“It’s no surprise this gorgeous book was shortlisted for the Australian Vogel Literary Award. The Spoon and The Sea touches on every emotion—brilliant and evocative—following the tender-hearted journey of a mother and her estranged son. Caplin weaves an unforgettable story.”
– Rochelle B. Weinstein, bestselling author of This Is Not How It Ends
Ashi has always lived between worlds: the Arab island of Zanzibar where he was raised by his father, and the Jewish heritage of his British mother, Rose, who left when he was a child. Now, as Rose slips into the haze of dementia, she and Ashi begin an emotional journey to trace the fragments of a life lived apart.
From the leafy streets of Golders Green to the battle-scarred streets of British Mandate Palestine, through the spice markets of Zanzibar and into the soul of Jerusalem, The Spoon and the Sea is a sweeping, intimate novel about the fragile threads that bind us across generations, time and distance.
Inspired by true events and named a finalist for The Australian Vogel Literary Award, this novel explores the ache of separation, the power of storytelling, and the possibility of healing before time runs out.