A review by debbiecuddy
The Veins of the Ocean by Patricia Engel

5.0

This is one of the most beautiful and thought provoking novels I've read in a long time. It's an immigrant story and a story of loyalty to family. The narrator, Reina, is a young woman whose life is marked by traumatic events. Her struggle with guilt, grief, loss, and yearning seemed very real. When she meets Nesto, a Cuban refugee, she is drawn to the devotion and love he has for his family in Cuba. The ocean itself seemed like the third major character, ever present, the endless rhythm of the waves taking and giving back, tearing apart and healing.
I enjoyed the imagery and the descriptions of south Florida, Cartagena, and Cuba-I felt transported to those places. I also enjoyed how the author wove aspects of Santeria mysticism into the story.
Reading this on my Kindle added to my enjoyment because I could easily translate Spanish terms that I was not familiar with.