A Teaspoon of Earth and Sea is the debut novel by Dina Nayeri The novel tells the story of Saba and her twin sister Mahtab, growing up in 80's Iran after the revolution. When they are 11 years old, a terrible accident happens, and Saba is unclear whether Mahtab is alive or dead. Her only memory is seeing her get on a plane to America with their Mother.
After Mahtab and her Mother disappear, Saba begins fashioning tales of their life in America. She grows up with her wealthy Father in a small village outside of Tehran, and fills her world with illegal tapes of Western music, movies, and magazines. She learns English on her own and is determined to go to America one day and find her Mother and sister.
Nayeri is a wonderful storyteller, and I felt transported to a small village in Iran. The story is told from many perspectives, including the village women who stepped in to help raise Saba after her Mother disappeared.
A sad, yet beautiful novel. Highly recommended.
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