Simon Sylvester

i think possibly, this book was written just for me. it is almost the selkie story that i've been dreaming about writing since i was about 12. the atmosphere is perfect. the descriptions of the ocean, and the small island life, and flora's yearning for something more really work well. the selkie mythology and stories she is studying are fantastic. there are some really interesting bits about the nature of storytelling and mythology in here. and the coming of age, gothic vibe of flora's story really works.

i'll admit, it took me about halfway through the book to really get into it. the beginning was interesting and i was enjoying myself perfectly, but i was able to put it down and just come back to it later. reading a few chapters here and there and then go about my day. but, last night, i was meaning to do the same, read a few chapters before bed.... and then suddenly it was 2 am, and i'd just finished, and i was crying in bed. (the crying had a bit more to do with my cold, than the book, but, honestly, it also had to do with the book. i don't think too many others will find themselves ending this in tears. i cry a lot. i've accepted it.)

part of the reason i got so hooked towards the third act of the book is a bit of a spoiler. there are queer characters!! i don't feel bad spoiling that at all. because if i had known going in there was a girl/girl love story, my baby gay little heart would have squealed in delight and plowed right through the book from start to finish. so, it's there. rejoice! enjoy! i won't spoil anymore about that.

except that i will, because i need to talk about it. actual, real, spoilers for the ending: ALISA IS IN LOVE WITH FLORA!!! FLORA REALIZES SHE IS IN LOVE WITH ALISA BACK!! GAY SELKIE GIRL!!!! SHE WAS PROTECTING FLORA OVER AND OVER. I AM OVERCOME I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF. honestly, the reason this isn't a five star for me is because yet again, tragic lesbians, one of them dies. (i say lesbians just for a time saver and effect. flora is quite possibly bisexual, she dates a boy. she shows attraction to men. she never states her sexuality. neither girl does.) BUT the reason i am not bitter about it, after sleeping and thinking it over, is that... all selkie stories are tragic. i've been interested in them since i was 12, and i've yet to encounter a happily ever after. so, while i would have loved to see alisa and flora, like, actually together beyond their developing friendship, and the one life saving underwater kiss (which i LOOOVED ngl) and the declaration of love as alisa is dying, i can (a little unhappily, and while docking a star) be okay with it. i will just have to write the happily ever after lesbian selkie story myself one day.

in conclusion: the sea, selkie myths, gothic murder elements, small town isolation, fierce lady friendship, teenage girls being awesome, and girls falling in love. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT? READ IT.

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*I received this book through GoodReads First Reads.*

Set on a remote island in Scotland (a locale I loved), this novel tells the tale of a young woman who finds herself on the trail of several local disappearances after some new neighbors appear. As Flora investigates myths involving selkies for her school history project, she begins to suspect there may be more to the mythological creatures and finds there just may be something connecting them to a string of disappearances on her island home. Well-written, but not gripping. An enjoyable read, although I think I may have primarily liked this novel simply for the unique setting.… (mehr)