A review by imyril
The Seawomen by Chloe Timms

dark sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

What an beautiful, horrible tale. Merfolk as agents of the devil (or are they) and a religious community that survives on misogyny, controlling a small island with fear. There’s arguably nothing new to see here (although: merfolk!) but Chloe Timms has written a powerful, moving account from the perspective of young Esta, eyes set on the forbidden horizon in spite of her grandmother’s ferocious teachings, raised by those who are certain she bears her long-dead mother’s sins. Excellent narration by Samara Maclaren (altho why are there so many different regional accents on an island that cut itself off from the mainland  generations ago?)
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