Powerful book and overwhelming. Worth reading . It is an eye opener of life in Cuba.

larger review is being written now and posted .

This was an incredible story! I couldn’t put this book down! I was completely drawn in by the compelling and gripping story of Yosely and his family. I learned a lot about life in Cuba, and I understand better now why some people are willing to risk everything for a chance of freedom in America. I am so glad that Yosely and his family made it to freedom.

One thing that surprised me about this book was the lack of clarity about the author's faith. I expected that a memoir from Tyndale would be written by someone who was obviously a believer in Christ, but in this case, sadly, I am unsure if the author knows Jesus. The author did write about being given a Bible, reading the Bible, and coming to believe that God is real. But there was no mention of the gospel, Jesus, salvation, or the forgiveness of sins. There is a big difference between believing that God is real and trusting in Jesus as Lord and Savior. I truly hope and pray that Yosley and his family come to a saving knowledge of Jesus if they don't already know Him. It would be tragic indeed to escape from Cuba, but not to escape the wrath of God in the life yet to come.

2.8 stars

DNF at 60%

This story is as important as it is fascinating. I've known people that escaped the Cuban regime and always admired these stories of courage and resilience. They are heartbreaking and poignant and MUST be told.

Therefore, I was deeply invested in the characters and the story.

Unfortunately, I didn't love the book as much as I wanted to and I think it is may be because it is a translated work. The writing style and dialogues came across incredibly stilted and didn't allow me to fully enjoy the book and that's why I DNF at 60%.

A Sea Between Us is one of the most heartfelt stories I’ve ever read. It was said that Americans can take our freedom for granted. We do! All the while our neighbors are suffering every day under cruel regime.

Yosely, the author of this memoir, is desperate and determined to get his family out of Cuba to freedom and safety. His baby cries because there is nothing to put in her tiny tummy and she cannot tolerate the enzymes in her mother’s breast milk. The powdered milk she needs is very expensive. How can the leader of this beautiful country turn his back on the little ones?

Yosely has an amazing talent working with wood. He was taught the art by his father. He decides to covertly build a boat and row the ninty miles to Florida. Sounds fairly simple except for storms, sharks, hunger and thirst. Upon arrival to America, the real challenge begins… to get his wife, son, and daughter our of Cuba. His woodworking talent is key to the events leading up to bringing his family to freedom.

I held my breath as each daring and scary attempt to get his family to Florida seemed it would work but for various reasons failed.

This memoir was eye opening about the plight of many who don’t have the luxury of being an American. Yosely’s story is one of the successful ones even though he lost years with his family until they were able to finally reunite on American soil and begin a life free from the brutal bonds of communist Cuba.

Thank you Yosely for sharing your life so vividly and honestly.
Thank you Netgally and Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this well written ARC.

Following the true story of Yosely Pereira and his family's escape from communist Cuba, this book was, in my opinion, a really well done expression of human emotion. There were moments where you could almost feel what the main character was feeling, and the storytelling in general kept the reader engrossed - I finished the entire book in a day. I especially loved the short, flashback-like glimpses into Yosely's past; they filled in gaps in the story and provided a possible point of analysis. In general, a fast-paced, captivating, quick read about a harrowing time in history and how one man saved himself and his family.

A SEA BETWEEN US by YOSELY PEREIRA is a truly inspirational true story as we read of a man’s determination to give his famiy a better life, which leads to him setting out with three friends in a home made rowing boat to escape the horrors of life in Cuba under Castro’s communist regime, and make his way to Florida. It is a gripping story, very sad in parts, but also heartwarming as we see Yosely’s love for his wife and children causing him to work unceasingly to get them to safety. With his faith in God based on His promise in Isaiah 41:10, and the help of friends, such as Enier Santos and Jim Houston and his wife, he survives the twenty eight months until they are reunited. His wife, Taire, is equally brave as she waits for a plan to work to get her and their cildren to America.
The author describes the living hell they went through as they were literally starved, beaten, imprisoned and followed for not worshipping their leader. On the other hand he tells of the love of family and friends and simple pleasures as he was growing up.
This is such a well written book and a real eye opener - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndae House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own

I enjoyed this book because of it's writing style, unique topic, and the fact that it really provided a thought-provoking experience. Recommended for readers who want to read slowly so as to take time to process.

A Sea Between Us is the remarkable story of a man who suffered the injustices of Fidel Castro's Cuba. Disillusioned with life under the Castro government, Yosely Pereira, the author, builds a boat and sets off with three friends, sailing the 90 miles to Miami, Florida. Leaving his wife and children behind, he tells them nothing about his escape, in order to keep them safe. Through the power of persistence, prayer, hope, and determination they make it and Yosely reunites with his sister in Tennessee. Along with help and money from friends he is able to reunite with his family, the only thing that matters to him.

Stories like Yosely's are why I love reading memoirs. The amazing stories and the incredible odds that people overcome in their lives show the resiliency, bravery, and determination of the human spirit. Yosely's story is truly one that encompasses all of those attributes, and more.