The Mermaid of Black Conch

by Monique Roffey
The Mermaid of Black Conch cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 3021
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781845234577
  • Published: 2020-04-02
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In the small Caribbean village of Black Conch, a young mermaid named Aycayia is captured by a group of fishermen. Her voice, once a mesmerizing force of nature, is silenced, and she is forced to adapt to life on land. As she navigates this strange new world, Aycayia must confront the dark secrets of her past and the curse that binds her to the sea. The novel weaves together elements of myth, history, and contemporary life, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling. Through Aycayia's journey, the book delves into the complexities of human and marine life, blending lyrical prose with a richly imagined world.

Reviews
Critics May Lie · 2022-10-30
enchanting 4.00

The book is filled with magic and wonder, capturing the essence of mermaid lore. The author's prose brings the Caribbean setting to life with vivid detail.

This reviewer was captivated by the magical realism woven throughout the story. The Caribbean setting is brought to life with rich, vibrant descriptions that make the environment feel almost tangible. The tale of a mermaid and her journey is told with a sense of wonder and enchantment that is hard to put down. The reviewer also appreciated the way the author blends myth with realism, creating a unique and engaging narrative. However, they noted that some parts of the plot might feel thin to readers looking for deeper character development.

Quick quotes

    This book feels magical, as most mermaid books do.

    There is an undeniable magic about mermaids.

    The setting, the characters and the imagery are all so vibrant and full of life.

Los Angeles Review of Books · 2022-08-20
refreshing 4.25

The novel is told with poetic prose and oral storytelling verse, making it a unique love story. The reviewer found the narrative style refreshing and engaging.

This reviewer was impressed by the novel's unique narrative style, which combines poetic prose with oral storytelling verse. The love story between a mermaid and a fisherman is told in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. The reviewer appreciated the meticulous attention to detail and the rich cultural context provided by the author. They also noted that the novel's exploration of themes such as love, transformation, and cultural identity adds depth to the story. However, they felt that some readers might find the narrative style challenging at times.

Quick quotes

    Told in poetic, meticulous prose interspersed with oral storytelling verse, this novel is a love story between a mermaid and a fisherman.

    The narrative style is both timeless and fresh.

    The novel's exploration of themes such as love, transformation, and cultural identity adds depth to the story.

The Guardian · 2020-05-11
compelling 4.50

The novel beautifully blends magical elements with a grounded realism, creating a bittersweet tale. The story of the mermaid's transformation and struggles is both poignant and compelling.

The reviewer was struck by the seamless blend of magical and realistic elements in this novel. The bittersweet tale of a mermaid trying to adapt to life on land is both poignant and compelling. The author's prose is precise and evocative, drawing the reader into the mermaid's journey. The reviewer appreciated the depth of emotion and the exploration of themes such as identity and belonging. They also noted that the novel's ending is particularly powerful, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Quick quotes

    Magical touches blend with precise realism in this bittersweet tale of a mermaid trying to put the sea behind her.

    The story is a fishy tale of doomed womanhood.

    The novel's ending is particularly powerful, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

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