GEH Wellbeing reading group book review of The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey.

Lots of thumbs ups for this month’s reading group book, The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey. Told by a narrator and also through a diary written by David, one of the main protagonists, in 2015, and poems from the mermaid in 1976, it has a lyrical quality to the writing. The book weaves legends and folklore with love stories, tragedy, history, and menace. It was a short book, but really packed a mighty punch. Despite the multiple points of view, it was easy to follow, with David’s diary full of local dialect, and the poetry in a distinct voice.

We didn’t feel that the “sexing” in the book was gratuitous, but we did find the section describing Aycacia’s capture and subsequent abuse difficult to read. The more squeamish amongst us found the descriptions of the mermaid’s tail coming off, rotten fish smells, and sealice somewhat stomach churning. Not one to read with a fish supper!

An interesting observation was that the novel felt that it was set further back in time than it actually was, and our reader had to keep reminding themselves that the action happened in the 1970s, not the previous century. One of our number also drew parallels to the story of the little mermaid, with Aycacia collecting random bits and pieces to hide in her bed, in the same way that the little mermaid hoarded items. Readers enjoyed the imagery in the novel, such as the fish storm, and felt it added to the dark nature of the story. The book dealt with difficult themes such as Aycacia being the victim of jealousy in her past, taking her away from her natural environment and being forced into others, first the sea, then back to the land in a new era where she didn’t fit. Even in this new time she was subject to others’ jealousy, through no fault of her own. We didn’t feel that this was resolved, although we accepted that was part of the author’s intention.

Some quotes from our readers:

“ Twas very different to our usual stuff!! Two love stories mixed in with mythical legend and human ignorance and greed!”

“I thought it was okay – I’d give it 3 out of 5.

The book was easy to follow and it didn’t feel like it was dragging, however I think it didn’t leave a lasting memory for me which is probably down to the environment the book was set in, it didn’t wow me as much as some other books I have read. Having said that if anyone did want to read a book whilst on holiday then this is a good easy read I’d recommend!”

“I really loved The Mermaid of Black Conch. I felt it was really sad in places but heartwarming seeing David and Aycaycia’s love for each other grow.”

“Overall I really enjoyed this one. It was a great story, loved the way it was written and the little songs/poems that told us the mermaid’s side of the story.  It was exciting but also at times hard to read (sea lice in her hair and things everywhere). It was also tragic but also nice to see the other family and the young boy’s character. It was also thought provoking. I would have liked closure for her but this was not a Disney story…I zipped through this one.”

“This was not an easy read for me, totally different genre. I did enjoy it but took quite a few pages before I began an understanding of the culture. It made me think about cultures, gender and sexuality and pre-conceived ideas.“

If you’d like to join the reading group for our next book, you would be very welcome. We will be reading and discussing The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber. Set in the Utah Territory in 1888, Deborah Tyler is waiting for her husband to return home when a desperate stranger arrives at her home asking for help…