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The Mermaid of Black Conch

A novel from the Vintage Earth collection
Series: Vintage Earth
3.87 goodreads logo

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( 19,381 ratings, 2,297 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey is a captivating tale set on a small Caribbean island. It follows a fisherman named David who encounters Aycayia, a mermaid ensnared by two Americans hoping to make a fortune. As David seeks to protect her, an enchanting and transformative story unfolds, weaving themes of love, jealousy, and the clash of cultures.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by magical realism intertwined with Caribbean folklore. You might enjoy the poetic storytelling and rich cultural tapestry that transport you to an enchanting and mythical world. Intriguing characters and an evocative narrative promise an immersive reading experience.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

VINTAGE EARTH - A series of transformative novels with the environment at their heart.

‘His stomach trembled with desire and fear and wonder because he knew what he'd seen. A woman. Right there, in the water’

Near the island of Black Conch, a fisherman sings to himself while waiting for a catch. But David attracts a sea-dweller that he never expected — Aycayia, an innocent young woman cursed by jealous wives to live as a mermaid.

When American tourists capture Aycayia, David rescues her and vows to win her trust. Slowly, painfully, she transforms into a woman again. Yet as their love grows, they discover that the world around them is changing — and they cannot escape the curse forever.

VINTAGE EARTH is a series of books that reveals our ever-changing relationship with the environment. These are stories old and young, set in worlds real or imagined, that allow us to explore our connection to the natural world. Transformative, wild, surprising and essential, these novels take on the most urgent story of our times.

Series: Vintage Earth

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  • On Sale
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    The Mermaid of Black Conch
    VINTAGE EARTH - A series of transformative novels with the environment at their heart. ‘His stomach trembled with desire and fear and wonder because he knew what he'd seen. A woman. Right there, in the water’ Near the island of Black Conch, a fisherman sings to himself while waiting for a catch. But David attracts a sea-dweller that he never...
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  • The Wall
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey is praised for its lush, sensuous prose and intricate world-building, offering a mix of fairy tale and ghost story elements that engage the reader. The writing is described as lyrical and magical, yet balanced with a touch of realism. It is noted as a beautiful and haunting book that captivates and enchants its audience.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784878023

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 July 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 182g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Monique Roffey was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and lives in London. She is the author of seven novels and a memoir. The Mermaid of Black Conch won the Costa Book of the Year and the Costa Novel Award and was shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize and the Goldsmiths Prize. Her other highly acclaimed books include Archipelago, which won the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, The White Woman on the Green Bicycle and House of Ashes. In addition to her work as an environmental activist, she is a professor of contemporary fiction at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Also by Monique Roffey

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    Escape to the ocean this summer with the Costa Book of the Year 2020. Escape to the ocean with the entrancing, unforgettable winner of the Costa Book of the Year - as read on BBC Radio 4. 'Mesmerising' - MAGGIE O'FARRELL 'A unique talent' - BERNARDINE EVARISTO 'Wonderful' - BRIDGET COLLINS 'Brilliant' - CLARE CHAMBERS Near the island of Black...
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  • Passiontide
    Four women spark a revolution on a Caribbean island - the electrifying new novel from the Costa-winning author of The Mermaid of Black Conch. Early one morning, at the close of St Colibri's carnival, a young female steel-pan player is found dead beneath a cannonball tree. It is a discovery that will transform the lives of everyone on this small...
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  • Passiontide
    Passiontide: Four women spark a revolution on a Caribbean island - the electrifying new novel from the Costa-winning author of The Mermaid of Black Conch. Early one morning, at the close of St Colibri's carnival, a young female steel-pan player is found dead beneath a cannonball tree. It is a discovery that will transform the lives of everyone on this...
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