The Mermaid Chronicles

This journey takes readers from the colourful boardwalks of Coney Island to the iconic statue in Copenhagen, and all the way to the vibrant culture of Wellington, New Zealand. Along the way, Megan examines the cultural impact of the 1984 romantic comedy Splash, meets with professional mermaids, and explores the semiotics behind the mythological creatures that have fascinated humanity for centuries. Her quest is not only physical but also intellectual and emotional, as she delves into her personal history, uncovering deeper truths about herself and society's perceptions of women.

Through her adventures and introspection, Megan Dunn grapples with profound questions about identity, fertility, and the stories we tell ourselves. She loses the conventional narrative of her life but finds a powerful, authentic voice. This unexpectedly whimsical and deeply moving tale is a candid exploration of sex and death, mothers and daughters, the nature of women's work, and the myths that shape us all.

The Mermaid Chronicles is a shimmeringly intellectual and devastatingly deadpan narrative, delivering a tragicomic meditation that is as rich in humour as it is in insight. Megan Dunn's wit and honesty shine throughout, making this a truly off-the-hook tale that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking.

Critical acclaim for Megan Dunn and The Mermaid Chronicles highlights the memoir's poignant and witty nature:

"Her voice is so strong. It's wonderful." - Lorde

"A treasure of a memoir... funny, frank and moving." - Kim Hill

"Observes the importance of fantasy with keen wit and an open heart." - Pip Adam, author of The New Animals

"A fabulously witty adventure, written in deeply moving prose." - Philip Hoare, author of Leviathan or, The Whale