I feel like I would have enjoyed this book more if I’d read it via audiobook due to the mixed narrative styles, there is the standard narrative, a first person narrative told through diary entries years after the event of the book, and verse when the mermaid is speaking. It took a while to get used to it but I did still enjoy the book. 

The story starts with David telling us what happened in Black Conch the day a mermaid was caught by fishermen. What follows is a story of curses, love, and freedom as he falls for Acaycia the mermaid, and her curse follows her wherever she goes. She cannot be a woman, she has to be a mermaid for the rest of her life. 

I found the part of the curse a really unique way to tell the mermaid lore, and the scene where she sheds her tail was really well written. 

There were some parts I did have an issue with, mainly how drunk men would run their private parts on the mermaid before she was freed. It was cringy and uncomfortable to read- I felt like it wasn’t needed. Also the part where she knows ASL/BSL instantly- as she didn’t speak the original language anyway. 

Other than that, the book is quite short and has lots of lighthearted parts, Reggie and Acaycia’s friendship was sweet, and David was loving and respectful to his mermaid even if he wanted to have his way with her- he let her come to him first which was very gentlemanly. 

I was hoping for a happier ending but I did enjoy the story and I’d be interested in reading more by this author in my aim to read more diversely. 

4.5 stars.