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The Mermaid of Black Conch
The spellbinding winner of the Costa Book of the Year as read on BBC Radio 4
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Check link for latest rating. ( 19,359 ratings, 2,296 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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"The Mermaid of Black Conch spins the enchanting tale of a cursed mythical creature and the lonely fisherman who falls in love with her"--
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Description
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 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 for ever . . .
'A bittersweet love story . . . A joy to read' - BBC News
'A fiercely modern mermaid story' - The Times
'Wondrous . . . A striking achievement' - Sunday Times
'Not your standard mermaid' - MARGARET ATWOOD
'Exquisite' - ELIZABETH MACNEAL
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 receives high praise for its daring and mesmerising narrative, with its unpredictable plot and a captivating blend of myth and modernity. Reviewers commend the book for its evocative and immersive world-building, with storytelling that intertwines wonder and reality through exquisite writing. The novel is celebrated as a compelling tale that effectively captures the essence of magic realism, earning its place as a potentially timeless classic.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781529115499
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 10 June 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 17.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 191g
Pages: 272
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.
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