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Saltwater Society
Rani, a two-hundred-year-old mermaid is reunited with her long-lost friend, a mortal man named Tristan after 10 years of separation. Having enough of loneliness, Rani seeks Tristan's returning companionship. Unwillingly taken away from their friendship, Tristan once again finds comfort in Rani's wisdom and calm.
However, evil has followed Tristan home and the coast of Kuala Selangor is no longer safe for Ran like it was a decade ago.
What will they do to protect each other?
However, evil has followed Tristan home and the coast of Kuala Selangor is no longer safe for Ran like it was a decade ago.
What will they do to protect each other?
- GenresFantasy
65 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2024
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Sri Rahayu Mohd Yusop
24 books261 followersNama penulis: SRI RAHAYU MOHD YUSOP
Nama penuh: Sri Rahayu binti Mohd Yusop Tempat lahir: Tanjong Karang, Selangor
Tarikh lahir: 18 Jun 1976
Pendidikan awal: Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Batu 9, Tanjong Karang dari (1983-1988).
Pendidikan Menengah: Sekolah Tun Fatimah, Johor Bahru, Johor (1989 -1993).
Pendidikan Lanjut: Maktab Perguruan Ilmu Khas, Cheras; University of Otago, New Zealand dan Dunedin College of Education, New Zealand (1994-1999)
Karier: Guru Bahasa Inggeris di SMK Dato' Harun, Tanjong Karang (2000 - 2003), SMK Pandan Jaya, Ampang (2004-2020).
Hasil kerja yang telah diterbitkan:
1. 'Bukan Legasi Lalang' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2001)) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2000, Hadiah Sastera Perdana 2000/2001 bagi kategori Novel Remaja.
2. 'Merdekakan Cinta Ratna' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2003) - memenangi tempat ketiga kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2002.
3. 'Odisi Tanah Kencana' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2007) - memenangi tempat kedua Kategori Novel Remaja dalam Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2006.
4. 'Warisnya Kalbu' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2008) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2007.
5. 'Kasih Nan Agung' (Utusan Publications & DIstributors, 2009) - memenangi tempat pertama Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2008.
6. 'Impuls/Roh' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2010) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2009.
7. 'Bimasakti Menari' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2011) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2010, Kategori Novel Remaja dalam Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia 2010/2011, teks Komponen Sastera (KOMSAS) subjek Bahasa Malaysia Tingkatan 5 bermula dari tahun 2016 di sekolah-sekolah menengah di Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang dan Melaka.
8.'Rimba Jiwa' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2012) - memenangi tempat ketiga Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2011.
9. 'Equilibria' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2012) - memenangi Sayembara Penulisan Fiksyen Sains & Teknologi Universiti Teknologi Malaysia-Kumpulan Utusan Musim Kedua pada tahun 2012, Anugerah Buku Negara bagi kategori Fiksyen Sains & Teknologi pada tahun 2013.
10. 'Qalam Kalbu' (ITBM, 2013) - memenangi Sayembara Penulisan Novel-Cerpen-Puisi Institut Terjemahan dan Buku Malaysia - Berita Harian - PENA Musim Pertama pada tahun 2014, Kategori Karya Umum (Buku) dalam Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia 2013.
11. 'Transgenik Sifar' (Utusan Publications & Distributor, 2015) - memenangi Sayembara Fiksyen Sains dan Teknologi Universiti Teknologi Malaysia-Kumpulan Utusan Musim Ketiga pada tahun 2015.
12. 'Empunya Kalbu' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2016) - memenangi tempat kedua Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2015, Hadiah Sastera Perdana 2015/2016 bagi Kategori Novel Remaja.
13. 'Kronikel Empat Bahtera: Puteri Naga Tiberius' (Penerbit X, 2017) - novel pertama beliau yang terbit di luar sayembara.
14. 'Farewell, Elsinore' (Legasi Oakheart, 2018) - novel Bahasa Inggeris pertama.
15. 'Selendang Merah Balukhali' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2019) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2017.
16. 'ALGOJO' (Fixi, 2020) - memenangi hadiah utama Sayembara FIXI Musim Kedua.
17. 'Belati Cinta Zulaikha' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2004) - memenangi Hadiah Eceran Kategori Cerpen Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2003 bagi cerpen 'Reeves, Cormack dan Semak'.
Nama penuh: Sri Rahayu binti Mohd Yusop Tempat lahir: Tanjong Karang, Selangor
Tarikh lahir: 18 Jun 1976
Pendidikan awal: Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Batu 9, Tanjong Karang dari (1983-1988).
Pendidikan Menengah: Sekolah Tun Fatimah, Johor Bahru, Johor (1989 -1993).
Pendidikan Lanjut: Maktab Perguruan Ilmu Khas, Cheras; University of Otago, New Zealand dan Dunedin College of Education, New Zealand (1994-1999)
Karier: Guru Bahasa Inggeris di SMK Dato' Harun, Tanjong Karang (2000 - 2003), SMK Pandan Jaya, Ampang (2004-2020).
Hasil kerja yang telah diterbitkan:
1. 'Bukan Legasi Lalang' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2001)) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2000, Hadiah Sastera Perdana 2000/2001 bagi kategori Novel Remaja.
2. 'Merdekakan Cinta Ratna' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2003) - memenangi tempat ketiga kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2002.
3. 'Odisi Tanah Kencana' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2007) - memenangi tempat kedua Kategori Novel Remaja dalam Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2006.
4. 'Warisnya Kalbu' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2008) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2007.
5. 'Kasih Nan Agung' (Utusan Publications & DIstributors, 2009) - memenangi tempat pertama Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2008.
6. 'Impuls/Roh' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2010) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2009.
7. 'Bimasakti Menari' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2011) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2010, Kategori Novel Remaja dalam Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia 2010/2011, teks Komponen Sastera (KOMSAS) subjek Bahasa Malaysia Tingkatan 5 bermula dari tahun 2016 di sekolah-sekolah menengah di Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang dan Melaka.
8.'Rimba Jiwa' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2012) - memenangi tempat ketiga Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2011.
9. 'Equilibria' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2012) - memenangi Sayembara Penulisan Fiksyen Sains & Teknologi Universiti Teknologi Malaysia-Kumpulan Utusan Musim Kedua pada tahun 2012, Anugerah Buku Negara bagi kategori Fiksyen Sains & Teknologi pada tahun 2013.
10. 'Qalam Kalbu' (ITBM, 2013) - memenangi Sayembara Penulisan Novel-Cerpen-Puisi Institut Terjemahan dan Buku Malaysia - Berita Harian - PENA Musim Pertama pada tahun 2014, Kategori Karya Umum (Buku) dalam Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia 2013.
11. 'Transgenik Sifar' (Utusan Publications & Distributor, 2015) - memenangi Sayembara Fiksyen Sains dan Teknologi Universiti Teknologi Malaysia-Kumpulan Utusan Musim Ketiga pada tahun 2015.
12. 'Empunya Kalbu' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2016) - memenangi tempat kedua Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2015, Hadiah Sastera Perdana 2015/2016 bagi Kategori Novel Remaja.
13. 'Kronikel Empat Bahtera: Puteri Naga Tiberius' (Penerbit X, 2017) - novel pertama beliau yang terbit di luar sayembara.
14. 'Farewell, Elsinore' (Legasi Oakheart, 2018) - novel Bahasa Inggeris pertama.
15. 'Selendang Merah Balukhali' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2019) - memenangi tempat pertama Kategori Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2017.
16. 'ALGOJO' (Fixi, 2020) - memenangi hadiah utama Sayembara FIXI Musim Kedua.
17. 'Belati Cinta Zulaikha' (Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2004) - memenangi Hadiah Eceran Kategori Cerpen Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan 2003 bagi cerpen 'Reeves, Cormack dan Semak'.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 2, 2024
I wrote Saltwater Society in an episode of my life which felt like s series of blipping on and off dream that I thought was real. I didn't plan this story. I wrote this wholly long-hand, sitting cross-legged on the small balcony looking up at the small rectangle sky from my apartment. I was thinking of Kuala Selangor that I have permanently left and regret how my soul is still tied to the district in much sadness. To compensate for the regret and grief, I have transformed Kuala Selangor into a dark, magical place of everything in my mind.
In this story, I wrote about everything being a woman that I have felt. Even in the kindest and softest of connection, I still feel at the mercy of a man's whims. I felt the death of a part of a woman's soul happens after the birth of her first child. I felt that a woman will live on alone long after the demise of her soulmate. I felt a woman's truest friend is her own soul - a soul which purpose is not connected to her soulmate.
This is a novella of about 19000 words. A vessel of my chaotic mind distilled into clean, crisp words. I am still learning writing in English. I have taken 25 years to have experience in writing in my mother tongue, bahasa Melayu. I might need 20 plus years to get to an acceptable standard writing fiction in English. Happy reading!
In this story, I wrote about everything being a woman that I have felt. Even in the kindest and softest of connection, I still feel at the mercy of a man's whims. I felt the death of a part of a woman's soul happens after the birth of her first child. I felt that a woman will live on alone long after the demise of her soulmate. I felt a woman's truest friend is her own soul - a soul which purpose is not connected to her soulmate.
This is a novella of about 19000 words. A vessel of my chaotic mind distilled into clean, crisp words. I am still learning writing in English. I have taken 25 years to have experience in writing in my mother tongue, bahasa Melayu. I might need 20 plus years to get to an acceptable standard writing fiction in English. Happy reading!
September 24, 2025
Saltwater Society by Kak Sri is a short but charming story that left me wanting more!
The book focuses on the ocean and its creatures, but with a cool twist. We see the world through the eyes of Rani, a character whose connection to the sea feels almost childlike and pure. The story explores themes of greed, the impact of humans on the environment, and the importance of protecting our oceans.
Kak Sri’s writing is simple yet evocative, and I loved how she weaved environmental messages into the narrative. It's a reminder that we're all part of the same ecosystem, and taking care of the ocean is essential.
If you're looking for a quick read that will make you think about the ocean and the creatures who call it home, then Saltwater Society is definitely worth checking out. It's a heartwarming story with a powerful message, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
4 / 5 stars.
The book focuses on the ocean and its creatures, but with a cool twist. We see the world through the eyes of Rani, a character whose connection to the sea feels almost childlike and pure. The story explores themes of greed, the impact of humans on the environment, and the importance of protecting our oceans.
Kak Sri’s writing is simple yet evocative, and I loved how she weaved environmental messages into the narrative. It's a reminder that we're all part of the same ecosystem, and taking care of the ocean is essential.
If you're looking for a quick read that will make you think about the ocean and the creatures who call it home, then Saltwater Society is definitely worth checking out. It's a heartwarming story with a powerful message, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
4 / 5 stars.
July 29, 2024
short but gripping
November 22, 2024
4.5 stars
Puan Sri Rahayu should write more English books because this little novella is a masterpiece! I absolutely love the story and the writing style. The flow was smooth-sailing and the tone was melancholic, befitting the story. I also loved the theme brought forward.
This book reminds me of Frieren a bit, most probably because of the conversation regarding the passing of time and loneliness.
Puan Sri Rahayu should write more English books because this little novella is a masterpiece! I absolutely love the story and the writing style. The flow was smooth-sailing and the tone was melancholic, befitting the story. I also loved the theme brought forward.
This book reminds me of Frieren a bit, most probably because of the conversation regarding the passing of time and loneliness.
November 27, 2024
Pertemuan semula Rani dan Tristan yang telah terpisah selama 10 tahun, adalah dalam situasi yang tidak disangka. Rani cuba menyelamatkan Tristan daripada bahaya yang menghampirinya. Dan kini Rani turut diburu bahaya itu.
Sebuah persahabatan yang ikhlas dari dua makhluk yang berbeza dunia. Namun, ada yang cuba menggunakan persahabatan ini untuk kepentingan mereka sendiri.
Biasanya dalam cerita yang melibatkan duyung ini, SH nampak mereka punya kawanan yang tersendiri. Punya keluarga dan kawan-kawan. Namun, ternyata dunia Rani sunyi dan sepi. Sepi dalam kehidupan yang panjang. Mungkin kerana itu dia mudah tertarik dengan Tristan di waktu kecilnya yang sangat petah bercakap dan penuh dengan rasa ingin tahu. Secara tidak langsung pertemuan mereka mengisi sedikit kekosongan dalam hidup Rani.
Sebuah persahabatan yang ikhlas dari dua makhluk yang berbeza dunia. Namun, ada yang cuba menggunakan persahabatan ini untuk kepentingan mereka sendiri.
Biasanya dalam cerita yang melibatkan duyung ini, SH nampak mereka punya kawanan yang tersendiri. Punya keluarga dan kawan-kawan. Namun, ternyata dunia Rani sunyi dan sepi. Sepi dalam kehidupan yang panjang. Mungkin kerana itu dia mudah tertarik dengan Tristan di waktu kecilnya yang sangat petah bercakap dan penuh dengan rasa ingin tahu. Secara tidak langsung pertemuan mereka mengisi sedikit kekosongan dalam hidup Rani.
June 2, 2024
My first book from this author. Definitely won't be my last! Love everything about this little story. Rani, Tristan and even Rahang... I wonder how Rani is doing right now... I hope the cold water won't make her too lonely tonight.
July 11, 2024
Thank you, Ghibli. You help me to imagine all those scenes and fantasy worlds when I read a book.
My 12-year-old would love this book so much! And, of course, at this age, the excitement is still there.
I crave adventure, and Saltwater Society gives me that. I like it best when our writer focuses on the relationship between shorelings and sealings. And whenever Rani mentions loneliness, babe, I sedih tahu. I have read and watched too many movies with mortals and ancient/fantasy living things that live for hundreds of years, two different worlds that can't live together.
Sebenarnya banyak mesej yang ditulis dalam buku ni, especially tentang alam sekitar. How human treat other creatures and how us as a khalifah atas muka bumi ni can choose to be good or bad.
Buku ni pendek je, baca pun dalam masa sehari jadinya perasaan masa membaca tu sentiasa teruja.
And bukanlah Najwa kalau tak teruja bab cinta-cintun ni, seriously nak sangat tahu what happened between Tristan and his lover (ehehe, saya ni hopeless romantic orangnya)
Kalau awak suka buku ni, saya recommend tengok cerita Ponyo dan kalau awak suka cerita Ponyo, saya recommend awak baca buku ini!
I want more, but never mind lah. Let it be in my imagination.
I will live my long age, and Tristan, or anyone who comes after him, will die. I will have to live on the memories of their stories and words and how they looked in their pain and joy.
December 16, 2024
Let’s all agree—Rani here is a green flag Rani. #iykyk
This is a novella, one that anyone could easily finish in one sitting. It’s best enjoyed as a light read. However, I didn’t finish it in a single day—I took my sweet time savoring it. After all, I wasn’t in a readathon!
I won’t dive into the details of the plot or characters, but I’ll say this: the theme is very close to my heart. For anyone who knows me, you’ll know I’ve been a passionate advocate against plastic pollution, having organized +-100 cleanups, reading the issue being addressed is so sweet. This is why I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone—kids, teens, and even adults. Its messages are perfect to educate the younger generation in a fun way.
This isn’t your typical mermaid fantasy about trading fins for legs to chase after some lad. Instead, it’s a heartwarming tale of friendship between a fisherfolk (who happens to be a mermaid) and a shoreling (a human). Honestly, I think the story has the potential to be expanded into a full-length fantasy novel. There’s conflict and a touch of suspense to keep readers hooked.
One thing I love is that it’s written in English, love our Bahasa Melayu, but I have high hopes this book can go international. My favorite character? Definitely Rahang. Who or what is Rahang, you ask? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
P/S: Can we take a moment to appreciate how stunning the cover is? ✨
#illbeereading #readingbee
This is a novella, one that anyone could easily finish in one sitting. It’s best enjoyed as a light read. However, I didn’t finish it in a single day—I took my sweet time savoring it. After all, I wasn’t in a readathon!
I won’t dive into the details of the plot or characters, but I’ll say this: the theme is very close to my heart. For anyone who knows me, you’ll know I’ve been a passionate advocate against plastic pollution, having organized +-100 cleanups, reading the issue being addressed is so sweet. This is why I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone—kids, teens, and even adults. Its messages are perfect to educate the younger generation in a fun way.
This isn’t your typical mermaid fantasy about trading fins for legs to chase after some lad. Instead, it’s a heartwarming tale of friendship between a fisherfolk (who happens to be a mermaid) and a shoreling (a human). Honestly, I think the story has the potential to be expanded into a full-length fantasy novel. There’s conflict and a touch of suspense to keep readers hooked.
One thing I love is that it’s written in English, love our Bahasa Melayu, but I have high hopes this book can go international. My favorite character? Definitely Rahang. Who or what is Rahang, you ask? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
P/S: Can we take a moment to appreciate how stunning the cover is? ✨
#illbeereading #readingbee
June 9, 2024
I love how books can always take me by surprise, and this one is definitely one of them.
The things about the sea is how vast and big it is. Sometimes, it holds secrets that are as that, meant to only be secrets. So, when the sea to the coast of Tristan's house holds a mermaid that only exists in legends? You could either befriend it or make it your enemy. And for Tristan, he made Rani his friend and thus a bond of a creature of legend and of a human is formed.
The premise of the book is simple and straightforward, but I loved how its an ode to the sea and its creatures living within it. And that includes us human, which is part of the ecosystem as well. The question of greed and power in which made humans the common enemy to Mother Nature is one that broke my heart to literal pieces. The criticism towards capitalism, corruption and the greed for power was subtly included in the story and it was told through the aftereffects that parallels to our reality now, which made the story so much closer to heart.
I feel that for a short book, it was one that caught my heart. The writing can be simple at times, but I feel that its a representation of the characters, especially Rani whose lenses are almost child-like, in which is how she sees the world through her lenses.
Recommended! Please pick this up, you definitely won't regret it.
Personal Ratings: 4.5🌟
"It is a reminder that we all came from the same source, and no one creature should overcome the right of the other to live for the sake of greed and power.
The things about the sea is how vast and big it is. Sometimes, it holds secrets that are as that, meant to only be secrets. So, when the sea to the coast of Tristan's house holds a mermaid that only exists in legends? You could either befriend it or make it your enemy. And for Tristan, he made Rani his friend and thus a bond of a creature of legend and of a human is formed.
The premise of the book is simple and straightforward, but I loved how its an ode to the sea and its creatures living within it. And that includes us human, which is part of the ecosystem as well. The question of greed and power in which made humans the common enemy to Mother Nature is one that broke my heart to literal pieces. The criticism towards capitalism, corruption and the greed for power was subtly included in the story and it was told through the aftereffects that parallels to our reality now, which made the story so much closer to heart.
I feel that for a short book, it was one that caught my heart. The writing can be simple at times, but I feel that its a representation of the characters, especially Rani whose lenses are almost child-like, in which is how she sees the world through her lenses.
Recommended! Please pick this up, you definitely won't regret it.
Personal Ratings: 4.5🌟
June 3, 2024
I love this so much! Simple story playing around friendship between two different worlds - a human and a mermaid. From different species with different lifespans but manage to keep the loneliness void by being friends to each other, and be there for each other, especially when needed.
Author managed to include and highlight sea life issues and environment damages caused by the human greed.
Super love the ending and I especially cried the epilogue. Managed to finished it in one setting but not just because this book is thin, but it's that enjoyable.
More fantasy book (or maybe more mermaid book) please Kak Sri! 🙏 Congratulations!
*The cover is so pretty! I can't!!!!!
Author managed to include and highlight sea life issues and environment damages caused by the human greed.
Super love the ending and I especially cried the epilogue. Managed to finished it in one setting but not just because this book is thin, but it's that enjoyable.
More fantasy book (or maybe more mermaid book) please Kak Sri! 🙏 Congratulations!
*The cover is so pretty! I can't!!!!!
June 4, 2024
I love it!
Nice pace, educational and has the potential to boost Kuala Selangor's tourism - that is if it was written a little longer with more details of places of interest there.
Kuala Selangor is a town that I only passed by every time "balik kampung". I used to have a pen pal there, but I never got the chance to meet her in person. Other than visiting the historical Bukit Melawati, it's kinda hard for me to see the beauty of the place as depicted by the author, but she managed to paint the town in a beautiful setting.
Regardless, I applaud the author's effort in venturing into this genre, and in the language that she teaches herself.
I like the ending. It's simple and not overly done. She kept the wife's identity mysterious, so I'm wondering if she has a plan to expand the story? We'll see.
Nice pace, educational and has the potential to boost Kuala Selangor's tourism - that is if it was written a little longer with more details of places of interest there.
Kuala Selangor is a town that I only passed by every time "balik kampung". I used to have a pen pal there, but I never got the chance to meet her in person. Other than visiting the historical Bukit Melawati, it's kinda hard for me to see the beauty of the place as depicted by the author, but she managed to paint the town in a beautiful setting.
Regardless, I applaud the author's effort in venturing into this genre, and in the language that she teaches herself.
I like the ending. It's simple and not overly done. She kept the wife's identity mysterious, so I'm wondering if she has a plan to expand the story? We'll see.
January 30, 2025
Simple yet just perfectly written ✨ That's how to describe Saltwater Society by Sri Rahayu Mohd Yusop. To be honest, I was influenced by @ilbeereading's review and quickly went to purchase this book with Madani voucher. Just at the perfect timing.
With only 65 pages of words, this book managed to bring me to a rollercoaster journey of emotions. Rani, the mermaid met her long lost friend, Tristan who is a human in an eventful accident. The meeting makes her happy and lonely at the same time as she understands that her purpose on this world is a mermaid and can't never have a human companion as much as she likes Tristan company. Her friendship with Tristan was pure and he had helped her on providing knives supply to save sea creatures who are trapped in nets and junks.
Rani's relationship with Rahang (another creature) was so perfectly portrayed and described. This book message is just wonderful and what most of us need right now, on we need to take care of the sea and creatures who live in the same world as we are. Not many books had given such powerful messages (from my own reading experience).
This book also had made me realise on how disastrous the world we live today just because of human's greed. We take things for granted. We consume without thinking of the consequences. We never think about other creatures who also live in this earth. A quote that resonated with me is 'we all came from the same source, and no one creature shall overcome the right of the other to live for the sake of greed and power'.
This is the first book from her that I've read. Loving it so much ! Definitely will not be the last. Looking forward to read more of her gems 💎
With only 65 pages of words, this book managed to bring me to a rollercoaster journey of emotions. Rani, the mermaid met her long lost friend, Tristan who is a human in an eventful accident. The meeting makes her happy and lonely at the same time as she understands that her purpose on this world is a mermaid and can't never have a human companion as much as she likes Tristan company. Her friendship with Tristan was pure and he had helped her on providing knives supply to save sea creatures who are trapped in nets and junks.
Rani's relationship with Rahang (another creature) was so perfectly portrayed and described. This book message is just wonderful and what most of us need right now, on we need to take care of the sea and creatures who live in the same world as we are. Not many books had given such powerful messages (from my own reading experience).
This book also had made me realise on how disastrous the world we live today just because of human's greed. We take things for granted. We consume without thinking of the consequences. We never think about other creatures who also live in this earth. A quote that resonated with me is 'we all came from the same source, and no one creature shall overcome the right of the other to live for the sake of greed and power'.
This is the first book from her that I've read. Loving it so much ! Definitely will not be the last. Looking forward to read more of her gems 💎
December 9, 2024
75/2024
-Saltwater Society
-Sri Rahayu Mohd Yusop
Jujurnya, jika membaca karya berbahasa Inggeris, saya akan ambil masa yang lama atau mungkin terhenti setengah jalan. Maklumlah kitanya ambil masa ingin memahami butiran setiap ayat. 😂😂😂
Namun, saya cuba juga membaca karya berbahasa Inggeris dengan memilih buku tulisan Sri Rahayu ini. Dibeli semasa PBAKL2024, bukunya tipis sahaja. Lebih kurang 60+ halaman. Namun, walaupun tipis, penerbit begitu teliti menghasilkan karya ini. Muka depannya sangat cantik, ditambah lagi dengan disediakan jaket buku, membuatkan karya ini sangat eksklusif. Harga pula sangat berpatutan. Cuma RM17.
Berbalik pada cerita ini, penulis membawa kita mengenal watak Tristan dan Rani. Makhluk yang berbeza dunia. Seorang manusia dan yang satunya lagi seekor ikan duyung. Kerana peristiwa tidak terjangka, Rani dan Tristan dipertemukan kembali setelah mereka lama terpisah. Menarik cerita ini bagi saya. Ceritanya tidak meleret dan bahasa yang digunakan bagi saya tidak terlalu beraras tinggi. Tahniah buat penulis untuk karya ini.
-Saltwater Society
-Sri Rahayu Mohd Yusop
Jujurnya, jika membaca karya berbahasa Inggeris, saya akan ambil masa yang lama atau mungkin terhenti setengah jalan. Maklumlah kitanya ambil masa ingin memahami butiran setiap ayat. 😂😂😂
Namun, saya cuba juga membaca karya berbahasa Inggeris dengan memilih buku tulisan Sri Rahayu ini. Dibeli semasa PBAKL2024, bukunya tipis sahaja. Lebih kurang 60+ halaman. Namun, walaupun tipis, penerbit begitu teliti menghasilkan karya ini. Muka depannya sangat cantik, ditambah lagi dengan disediakan jaket buku, membuatkan karya ini sangat eksklusif. Harga pula sangat berpatutan. Cuma RM17.
Berbalik pada cerita ini, penulis membawa kita mengenal watak Tristan dan Rani. Makhluk yang berbeza dunia. Seorang manusia dan yang satunya lagi seekor ikan duyung. Kerana peristiwa tidak terjangka, Rani dan Tristan dipertemukan kembali setelah mereka lama terpisah. Menarik cerita ini bagi saya. Ceritanya tidak meleret dan bahasa yang digunakan bagi saya tidak terlalu beraras tinggi. Tahniah buat penulis untuk karya ini.
June 28, 2024
Nice storyline and what a way to end the story
December 4, 2024
i loooveeeeee this book so much!! will put review later ugh
February 11, 2025
This is a quiet, melancholic story about Rani, a 200 years old mermaid who has spent her long life in solitude. She lives hidden in a shipwreck at The Cove, her only real connection to the outside world is Tristan, a human or as sea creature call them, a “shoreling.” Through Rani’s eyes, we experience the weight of loneliness, the warmth of fleeting companionship and the ache of knowing that nothing truly lasts.
I’ve read many mermaid stories before but this one felt different. Mermaids are often depicted as part of a community, surrounded by their own kind, but Rani is alone. Two hundred years without companionship, it’s hard to imagine the depth of that solitude. No voices to call her name, no one to share the vastness of the sea with. Just the silence of the deep and the ghosts of shipwrecks. It makes me wonder, how long can someone endure being alone before they start to forget what it feels like to be seen??
That’s what makes her friendship with Tristan soo special. He brings her stories, laughter, a reminder that she exists beyond the quiet of her underwater world. In his presence, she is no longer just a forgotten creature of the sea. She is someone, she is Rani. But no matter how much joy Tristan brings her, the truth lingers between them that Rani’s life stretches endlessly ahead, while Tristan’s is painfully brief. One day, she will be alone again.
Beyond the themes of loneliness and connection, Saltwater Society also holds a mirror to the damage humans inflict on the ocean. As a marine science student myself, this part of the story hit me hard. There’s a moment when Rani witnesses firsthand the destruction caused by human greed and it’s devastating. The ocean has existed for millions of years, a world untouched and teeming with life, until we arrived. We treat it as if it belongs to us, forgetting that its creatures have been here far longer than we have. Reading those scenes, I felt an overwhelming sense of grief not just for Rani but for the real oceans we are destroying.
This book isn’t just a story about a mermaid. It’s a story about what it means to be alone, what it means to find someone who fills that emptiness, and what it means to lose them. It’s about the fragile beauty of the world we take for granted. This is haunting, tender, and deeply humane in a way I didn’t expect. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your heart, long after you turn the last page.
I’ve read many mermaid stories before but this one felt different. Mermaids are often depicted as part of a community, surrounded by their own kind, but Rani is alone. Two hundred years without companionship, it’s hard to imagine the depth of that solitude. No voices to call her name, no one to share the vastness of the sea with. Just the silence of the deep and the ghosts of shipwrecks. It makes me wonder, how long can someone endure being alone before they start to forget what it feels like to be seen??
That’s what makes her friendship with Tristan soo special. He brings her stories, laughter, a reminder that she exists beyond the quiet of her underwater world. In his presence, she is no longer just a forgotten creature of the sea. She is someone, she is Rani. But no matter how much joy Tristan brings her, the truth lingers between them that Rani’s life stretches endlessly ahead, while Tristan’s is painfully brief. One day, she will be alone again.
Beyond the themes of loneliness and connection, Saltwater Society also holds a mirror to the damage humans inflict on the ocean. As a marine science student myself, this part of the story hit me hard. There’s a moment when Rani witnesses firsthand the destruction caused by human greed and it’s devastating. The ocean has existed for millions of years, a world untouched and teeming with life, until we arrived. We treat it as if it belongs to us, forgetting that its creatures have been here far longer than we have. Reading those scenes, I felt an overwhelming sense of grief not just for Rani but for the real oceans we are destroying.
This book isn’t just a story about a mermaid. It’s a story about what it means to be alone, what it means to find someone who fills that emptiness, and what it means to lose them. It’s about the fragile beauty of the world we take for granted. This is haunting, tender, and deeply humane in a way I didn’t expect. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your heart, long after you turn the last page.
February 19, 2026
#SaltwaterSociety is a sweet novella set in the waters of Kuala Selangor. This fantasy story opens with a brief look at the friendship between Tristan, a loyal young boy who brings a kitchen knife to Rani, a 200 years old mermaid 🧜♀️ living beneath the sea. Their meetings at the pier slowly deepen their bond, until one day, Tristan has to move, far away. Ten years later, fate brings them together again.
The 3️⃣ Things:
💧 𝑬𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆.
Tristan gives Rani the knife because she uses it to rescue sea creatures trapped due to human greed, pollution, and irresponsible waste. Such an environmentalist mermaid, right?
🌊 𝑨 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔-𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒕.
Rani, who always believes in Tristan, is constantly challenged by Rahang, a giant whale who’s skeptical and thinks all shorelings and humans are the same. Their clashes become even more intense after a tragedy involving Tristan and the greedy political games of Tan Sri Agus.
🐬 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒚 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆.
Like Tristan says, everything has its own flow, just like water. Even though it’s a novella, it still delivers action and suspense that keep you hooked. The writing flows beautifully, and I finished it in one sitting. Tristan and Rani also reminded me of Orlaith and Kai in To Bleed A Crystal Bloom.
✍🏻: @sri_rahayu_mohd_yusop
🖨️: @bibliopress
📖: 67 pages
⭐: 4/5
If you’re looking for a light and easy Ramadan read, this book might be a nice one to add to your list. #parareads #bookstagram
The 3️⃣ Things:
💧 𝑬𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆.
Tristan gives Rani the knife because she uses it to rescue sea creatures trapped due to human greed, pollution, and irresponsible waste. Such an environmentalist mermaid, right?
🌊 𝑨 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔-𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒕.
Rani, who always believes in Tristan, is constantly challenged by Rahang, a giant whale who’s skeptical and thinks all shorelings and humans are the same. Their clashes become even more intense after a tragedy involving Tristan and the greedy political games of Tan Sri Agus.
🐬 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒚 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆.
Like Tristan says, everything has its own flow, just like water. Even though it’s a novella, it still delivers action and suspense that keep you hooked. The writing flows beautifully, and I finished it in one sitting. Tristan and Rani also reminded me of Orlaith and Kai in To Bleed A Crystal Bloom.
✍🏻: @sri_rahayu_mohd_yusop
🖨️: @bibliopress
📖: 67 pages
⭐: 4/5
If you’re looking for a light and easy Ramadan read, this book might be a nice one to add to your list. #parareads #bookstagram
May 23, 2025
The mermaid and Kuala Selangor, I would never imagined that she would be here. But, anything related to mermaid, I would say YES. The story sets in a place where it famous with fireflies and coastal charm. And in a open and wide ocean, there lived a two hundred year old mermaid named Rani. She has close friend, a human named Tristan. They used to play together when Tristan was a child, being separated and they reunited again after 10 years. As they try to reconnect, the story shows how hard it can be to stay close to someone when time has passed and things are no longer the same.
This novel is a reflection on the enduring nature of connections and the sacrifices inherent in maintaining them. This is what Rani does, protecting the sea. Her actions reflect her role as a guardian of the sea. Through her interactions with Tristan, she raises awareness about the damage being done to the ocean, such as pollution, neglect, and the loss of biodiversity.
What attracted me the most from this novel is the author infuses on the impact of the environmental consequences of human actions. That's why Tristan left the knife on the shore so Rani could get it and use for this sake. The narrative prompts readers to reflect on their relationship with nature and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. And I remember when my kids and I went back to kampung last month, we cleaned the beach and picked up the rubbish that had been left behind.
This novel stands out for its depth of its themes, making it a reflective read that resonates on both personal and universal levels.
This novel is a reflection on the enduring nature of connections and the sacrifices inherent in maintaining them. This is what Rani does, protecting the sea. Her actions reflect her role as a guardian of the sea. Through her interactions with Tristan, she raises awareness about the damage being done to the ocean, such as pollution, neglect, and the loss of biodiversity.
What attracted me the most from this novel is the author infuses on the impact of the environmental consequences of human actions. That's why Tristan left the knife on the shore so Rani could get it and use for this sake. The narrative prompts readers to reflect on their relationship with nature and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. And I remember when my kids and I went back to kampung last month, we cleaned the beach and picked up the rubbish that had been left behind.
This novel stands out for its depth of its themes, making it a reflective read that resonates on both personal and universal levels.
December 16, 2024
Light-hearted content but direct to the point. If I have to choose between Little Mermaid and this, I would opt for this.
Wonder if there would be another series for it, maybe of Ayu Rania’s adventure next or about Rahang 😘
Although a thin book, at this age I love it. Enough points for conflict, love and life. I did fall asleep in between thanks to meds & had a good laugh when I read how Tristan fell asleep - assisted by meds.
The writer shared this is a 19000 words novella, short yet well wrapped up.
A very pleasant read!
Wonder if there would be another series for it, maybe of Ayu Rania’s adventure next or about Rahang 😘
Although a thin book, at this age I love it. Enough points for conflict, love and life. I did fall asleep in between thanks to meds & had a good laugh when I read how Tristan fell asleep - assisted by meds.
The writer shared this is a 19000 words novella, short yet well wrapped up.
A very pleasant read!
December 10, 2024
Dah lama tak baca novella dan rasa macam tak puas sangat. Sangat tak puas 😭 Rasa macam, nak baca lagi panjangkan lagi please... Haha.
Suka jalan ceritanya. Plot twistnya dan pengakhirannya... Suka bagaimana sikap Rani terhadap persahabatannya, dan dengan manusia lain. Nampak sifat ketulusan dan kesucian hatinya :) Rani, seekor duyung yang baik.
Suka jalan ceritanya. Plot twistnya dan pengakhirannya... Suka bagaimana sikap Rani terhadap persahabatannya, dan dengan manusia lain. Nampak sifat ketulusan dan kesucian hatinya :) Rani, seekor duyung yang baik.
August 6, 2024
Since it is short story of mermaid friendship with shorelings (human), I thought the end of it will have the same ending as always. But never have I ever thought it would end other way.
Not so much to talk about, but I'm not sure what happen to Emelda (perlu baca semula). Anyway 3 stars.
Not so much to talk about, but I'm not sure what happen to Emelda (perlu baca semula). Anyway 3 stars.
July 15, 2024
Best. Short and sweet 🫰🏻👍🏻.
October 20, 2025
Buku ni ringkas, tapi mesejnya sangat mendalam. Boleh rasa kesedihan dan frustration Rahang…
September 7, 2024
For novella, I would give it five stars!
August 26, 2024
I love this book, honestly. It felt so immersive to read at a time when I was going through a reading slump and I really needed this. I initially thought it'd be just another generic mermaid story but NO ITS SO MUCH MORE mann, anyways the actual review
I loved the interplay between joy and sorrow, it was so deeply resonant. The author does a good job expressing the emotional struggle between having the warmth of connection vs the coldness of absence and how it reveals the the complexity of human experience;where deep bonds are often accompanied by the potential for pain. This, has been a struggle, and a concept that I've always had in my mind. Seeing this addressed in a book was so refreshing to me, and the author addresses this theme so well, reading the book makes u reflect on the duality of these emotions, and the bittersweet nature of relationships, and how our paths are shaped by seemingly minor moments.
Another part I resonated with was was how how unresolved emotions can resurface when triggered by a certain event. The book does a good job contrasting emotional numbness and acute grief, the impact of our senses of loss and fundamental nature of trust in our lives.
It also made me think about how we can unknowingly influence those around us, as it wraps up the importance of self-awareness in understanding the effects of our actions and words in a nice way.
This book really tugged at my heartstrings. I felt like throwing the book across the room when I finished it, idk if it was out of pain or joy but it was in a good way, reading this effected me so, I really enjoyed this deeply and wish more people would read it. It's a good example of a writer "showing and not telling" if that makes sense. Banyak sgt kebaikan n tema2 moral tersirat if u look deeper into things
I'm currently moving houses so I'm going through my books and giving away a lot of em, already gave away luggage bags worth of books, but I'm going to keep this one on my shelf for what I hope to be forever
I loved the interplay between joy and sorrow, it was so deeply resonant. The author does a good job expressing the emotional struggle between having the warmth of connection vs the coldness of absence and how it reveals the the complexity of human experience;where deep bonds are often accompanied by the potential for pain. This, has been a struggle, and a concept that I've always had in my mind. Seeing this addressed in a book was so refreshing to me, and the author addresses this theme so well, reading the book makes u reflect on the duality of these emotions, and the bittersweet nature of relationships, and how our paths are shaped by seemingly minor moments.
Another part I resonated with was was how how unresolved emotions can resurface when triggered by a certain event. The book does a good job contrasting emotional numbness and acute grief, the impact of our senses of loss and fundamental nature of trust in our lives.
It also made me think about how we can unknowingly influence those around us, as it wraps up the importance of self-awareness in understanding the effects of our actions and words in a nice way.
This book really tugged at my heartstrings. I felt like throwing the book across the room when I finished it, idk if it was out of pain or joy but it was in a good way, reading this effected me so, I really enjoyed this deeply and wish more people would read it. It's a good example of a writer "showing and not telling" if that makes sense. Banyak sgt kebaikan n tema2 moral tersirat if u look deeper into things
I'm currently moving houses so I'm going through my books and giving away a lot of em, already gave away luggage bags worth of books, but I'm going to keep this one on my shelf for what I hope to be forever
October 11, 2025
Tristan has finally returned to his family home in Kuala Selangor after ten years away. But danger dodges his steps, and when he is attacked by the shore, it's his long-lost mermaid friend, Rani, who helps save him - to her own detriment.
Saltwater Society is a light read, and a quick one at that. The chapters switch between Rani & Tristan's POV, giving you both their views of the events taking place.
I'm wavering between a 3 & a 3.5, because this could've been a very high-stakes, high-emotion read, especially since it's written in first person. Somehow, though, it isn't. It falls a little flat, with a lot of telling and introspection, which kind of works? But also kind of doesn't.
Saltwater Society is a light read, and a quick one at that. The chapters switch between Rani & Tristan's POV, giving you both their views of the events taking place.
I'm wavering between a 3 & a 3.5, because this could've been a very high-stakes, high-emotion read, especially since it's written in first person. Somehow, though, it isn't. It falls a little flat, with a lot of telling and introspection, which kind of works? But also kind of doesn't.
July 22, 2025
4.75/5⭐
July 9, 2024
Eventho nipis dan sikit, this is good enough to portray how mesmerizing Rani is and how the secret of the sea should not be shaken.
I love Rani so much. She is magical and not the kind of typical ignorant mermaid. She understood the danger and never wished to be on land too long. Tristan is just her friend, they might have developed something along the way, but Rani insisted that Tristan is her friend. Not ignoring Rahang's warning, she took it as advice. She's trying to understand why Rahang is mad at her for befriending a shoreling with the knowledge of the shoreling's wonder and cruelty that Tristan provided.
The author narrates the story from Rani and Tristan's POV without complicating it. You won't get confused. Thank you for this author! A very refreshing mermaid story to me.
I love Rani so much. She is magical and not the kind of typical ignorant mermaid. She understood the danger and never wished to be on land too long. Tristan is just her friend, they might have developed something along the way, but Rani insisted that Tristan is her friend. Not ignoring Rahang's warning, she took it as advice. She's trying to understand why Rahang is mad at her for befriending a shoreling with the knowledge of the shoreling's wonder and cruelty that Tristan provided.
The author narrates the story from Rani and Tristan's POV without complicating it. You won't get confused. Thank you for this author! A very refreshing mermaid story to me.
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