made it fit to the story, other than the fact that part took place in Europe and part in America.
I would have given this book a three star rating because, while not outstanding, it did hold my attention and make me want to read until the end...and then there was the end. What a flat, up in the air ending. I felt as though the author simply got tired of writing and trying to tie up his characters. Very disappointing, hence my two star rating.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man! This was such a great book! It really tore at the ‘ol heartstrings, too! Did not see initially where the story was going but was inspired of where the author took the story all the way to the end.
If you like feel-good books, or historical fiction type books, read this one!! I don’t think y’all will be disappointed.
I actually won this book from a #GoodReads giveaway and was a little weary about reading it but once I finished literally the first chapter, it had me like Jerry Maguire had Rene Zellweger. 😂 highly recommend if you need a feel good book. Loved. It. 🥰

[Amanda Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This book was just superb. I could never have imagined the journey I was embarking on as I read the first few chapters. For a life changing read and truly inspiring story - look no further.

[Marilyn Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Book

It was a fast read, hard to put down. Sad in many ways but, the kind of book I didn’t want to put down until I finished it.
It took a lot of thought and insight to write this kind of story.
I really enjoyed reading it.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Magnificent Dappled Sea by David Biro is book nerd with book, taped up glasses, and vest.

It's About...
Luca Taviano is a young, ordinary Italian boy... until the cold he can't shake off and the discovery of a rare form of leukemia. His only hope for survival is a bone marrow transplant. Across the Atlantic, in Brooklyn, is Rabbi Joseph Neiman, who's experiencing a crisis of faith and whose son has a classmate with a rare form of leukemia, also needing a bone marrow transplant. His marrow is tested, but instead of being a match for the young local girl, he is a match for this Italian boy, who is being treated by a dedicated nurse, Nina Vocelli. Yet the bone marrow exposes another, more deeply buried story, leading us to question what really makes a family?

So Much Love...
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. They were all three-dimensional, especially Luca's grandfather! The writing style is great. It's very fluid and reads easily. I loved the settings, particularly the small-town Italian setting of Favola, and the deep sense of community I felt when we were following the characters here.

Bits that Could Have Been Better:
I never truly felt that Luca got the closure he needed with regards to where he belongs. I thought this could've been more neatly tied off.

Now to Recommend:
I would recommend this to fans of literary fiction and those who enjoy delving into some of the deeper questions life brings our way, such as 'What really makes a family?', 'Will genetics have more effect than nurturing'?

Many thanks to David Biro, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for making this book available for me to read and share my opinions on.