The Taste of Salt

Martha Southgate tells the story of the Henderson family across two generations, examining how addiction tests their bonds. Josie Henderson works as a senior-level black scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, where she finds fulfillment in her research. Despite building this accomplished life, she has struggled to distance herself from her family in Cleveland. Josie's brother Tick was her closest ally during their childhood, as they witnessed their father's drinking damage their family. Now Tick is struggling himself and seeking connection with his sister. Through four interconnected voices, Southgate traces the Hendersons' history from their parents' early relationship through Josie's growing understanding that human relationships operate with a complexity that extends beyond scientific knowledge.