Two Tears

"Two Tears, Dinnda", the first book of a trilogy, is a whimsical tale that demonstrates the human desire for people to feel extraordinary at one time in their life or thereafter. Taking place, in the early 1900’s in a coastal New England town we first learn the story of Captain Will. As an aging merchant marine, who builds a successful life as an anonymous maritime entrepreneur, he now realizes his yearning to leave a more meaningful legacy. He has lost his beloved wife Olivia, and in searching his soul, he remains unclear of his drive but decides he wants his adopted autistic son to have more than just memories. Something legendary. With Olivia’s spirit guiding him, Will devises a plan to build the sleekest, fastest sailing frigate this sleepy, New England town would ever see.

Dinnda, a committed wife to her alcoholic husband, is an attractive and progressive woman for her time. She begins to practice self-reflection as she starts to question who she has become as her husband Barry’s addiction progresses. As the story unfolds, Barry clearly demonstrates the ebb and flow of the alcoholic’s journey while Dinnda closely surfs the waves with him. Dinnda’s quest is to find herself, can only be done with Captain Will’s help. Together, in their growth, they embark on their greatest adventure as they bring the legend of the ship "Sloopy" to life.

The enchanting story continues to address relationships and the difficulties families encounter as they suffer life’s complexity in connection to others, addiction and loss. While some characters cope through magical voodoo, or pirate evil, others are more resilient in their journey, even finding solace in things that don’t naturally exist! The endearing relationships that develop among the characters is developed as they remain vulnerable to each other in their healing. Ultimately, it is captured in the symbolic meaning of necklace Captain Will gives to Dinnda, as he creates a universal symbol for celebrating the healing process for addictions.

-- Gerald Carmichael