Marianne Apostolides Book order

"Deep Salt Water is an intimate memoir about abortion, expressed through a layering of language and imagery of the ocean. The story gravitates around the reconnection and ongoing entanglements of a couple who'd had an abortion twenty years earlier. Interdisciplinary in nature and entre-genre in style, Deep Salt Water is organized as thirty-seven separate pieces, divided into three sections (or 'trimesters') that detail the couple's love affair and unwanted pregnancy; the abortion itself; their separation and tenuous reconnection; and the sorrowful, urgent attempt to come to terms with the abortion and its consequences. Included in its pages are two innovative elements-a series of collages by visual artist Catherine Mellinger and a section entitled the 'Afterbirth, ' which discusses environmental issues that informed Apostolides' writing and moves the book from a place of intense intimacy to an outward focus that engages with the broader world and our shared responsibility and hope."--

"21-year-old Alex is consumed by the elusive problem of sophrosyne for reasons he cannot share with others. While Alex's philosophy professor believes studying it will help shed light on the malaise of our era, Alex hopes it will release him from his darkly disturbing relationship with his mother. As he attempts to uncover his mother's truth, Alex is drawn inside an amorphous, indefinable undercurrent of love and violation. Only through his lover, Meiko, does Alex open into a new understanding of sophrosyne, with all its implications"--www.bookmanager.com.

Exploring the complexities of personal and national identity, the narrative unfolds through Marianne Apostolides' inquiries into her father's wartime childhood in Greece. His revelations reveal hidden stories of honor, bravery, vengeance, and betrayal, offering an honest yet ambiguous portrayal of memory. The novel emphasizes the universal human need to question and find meaning through shared narratives, highlighting the intricate connections between individual experiences and collective history.

The narrative intricately weaves together present moments and past influences as Kat swims laps in a pool, reflecting on her life and relationships. Set against the backdrop of a Greek mountain village, the story explores her connections with family, including her daughter, husband, and lover. Each lap serves as a metaphorical journey, leading Kat toward a pivotal decision about her marriage. The novel's innovative style emphasizes fluidity in storytelling, enhancing the emotional depth and urgency of her experiences.

The memoir delves into the challenges faced by teenage girls, particularly the pressures from family, school, and media that can lead to eating disorders. Marianne Apostolides shares her personal journey of battling anorexia, binge eating, and bulimia, starting at the age of fourteen. Through her ten-year struggle, she offers insight into the complexities of mental health and the impact of societal expectations on young women.