Bride of the Sea is the debut novel of Eman, centred around a young woman torn between her parents, and consequently between her culture, family, identity and love. It is a slow yet spellbinding family saga set in Saudi Arabia and the US. It’s a fascinating exploration of freedom, love, loss, heartbreak, betrayal, hope and healing.

If I had to describe this book in one word, I’d say it is messy. The narration skips timelines with such an ease that it’s a shock, albeit a delightful one. It is set across decades and regularly shifts perspective.
You know how some writers deliberately try to make their characters overtly likeable or detestable? It was the complete opposite in this book! The plot raises a series of moral questions, but you can’t try to write off what the characters do as simply right or wrong. The book beautifully captures how deeply complicated and imperfect our choices are.

It is a punctured family saga, and portrays just how far we’re willing to go for love. The second half of the book focuses more on the shifting political climate in both Saudi Arabia and the US - due to the Gulf War and 9/11 - and its devastating impact on the characters.
Definitely recommend!