Situated more than one hundred miles off Italy's southern coast, the rocky island of Lampedusa has hit world headlines in recent years as the first port of call for hundreds of thousands of African and Middle Eastern refugees fleeing civil war and terrorism and hoping to make a new life in Europe. Dr. Pietro Bartolo, who runs the lone medical clinic on the island, has been caring for many of them-both the living and the dead-for a quarter century. Tears of Salt is Dr. Bartolo's moving account of his life and work set against one of the signal crises of our time. With quiet dignity and an unshakable moral center, he tells unforgettable tales of pain and hope, stories of those who didn't make it and those who did. Tears of Salt is a lasting work of literature and an intimate portrait of a remarkable man whose inspiring message rings clear: "We can't and we won't be governed by our fears."

Originally published in Italian as Lacrime di sale: la mia storia quotidiana di medico di Lampedusa fra dolore e speranza by Mondadori in 2016.

Mare nostrum -- One red shoe -- There is no getting used to it -- Women on the way -- The wounds you cannot see -- Drawing lots -- An irrevocable choice -- The girl in the front row -- Risky investments -- A Fèrra -- Back to the island -- Little pieces of home -- Omar is unstoppable -- The will of the waves -- The greatest gift -- Faduma and Jerusalem -- Young Anuar's wisdom -- A blessing from heaven -- Giacomo's path -- Arms of giants -- God is not to blame -- The lengths they will go to -- When a mayor understands what world leaders cannot -- L'erba tinta un mori mai -- The off-season tourist -- Never shall I forget -- The boat cemetery -- You brought this upon yourself -- Favor with the media -- Lampedusa -- October 3, 2013 -- Children of the same sea.