The Ordinary Seaman

In this lyrical and spellbinding book, Goldman tells the stories of 15 Central American men who have come to America--most on their life savings--to staff the crew of the "Urus". The ordinary seaman is Esteban, a veteran of the war in Guatemala, a young man haunted by the loss of his last love. As he works up the courage to start a new life, his story and those of his shipmates come to life, illuminating the conflicts and triumphs of the human heart. 400 pp. 8-city tour.