“Martha Southgate's The Taste of Salt is a sensitive story centered on a woman attempting to save herself from her family and the serious repercussions that develop from her self-imposed separation. Josie is an accomplished marine biologist from Cleveland, Ohio raised modestly in a hard-working middle-class family; her father is largely a self-taught retired auto worker, her nurse mother is the daughter of a doctor. She and her younger, good-looking and popular brother (Tick) bonded in early childhood as their father slowly surrendered to alcoholism. Josie, the child, immerses herself in books and extra-curricular activities to avoid a miserable home life. It is no wonder, that the same pattern of escapism continues into adulthood as Josie pursues a successful career, a myriad of lovers and continually distances herself from her family - physically, emotionally, and mentally. Unfortunately, Tick, having succumbed to alcoholism in his early teens, battles his demons and loses, hitting rock bottom (again). Worlds collide when Tick shows up unexpectedly at his sister's door forcing Josie to deal with her issues up close and personal.
At its core, The Taste of Salt, examines the effects that alcoholism has on any family. Its venom makes all loved ones victims destroying each relationship at various speeds. Although initially Josie seems to be the protagonist, the author tells the story in shifting first-person narratives from other key characters to provide insight into their heads and hearts. It is here in these snippets of memory we learn of difficult childhoods, broken dreams and disappointments and the never-ending hopes for healing. Despite Josie being African American, this could be anyone's story because pain and dysfunction are not bound by race; however, there are unique perspectives from an African-American viewpoint that are skillfully rendered and factored into the story: their father's migration North from the Deep South, Josie and Tick's experiences at an all-white prep school, Josie's demand for respect and recognition in a profession dominated by white males and her interracial marriage.
Southgate's clever use of metaphors and similes tying the title and the aquatic themes into the story is clever and refreshing in this deliberate, solemn and well-written tale. Recommended for those interested in literary novels dealing with familial dysfunction, alcoholism, drug abuse, Alcoholics Anonymous/rehab and urban decay.
This novel was purchased by the reviewer.
Reviewed by Phyllis Rhodes
APOOO Literary Book Reviews”
Phyllis wrote this review Friday, August 19, 2011.
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