lizabethstucker's review
4.0
Seonag was considered strange almost from the moment she was born, but she still loved her homeland. So much so that she hides when her parents make plans to sail to Canada, unable to afford the croft rent. Once they leave her behind, Seonag goes to the town bard for help and advice. She is told about the wolves that were driven out of Ireland. He tells her to swim west until she can hear the wolves. The advice is cruel, certain suicide. Knowing all that, Seonag still decides to do so.
An old style story, a myth, a fable, a fairy tale. A story about those who only want to belong, yet are different enough to be pushed to the sidelines. Mystical and magical. 4 out of 5.
An old style story, a myth, a fable, a fairy tale. A story about those who only want to belong, yet are different enough to be pushed to the sidelines. Mystical and magical. 4 out of 5.
wardenred's review
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
At the time, I thought this was my story. I was wrong. It was hers.
This story felt as "in-between" as its titular character and its beautiful setting. I can't say I'm abundantly clear on everything that's happened in it, but the author surely knows how to set the mood. The imagery is evocative, and the prose flows well. I could practically hear the sea waves in my ears as I read. I liked the inclusions of Scottish Gaelic, even though it made the story more challenging to process for me (I hardly know more than a few words in that beautiful language). Overall, it feels exactly like an old legend told by a campfire.
bluehairedlibrarian's review
3.0
Interesting mythical short story, but the amount of gaelic and varying names kept throwing me out of the story. I like the concept though.
gayancalime's review
oh this was fucking PERFECT. great way to kick off a new year of reading.
sarabook's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
triscuit807's review
3.0
3 stars. Story is of a Scots woman who is just enough different that she doesn't fit in; when her parents sail for Canada, she stays behind. Without land or house Seonag is advised to seek the wolves which are somewhere in the sea since she will not be safe on her own. Strangely magical. I read this for my 2020 Reading Challenge (What's in Name "element of water in title") and the Hugo nominations (novelette or short story).
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