Modern Blackbirds 2024 - The Mermaid of Black Conch

Leesniveau: B2, young adult reader

Schooltype: bovenbouw havo/vwo (4 havo, 5 havo, 4 vwo, 5 vwo, 6 vwo), mbo B2

Leeftijdscategorie: vanaf 16 jaar

Once a beautiful young woman, Aycayia was cursed by jealous wives to live as a mermaid for the rest of her days. But after she is caught by American tourists, fisherman David rescues her and hides her away in his home. Now David must work to win Aycayia’s trust while she relearns what it is to be human – and discover whether she will be able to free herself from the curse.

Review

Roffey’s writing is a delight to swim in. It’s lyrical and lovely, and it flows clear and deep as the waters around Black Conch. Her landscape descriptions are rich, whether she is painting pictures of the lush forest shading Miss Rain’s house or of the ocean: “The sea was flat and turquoise in the shallows, purple in the deep…The sea was the giant woman of the planet, fluid and contrary.”

Bron: Washington Independent.