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2021 The Writers' Prize for Fiction (nominee)
2020 Costa Book Award for Best Novel
2020 Goldsmiths Prize (nominee)
WINNER OF THE COSTA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD • This enchanting tale of a cursed mythical creature and the lonely fisherman who falls in love with her is "a daring, mesmerizing novel … single-handedly bringing magic realism up-to-date (Maggie O’Farrell, best-selling author of Hamnet).
In 1976, David is fishing off the island of Black Conch when he comes upon a creature he doesn’t expect: a mermaid by the name of Aycayia. Once a beautiful young woman, she was cursed by jealous wives to live in this form for the rest of her days. But after the mermaid is caught by American tourists, David rescues and hides her away in his home, finding that, once out of the water, she begins to transform back into a woman.
Now David must work to win Aycayia's trust while she relearns what it is to be human, navigating not only her new body but also her relationship with others on the island—a difficult task after centuries of loneliness. As David and Aycayia grow to love each other, they juggle both the joys and the dangers of life on shore. But a lingering question remains: Will the former mermaid be able to escape her curse? Taking on many points of view, this mythical adventure tells the story of one woman’s return to land, her healing and her survival.
Genre: Fantasy
In 1976, David is fishing off the island of Black Conch when he comes upon a creature he doesn’t expect: a mermaid by the name of Aycayia. Once a beautiful young woman, she was cursed by jealous wives to live in this form for the rest of her days. But after the mermaid is caught by American tourists, David rescues and hides her away in his home, finding that, once out of the water, she begins to transform back into a woman.
Now David must work to win Aycayia's trust while she relearns what it is to be human, navigating not only her new body but also her relationship with others on the island—a difficult task after centuries of loneliness. As David and Aycayia grow to love each other, they juggle both the joys and the dangers of life on shore. But a lingering question remains: Will the former mermaid be able to escape her curse? Taking on many points of view, this mythical adventure tells the story of one woman’s return to land, her healing and her survival.
Genre: Fantasy
Praise for this book
"Not your standard mermaid." - Margaret Atwood
"Brilliant." - Clare Chambers
"A unique talent." - Bernardine Evaristo
"The Mermaid of Black Conch is a beautiful book and a joy to read." - Nikita Gill
"Monique Roffey is a writer of verve, vibrancy and compassion, and her work is always a joy to read." - Sarah Hall
"Exquisite." - Elizabeth Macneal
"Mesmerising." - Maggie O'Farrell
"Brilliant." - Clare Chambers
"A unique talent." - Bernardine Evaristo
"The Mermaid of Black Conch is a beautiful book and a joy to read." - Nikita Gill
"Monique Roffey is a writer of verve, vibrancy and compassion, and her work is always a joy to read." - Sarah Hall
"Exquisite." - Elizabeth Macneal
"Mesmerising." - Maggie O'Farrell
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Used availability for Monique Roffey's The Mermaid of Black Conch