Sea Through My Eyes  (English, Paperback, Dr. Sonal Bhatia)

I married a sailor to put an end to my spinsterhood, but it was not an ordinary marital knot. On marrying him came along isolation, distance, pain, sacrifices and unconditional love. I bid him a safe voyage every time and waited days and months for his safe homecomings. Juggling with dual responsibilities of the family, maintaining the symbolic status of being a sailor’s wife, I take pride in the applets on his shoulder. I take pride to be his queen, and like me, there are millions of queens around the globe who wear a silent crown of compassion, courage and optimism. This memoir is my journey to the unknown world of unsung heroes working at sea, experiencing the terror which I came across while sailing: from a harrowing passage of Somalia to accidents that happened on board when the ship sailed in ferocious storms and deserted ports of call, the gruelling daily routine and dedication for work at the mercy of nature which changed my perspective and refute the myths about sailors. It is my journey to the floating world. A world that runs the major trades with no expectations or recognition. These sailors work in silence and retire in silence. Yes, it is the life of The Merchant Navy.