Soul Bay (Best Foreign Novel of the 21st Century)

Author: Robert Stone
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: The Soul of the Bay was selected as the "Best Foreign Novel of the 21st Century in 2003" in the annual award. Michael Ehren is a literature professor at a remote university. By chance, he meets the new young female professor Lara Persephone and becomes hopelessly entangled in an extramarital affair. Beyond her role as a political science professor, Lara has a complex global background, which adds a mysterious and dangerous element to her beauty. She is connected with certain military and political figures and groups in the Third World, making her a political spy. Born on the Caribbean island of St. Triniti, she was educated in Europe. Deeply influenced by the indigenous religion of Haiti, she believes her soul is held captive by a witch. To reclaim her soul, Lara asks Michael to accompany her back to St. Triniti to participate in a religious ceremony commemorating her brother. Unaware of the situation, Michael becomes involved in a major illegal goods trade. This is not an ordinary love story but the spiritual journey of a middle-aged man, filled with excitement, adventure, and reflections on the ultimate meaning of life.