Description

Escape to the ocean with the entrancing, unforgettable winner of the Costa Book of the Year – as read on BBC Radio 4.

‘A daring, mesmerising novel… A modern myth’ Maggie O’Farrell, author of HAMNET

‘Not your standard mermaid’ Margaret Atwood, author of THE HANDMAID’S TALE

Near the island of Black Conch, a fisherman sings to himself while waiting for a catch. But David attracts a sea-dweller that he never expected – Aycayia, an innocent young woman cursed by jealous wives to live as a mermaid.

When American tourists capture Aycayia, David rescues her and vows to win her trust. Slowly, painfully, she transforms into a woman again. Yet as their love grows, they discover that the world around them is changing – and they cannot escape the curse for ever…

‘Bighearted… A world that it is a pleasure to live inside’ New York Times

‘Sensuous, beguiling, wondrous… A striking achievement’ Sunday Times

‘A fiercely modern mermaid story’ The Times

‘A unique talent’ Bernardine Evaristo, author of GIRL, WOMAN, OTHER

‘Gorgeous… I was enthralled, enchanted and moved’ 5-star reader review

‘A tale of love, the sea and a mermaid… Perfection’ 5-star reader review

Publisher Review

Sensuous, beguiling . . . Roffey's tale convincingly transplants a mythical creature into a modern setting . . . Wondrous * Sunday Times * Wonderfully written, with both soul and intense drama - it glistens almost, like the mermaid! -- Diana Evans, author of Ordinary People Magical touches blend with precise realism in this bittersweet tale of a mermaid trying to put the sea behind her * Observer * Arresting . . . Truly original . . . deftly weaving myth, feminism, humour * Daily Mail * Extraordinary, beautifully written . . . We found it completely compelling . . . It feels like a classic in the making -- Costa Judges, 2020 Hugely entertaining . . . A joy to read, brimming with memorable characters * BBC News * The tantalising story of a mermaid loved and feared in equal measure . . . A book for our time -- Ingrid Persaud, author of Love After Love A dark love story between a fisherman and a mermaid torn from the sea . . . Moving * Independent *