Sealskin

Sealskin cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 3037
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781609454999
  • Publisher: Europa Editions
  • Published: 2019-10-08
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

Sealskin is a captivating retelling of the Scottish selkie myth, where a young fisherman named Donald encounters a group of enchanting selkies on the shore. Overcome by their beauty, he kidnaps one, setting in motion a chain of events that will forever alter his life and the culture of his close-knit village. Donald, who has long been bullied and isolated, finds unexpected strength and courage through his selkie wife and his mother, challenging the traditions that have held his community back for generations. /n/n Despite their mutual happiness, Donald struggles with guilt over his thoughtless act, seeking redemption and forgiveness. The story unfolds with a haunting beauty, exploring themes of love, responsibility, and the inner strength required to make amends for past mistakes. With vivid descriptions and emotional depth, Sealskin weaves a timeless tale that resonates with readers long after the final page.

Reviews
One Hundred Pages · 2022-02-14
unique 3.50

The novel's oddness is its strength, offering a unique and plausible narrative that defies expectations.

The reviewer finds the novel's uniqueness to be its strongest asset, appreciating how it defies conventional expectations while remaining plausible. They enjoy the fresh perspective and the way the story unfolds in unexpected ways. The reviewer also notes how the book's oddity adds to its charm and makes it a memorable read.


Quick quotes

    What an odd novel. And its oddness is its value as a novel.

    What you expect, you don't get. And it's plausible enough – enough to work.

    The novel's uniqueness is its greatest strength, offering a fresh and engaging narrative.

Jen Med's Book Reviews · 2020-08-18
enchanting 4.50

The story captures the harsh beauty of the landscape and the resilience of its people, both human and animal, highlighting the triumph of hope over fear.

The reviewer is captivated by the way the book evokes the stark and beautiful landscape, as well as the resilience of its inhabitants. They appreciate how the story balances the harsh realities of life with a sense of hope and magic. The reviewer also notes the emotional depth and the way the characters' struggles and triumphs resonate deeply.


Quick quotes

    Sealskin is a magical story, evoking the harsh beauty of the landscape, the resilience of its people, both human and animal, and the triumph of hope over fear.

    The story is rich with emotion and depth, making it a compelling read.

    The characters' journeys are both heartbreaking and inspiring, showcasing the power of hope in the face of adversity.

The Guardian · 2017-06-09
thought-provoking 4.00

The Scottish myth of the selkie is beautifully woven into a tale of life on the margins, forgiveness, and redemption.

The reviewer is impressed by how the book weaves the Scottish myth of the selkie into a compelling narrative about life on the margins. They appreciate the themes of forgiveness and redemption, finding the story both moving and thought-provoking. The reviewer also notes the rich cultural context and the emotional depth of the characters' journeys.


Quick quotes

    The Scottish myth of the selkie – a seal that can transform into human form – inspires a tale of life on the margins, forgiveness and redemption.

    The story is rich with cultural context and emotional depth, making it a compelling read.

    The characters' journeys of forgiveness and redemption are both moving and thought-provoking.