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The Merman's Child
By 2005, internet access had reached the coastal Maine communities where Jamie Fielding grew up, enabling her to telecommute from Maine after two decades away building her career. When she discovers the waterfront home on Westport Island where her best friend grew up is for sale, Jamie purchases the property and comes home.
Soon after Jamie returns to Maine, she’s told the Dodge family legend of Jeremy Squam—a Native American that was run off a cliff by early settlers when it was discovered he was the true father of a Dodge family baby. According to the legend, Jeremy Squam did not die that day, but instead became a merman that would haunt Dodge Point for one summer every three years.
For a while it seems like Jamie is able to have it all—living in Maine, thriving in her professional career, and the relationship of her dreams. But one fateful night, that dream becomes a nightmare and she discovers the legend is real—or at least the merman who rescues her from the shores of her new home is very real. In the month that follows, she spends time with Adam, the name he goes by when he becomes a man. But by the end of the summer, he becomes a merman once again and then leaves, not to return for three years.
Just before he leaves, Jamie discovers she is pregnant with his child. While she knows she is more than capable of raising this child on her own, as she awaits his return Jamie discovers there is more to the legend of the merman than she has been told.
This debut novel explores the challenges of coming home and finding oneself against the backdrop of generational changes in Coastal Maine.
Soon after Jamie returns to Maine, she’s told the Dodge family legend of Jeremy Squam—a Native American that was run off a cliff by early settlers when it was discovered he was the true father of a Dodge family baby. According to the legend, Jeremy Squam did not die that day, but instead became a merman that would haunt Dodge Point for one summer every three years.
For a while it seems like Jamie is able to have it all—living in Maine, thriving in her professional career, and the relationship of her dreams. But one fateful night, that dream becomes a nightmare and she discovers the legend is real—or at least the merman who rescues her from the shores of her new home is very real. In the month that follows, she spends time with Adam, the name he goes by when he becomes a man. But by the end of the summer, he becomes a merman once again and then leaves, not to return for three years.
Just before he leaves, Jamie discovers she is pregnant with his child. While she knows she is more than capable of raising this child on her own, as she awaits his return Jamie discovers there is more to the legend of the merman than she has been told.
This debut novel explores the challenges of coming home and finding oneself against the backdrop of generational changes in Coastal Maine.
356 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 10, 2025
Marita Fairfield has produced a marvelous mixture of fantasy and reality in this powerful coming-home-again story. This novel depicts the coastal Maine setting to perfection. If I wasn't already here, I would want to return to Maine, just as her protagonist did.
Jamie Fielding moves from D.C to work remotely after she purchases a home on Westport Island. She has just one problem: Jamie has finally met the man of her dreams back in D.C. But all turns out well when he agrees to follow her, or does it?
The prologue warns us that Jamie has a secret before we, the readers, have even entered her world.
A neighbor and the father of Jamie's childhood friend sets the stage for an event that will change her life forever. The tale of Jeremy Squam is a sad one. Many years ago the Native American was run off a cliff, only to return every three years as a merman.
How this relates to Jamie and her future is a story to be savored.
I highly recommend this extremely well plotted book to everyone. It has guaranteed a permanent place in MY bookshelf.
Jamie Fielding moves from D.C to work remotely after she purchases a home on Westport Island. She has just one problem: Jamie has finally met the man of her dreams back in D.C. But all turns out well when he agrees to follow her, or does it?
The prologue warns us that Jamie has a secret before we, the readers, have even entered her world.
A neighbor and the father of Jamie's childhood friend sets the stage for an event that will change her life forever. The tale of Jeremy Squam is a sad one. Many years ago the Native American was run off a cliff, only to return every three years as a merman.
How this relates to Jamie and her future is a story to be savored.
I highly recommend this extremely well plotted book to everyone. It has guaranteed a permanent place in MY bookshelf.
November 10, 2025
I very much enjoy books about Maine and this one was very special. I found the women's stories and histories compelling. Maritas subtle approach to the supernatural is a novel one.
Focusing more on the story rather than the supernatural aspects. I am looking forward to reading her second book "The Mermans Hope" next.
Focusing more on the story rather than the supernatural aspects. I am looking forward to reading her second book "The Mermans Hope" next.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews