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Sealskin
Donald is a young fisherman, eking out a lonely living on the west coast of Scotland. One night he witnesses something miraculous, and makes a terrible mistake. His action changes lives—not only his own, but those of his family and the entire tightly knit community in which they live. Can he ever atone for the wrong he has done, and can love grow when its foundation is violence? Based on the legend of the selkies—seals who can transform into people—evokes the harsh beauty of the landscape, the resilience of its people, both human and animal, and the triumph of hope over fear and prejudice. With exquisite grace, Su Bristow transports us to a different world, subtly and beautifully exploring what it means to be an outsider, and our innate capacity for forgiveness and acceptance. Rich with myth and magic, Sealskin is, nonetheless, a very human story, as relevant to our world as to the timeless place in which it is set.
276 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2016
86 people are currently reading
2931 people want to read
About the author
Su Bristow
3 books59 followersSu Bristow is a consultant medical herbalist by day. She's the author of two books on herbal medicine: The Herbal Medicine Chest and The Herb Handbook; and two on relationship skills: The Courage to Love and Falling in Love, Staying in Love, co-written with psychotherapist, Malcolm Stern. Her published fiction includes 'Troll Steps' (in the anthology, Barcelona to Bihar), and 'Changes' which came second in the 2010 Creative Writing Matters flash fiction competition. Sealskin is set in the Hebrides, and it's a reworking of the Scottish and Nordic legend of the selkies, or seals who can turn into people. It won the Exeter Novel Prize 2013. Her writing has been described as 'magical realism; Angela Carter meets Eowyn Ivey'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
July 9, 2017
Donald is a young boy living with his mother on the west coast of Scotland in a village that makes it's livelihood off of fishing. Unfortunately Donald has a skin problem that makes it hard for him to go out on the fishing boats and make him a target of frequent teasing. One day when running out on his mother after she tells him his uncle wants him to come out fishing, Donald goes to check on his crab traps when he sees something unusual. He watches as a group of seal slip off their skin and become human women who dance and play around with one another until they notice him watching. The selkies panic and rush back to the water but Donald has hidden the skin of one and takes her as she's trapped on land. After the rush of passion he becomes unsure of what to do with her and takes her home hoping his mother, Birdie, will know what to do.
I just wanted to say that I know that people have their things so if you're upset reading about rape then I would be careful about this one, but that's right at the beginning. The only other thing is that so if that's going to make you angry I would not read this.
That said I personally really enjoyed this, the writing and pacing were so good and kept me reading and entranced the whole time. I love Mairhi, the selkie, and a lot of the characters in the book were so complex and I really loved the emotional insights that the book made, especially through Donald because it also served as a way to show his own growth through out the book. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil it but the ending really made me sad, I feel like I should've expected it but I didn't and so it just caught me off guard and that didn't help with the whole already being sad thing. I just think the plot was really well done, the way everything happened and the characters slow change over the course of the book. It was so believable and the story was so well told, I really got pulled in by this one.
I just wanted to say that I know that people have their things so if you're upset reading about rape then I would be careful about this one, but that's right at the beginning. The only other thing is that so if that's going to make you angry I would not read this.
That said I personally really enjoyed this, the writing and pacing were so good and kept me reading and entranced the whole time. I love Mairhi, the selkie, and a lot of the characters in the book were so complex and I really loved the emotional insights that the book made, especially through Donald because it also served as a way to show his own growth through out the book. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil it but the ending really made me sad, I feel like I should've expected it but I didn't and so it just caught me off guard and that didn't help with the whole already being sad thing. I just think the plot was really well done, the way everything happened and the characters slow change over the course of the book. It was so believable and the story was so well told, I really got pulled in by this one.
May 1, 2017
One night, Donald, a fisherman, sees a strange sight along the shore. Seals come out of the water, take off their skins and dance about on the sand as women. "There were seals on the skerry tonight... Moonlight silvered everything, casting doubt and shadow. So he scrubbed at his eyes and look again, but they were still rolling, rising up, standing and stepping out of their heavy skins, helping each other to get free." loc 70, ebook.
These beings are selkies, magical creatures who live as seals in the water and women on land. If you take and hide one of their skins, while they are in human form, the selkie is trapped and can't return to the sea. "He put out a hand and touched the nearest (skin). It was warm, as though some of its owner's life still lingered in it. Bolder now, he pulled it towards him, running his hand along the grain of the smooth pelt." loc 87.
Donald, enchanted by the women, commits a heinous crime. Then, he and his village has to deal with the consequences.
Sealskin relies on character development to tell its tale. Frankly, I had trouble making it through the first couple of chapters because I disliked Donald so much. Towards the end of the book, I developed some empathy for his plight, but really, I never got over his first interaction with the selkies.
I was more interested in the myth that Su Bristow built her story upon than the tale itself.
I imagine that myths and stories like these are a way that humanity explains some of its unexplainable or socially unacceptable habits. For example, some societies had tales of gods visiting in the middle of the night to explain why a maiden suddenly became pregnant. Fairies lived under the hill and rode the wild hunt at the full moon, so it was better to stay indoors. Don't tell a stranger your name or he'd have power over you. These tales had a genesis, I believe, in actual human behavior.
I work for a newspaper and, a few weeks ago, a story that strangely reminded me of this book crossed my desk. It is far more disturbing than this tale so I'm going to mark it with spoilers so that readers don't have to examine it if they don't want to.
I don't want to turn anyone off of reading this book. But, this real life event reminded me of the myth of the selkie in its inexplicably and mystery and for that reason, I'm going to include it in my review.
Why do you think tales of the selkie developed? I would argue that it was spun because of a story just like that.
Recommended for readers who enjoy a tale with a touch of magical realism and who can handle a romance with a very dark beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orenda Books for a free digital advance reader's copy of this book. The brief quoted portions of this review may vary slightly in the final published version.
These beings are selkies, magical creatures who live as seals in the water and women on land. If you take and hide one of their skins, while they are in human form, the selkie is trapped and can't return to the sea. "He put out a hand and touched the nearest (skin). It was warm, as though some of its owner's life still lingered in it. Bolder now, he pulled it towards him, running his hand along the grain of the smooth pelt." loc 87.
Donald, enchanted by the women, commits a heinous crime. Then, he and his village has to deal with the consequences.
Sealskin relies on character development to tell its tale. Frankly, I had trouble making it through the first couple of chapters because I disliked Donald so much. Towards the end of the book, I developed some empathy for his plight, but really, I never got over his first interaction with the selkies.
I was more interested in the myth that Su Bristow built her story upon than the tale itself.
I imagine that myths and stories like these are a way that humanity explains some of its unexplainable or socially unacceptable habits. For example, some societies had tales of gods visiting in the middle of the night to explain why a maiden suddenly became pregnant. Fairies lived under the hill and rode the wild hunt at the full moon, so it was better to stay indoors. Don't tell a stranger your name or he'd have power over you. These tales had a genesis, I believe, in actual human behavior.
I work for a newspaper and, a few weeks ago, a story that strangely reminded me of this book crossed my desk. It is far more disturbing than this tale so I'm going to mark it with spoilers so that readers don't have to examine it if they don't want to.
I don't want to turn anyone off of reading this book. But, this real life event reminded me of the myth of the selkie in its inexplicably and mystery and for that reason, I'm going to include it in my review.
Why do you think tales of the selkie developed? I would argue that it was spun because of a story just like that.
Recommended for readers who enjoy a tale with a touch of magical realism and who can handle a romance with a very dark beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orenda Books for a free digital advance reader's copy of this book. The brief quoted portions of this review may vary slightly in the final published version.
August 24, 2018
Enchanting, enthralling, charismatic and mesmerising, this book really is a thing of beauty! I'd been wanting to read it for ages and I was over the moon to win it in a Twitter competition. I was not disappointed, I truly adored every word and now I just want to start reading it all over again!
There's a Scottish legend about Water Selkies -'Seal Folk' who are mythological beings capable of changing from seal to human form by shedding their skin. These selkie folk have been recounted many times in Scottish folklore and are a delight to hear of. "Sealskin" written by Su Bristow is a beautifully crafted tale about that mysterious legend and one selkie in particular who finds herself unable to return to her skin - so prepare to unwind, chill and immerse yourself in a little Scottish magic!
This book was pure medicine for me at the moment, it was such a lovely distraction from everyday life and I was happy to be transported to a different world. I was captivated by the atmospheric coastal setting and the characters were just perfect - Mairhi was so innocent, gentle and lovely. I truly felt for her predicament, finding herself so far away from her family and home and not understanding a thing in her new life. Set on the west coast of Scotland (a place I adore) I thoroughly enjoyed this magical and spell bounding story and could visualise every scene clearly even though set fictionally many years ago. I won't talk about the denouement or give any clues as to how it ends but it was as I imagined it to be with a little twist to boot.
Beautifully written by a talented and imaginative author, this was such a complete and welcome change from my humdrum routine of life.
A typical classic Orenda publication, this unique book will be categorically staying on my book shelf and will most certainly be read again! So if you too fancy some Scottish cultural fantasy fiction then this is definitely the book to read, atmospheric, haunting and so human - just perfect!
5 magical stars.
There's a Scottish legend about Water Selkies -'Seal Folk' who are mythological beings capable of changing from seal to human form by shedding their skin. These selkie folk have been recounted many times in Scottish folklore and are a delight to hear of. "Sealskin" written by Su Bristow is a beautifully crafted tale about that mysterious legend and one selkie in particular who finds herself unable to return to her skin - so prepare to unwind, chill and immerse yourself in a little Scottish magic!
This book was pure medicine for me at the moment, it was such a lovely distraction from everyday life and I was happy to be transported to a different world. I was captivated by the atmospheric coastal setting and the characters were just perfect - Mairhi was so innocent, gentle and lovely. I truly felt for her predicament, finding herself so far away from her family and home and not understanding a thing in her new life. Set on the west coast of Scotland (a place I adore) I thoroughly enjoyed this magical and spell bounding story and could visualise every scene clearly even though set fictionally many years ago. I won't talk about the denouement or give any clues as to how it ends but it was as I imagined it to be with a little twist to boot.
Beautifully written by a talented and imaginative author, this was such a complete and welcome change from my humdrum routine of life.
A typical classic Orenda publication, this unique book will be categorically staying on my book shelf and will most certainly be read again! So if you too fancy some Scottish cultural fantasy fiction then this is definitely the book to read, atmospheric, haunting and so human - just perfect!
5 magical stars.
May 13, 2017
Selkies are Scottish mythological seals who can shed their skin to become human on land. This tale follows the narrative of the most common story told legend.
With this old legend comes a problematic beginning to this story and I am not sure the author was able to justify the initial behaviour of Arthur or his mother. However, despite my protests, Su Bristow eventually won me over with this slow burning tale set on the West Coast of Scotland of what it means to be human.
With this old legend comes a problematic beginning to this story and I am not sure the author was able to justify the initial behaviour of Arthur or his mother. However, despite my protests, Su Bristow eventually won me over with this slow burning tale set on the West Coast of Scotland of what it means to be human.
September 28, 2018
“On a night like this, with the vastness of the sea and the sky all to himself, a man might witness marvels.”
Now I like stories involving marvels, mythology and magical-realism as much as the next reader, but when a woman gets raped within the opening sequence of the book, my reading-pleasure drops drastically. Add a number of other disappointing elements to it, and Sealskin becomes a debut that let me down in many, many ways.
This book is based on the myth of the Selkie: a Scottish mythological seal who, by shedding their skin, can turn human. One night a young fisherman called Donald captures a Selkie-woman, and after forcing himself on her, takes her home to his tiny village to make her his wife. There we see what kind of changes strange, mute Mairhi brings to the small community, and if love is enough to make her stay.
If that synopsis sounds a bit lackluster: it's because this story feels so lackluster. Apart from telling the basic myth of the Selkie, there isn’t much more to this book. The plot is predictable, there are barely any scenery-descriptions of the sea and the island, and all the characters were flat and went without any development.
Our main character Donald I disliked from the beginning (more on why later), Maihri literally never gets a voice or the chance to become a real human, and the other people in the village felt colorless and forgettable.
The reason why I disliked Donald, and one of the overall reasons why I dislike this book, is because of the rape scene at the start and the domestic abuse. The rape scene comes out of nowhere and when his mother asks about it, Donald tells her that “I saw this beautiful naked woman dancing there, like she was meant for me, and so I couldn’t help myself!”
When I read that line, I was this close to quitting this book and throwing it into the garbage can. This answer DISGUSTS me and made me lose all sympathy for Donald, no matter how hard he struggles with what he’s done and how, during the rest of the book, he tries to make Mairhi forgive him.
As for the domestic abuse, there is a couple that live in the village – Jessie and Aly Bain – and while everyone there knows that Aly beats his wife and terrorizes his children, nobody does anything about it. What’s even worse is that during one scene, where Aly hits his wife in public, Donald and all the other men look away because “it’s none of their business.”
Bullshit: such an attitude is vile, cowardice and wrong, especially since all the women of the village immediately leap to Jessie’s defence. If you are such a tightly knit community, no one – man or woman – should accept this behaviour and just throw Aly in the sea like the scum he is.
So I don’t get why so many people give this book a high rating, because I find it hard to find anything positive in Sealskin. All the characters were flat, the writing was unable to add any emotion or energy to the uncreative plot, and there was some highly problematic behaviour present in this book that I felt wasn’t properly dealt with.
The only reason why I give this book 2 stars is because of its ending, and that thanks to the short chapters the story was over quickly. However, once I was finished I felt neither happiness nor sadness: just gladness that it was over.
Ps. If people are looking for a good dark magical-realism story that smells of salt and drama, I rather recommend The Scorpio Races than this. There are better books out there about Selkie mythology, and better debuts period.
Now I like stories involving marvels, mythology and magical-realism as much as the next reader, but when a woman gets raped within the opening sequence of the book, my reading-pleasure drops drastically. Add a number of other disappointing elements to it, and Sealskin becomes a debut that let me down in many, many ways.
This book is based on the myth of the Selkie: a Scottish mythological seal who, by shedding their skin, can turn human. One night a young fisherman called Donald captures a Selkie-woman, and after forcing himself on her, takes her home to his tiny village to make her his wife. There we see what kind of changes strange, mute Mairhi brings to the small community, and if love is enough to make her stay.
If that synopsis sounds a bit lackluster: it's because this story feels so lackluster. Apart from telling the basic myth of the Selkie, there isn’t much more to this book. The plot is predictable, there are barely any scenery-descriptions of the sea and the island, and all the characters were flat and went without any development.
Our main character Donald I disliked from the beginning (more on why later), Maihri literally never gets a voice or the chance to become a real human, and the other people in the village felt colorless and forgettable.
The reason why I disliked Donald, and one of the overall reasons why I dislike this book, is because of the rape scene at the start and the domestic abuse. The rape scene comes out of nowhere and when his mother asks about it, Donald tells her that “I saw this beautiful naked woman dancing there, like she was meant for me, and so I couldn’t help myself!”
When I read that line, I was this close to quitting this book and throwing it into the garbage can. This answer DISGUSTS me and made me lose all sympathy for Donald, no matter how hard he struggles with what he’s done and how, during the rest of the book, he tries to make Mairhi forgive him.
As for the domestic abuse, there is a couple that live in the village – Jessie and Aly Bain – and while everyone there knows that Aly beats his wife and terrorizes his children, nobody does anything about it. What’s even worse is that during one scene, where Aly hits his wife in public, Donald and all the other men look away because “it’s none of their business.”
Bullshit: such an attitude is vile, cowardice and wrong, especially since all the women of the village immediately leap to Jessie’s defence. If you are such a tightly knit community, no one – man or woman – should accept this behaviour and just throw Aly in the sea like the scum he is.
So I don’t get why so many people give this book a high rating, because I find it hard to find anything positive in Sealskin. All the characters were flat, the writing was unable to add any emotion or energy to the uncreative plot, and there was some highly problematic behaviour present in this book that I felt wasn’t properly dealt with.
The only reason why I give this book 2 stars is because of its ending, and that thanks to the short chapters the story was over quickly. However, once I was finished I felt neither happiness nor sadness: just gladness that it was over.
Ps. If people are looking for a good dark magical-realism story that smells of salt and drama, I rather recommend The Scorpio Races than this. There are better books out there about Selkie mythology, and better debuts period.
February 14, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
It seems like anytime I begin a review of an Orenda book I say that it will be difficult for me to review because I’ve never read anything like it before and this is no exception. What a spectacular read this was, I have honestly never encountered a book quite like it and am just blown away by the gentle beauty of the story.
I had never heard of the legend of the Selkie before but as soon as I began reading, I was immediately entranced by the descriptions of these stunning creatures. Donald is a young man that lives on the coast of Scotland and he leads an isolated and lonely life with his mother, Bridie. He’s always been an outsider in his tight knit community and has never felt like he’s truly belonged. After a fateful night where he makes a foolish and risky decision, he learns some hard lessons, but he also may find his place in the world at the same time and discover the power of forgiveness, acceptance and pure love.
I’m hesitant to discuss much more of the plot, this is one of those very special books that needs to be read with an open mind and no prior knowledge of what’s to come. Bristow is an incredibly talented writer, she had me under her spell from page one and my interest never wavered until I turned the final page. There are some deep messages here, many of which are very timely even though it evokes a time period of long ago. The power of forgiveness and the healing it provides is one of the most prevalent themes and it also explores prejudices, love and family bonds. The characterization is superb, Donald evolves in such a profound manner by the time the story ends, and Mairhi is such a moving character, especially since she never utters a single word. Set in the rugged and unforgiving coast of Scotland, the awe inspiring beauty and harsh atmosphere heightens the intensity of the plot and provides an unforgettable landscape that will take your breath away. I can’t say enough about how profoundly this book effected me and Bristow has told a sensational story that will stay with me forever.
It seems like anytime I begin a review of an Orenda book I say that it will be difficult for me to review because I’ve never read anything like it before and this is no exception. What a spectacular read this was, I have honestly never encountered a book quite like it and am just blown away by the gentle beauty of the story.
I had never heard of the legend of the Selkie before but as soon as I began reading, I was immediately entranced by the descriptions of these stunning creatures. Donald is a young man that lives on the coast of Scotland and he leads an isolated and lonely life with his mother, Bridie. He’s always been an outsider in his tight knit community and has never felt like he’s truly belonged. After a fateful night where he makes a foolish and risky decision, he learns some hard lessons, but he also may find his place in the world at the same time and discover the power of forgiveness, acceptance and pure love.
I’m hesitant to discuss much more of the plot, this is one of those very special books that needs to be read with an open mind and no prior knowledge of what’s to come. Bristow is an incredibly talented writer, she had me under her spell from page one and my interest never wavered until I turned the final page. There are some deep messages here, many of which are very timely even though it evokes a time period of long ago. The power of forgiveness and the healing it provides is one of the most prevalent themes and it also explores prejudices, love and family bonds. The characterization is superb, Donald evolves in such a profound manner by the time the story ends, and Mairhi is such a moving character, especially since she never utters a single word. Set in the rugged and unforgiving coast of Scotland, the awe inspiring beauty and harsh atmosphere heightens the intensity of the plot and provides an unforgettable landscape that will take your breath away. I can’t say enough about how profoundly this book effected me and Bristow has told a sensational story that will stay with me forever.
February 17, 2022
I love selkies. I love seals. I love the Hebrides. I love fantasy. But I'd throw this book off a cliff if I had a physical copy.
SPOILERS BELOW
.
.
.
The story opens with Donald, a socially awkward and socially ostracised young man who slips out at night, observes some seals turn into naked women, and oogles them from afar. They are frequently described as small and childlike, for extra creep factor. The seals eventually spot him and flee back to the water.
Except one seal, who Donald captures, violently rapes, impregnates, and drags back (naked and bleeding) to his mother's house. Donald wants to throw her back into the sea and can't satisfactorily explain why he didn't do so in the first place, other than the obvious fact the book wouldn't progress if he hadn't.
But his mother writes off his crime of rape as a kind of unfortunate mistake and forbids him from returning the girl to the ocean, believing that she can no longer be a seal now that Donald has got her pregnant, and any half human children she births will possibly drown (or at least, she will never get to have grandkids, and that is seemingly her biggest motivation in all this.)
Donald is then forced by his mother to marry the girl, not that she gets a fucking say in it of course, and to explain why she is clueless and nonverbal they pass her off as an intellectually disabled and mute semi cousin of his, which Donald moans about internally because he finds it burdensome and embarrassing and is aware that other people find it all a bit gross and creepy.
And it all goes on from there, telling this "love story" from the pov of a supposedly beleaguered rapist who we are meant to feel sorry for because he's awkward and has eczema.
I don't feel sorry him. I feel sorry for the girl who was ripped from her society and forced to live among humans, who are effectively predators of her kind, and be married against her will to her abuser. But it will all be okay because they fall in love despite a sexually violent meet cute and the town learns to appreciate both rapist and his "childlike" victim despite their oddities, or something.
Jeeeeesus.
I can't help thinking how much better this book would be if written from the girls point of view and then this stuff could be explores without the novel demanding that we feel sorry for such a pathetic asshole.
This novel is supposed to be about forgiveness or some shite, and maybe a different person could get that from this book. Maybe a different person could read it, find it uplifting, decide that it examines sexual violence and its fallout sensitively, or feels it is justified in it handling these things in the context of the culture and time period yadda yadda.
But you know what, I'm not that person. I'd rather Donald died in a fire.
##
PS, if I didn't like seals so much this might inky have been a two star. Also, if this didn't have such rave reviews for being literary fantasy, it might also have scraped a two star. But if you elevate my expectations to celestial levels and then smash them utterly, I'll be pissed.
SPOILERS BELOW
.
.
.
The story opens with Donald, a socially awkward and socially ostracised young man who slips out at night, observes some seals turn into naked women, and oogles them from afar. They are frequently described as small and childlike, for extra creep factor. The seals eventually spot him and flee back to the water.
Except one seal, who Donald captures, violently rapes, impregnates, and drags back (naked and bleeding) to his mother's house. Donald wants to throw her back into the sea and can't satisfactorily explain why he didn't do so in the first place, other than the obvious fact the book wouldn't progress if he hadn't.
But his mother writes off his crime of rape as a kind of unfortunate mistake and forbids him from returning the girl to the ocean, believing that she can no longer be a seal now that Donald has got her pregnant, and any half human children she births will possibly drown (or at least, she will never get to have grandkids, and that is seemingly her biggest motivation in all this.)
Donald is then forced by his mother to marry the girl, not that she gets a fucking say in it of course, and to explain why she is clueless and nonverbal they pass her off as an intellectually disabled and mute semi cousin of his, which Donald moans about internally because he finds it burdensome and embarrassing and is aware that other people find it all a bit gross and creepy.
And it all goes on from there, telling this "love story" from the pov of a supposedly beleaguered rapist who we are meant to feel sorry for because he's awkward and has eczema.
I don't feel sorry him. I feel sorry for the girl who was ripped from her society and forced to live among humans, who are effectively predators of her kind, and be married against her will to her abuser. But it will all be okay because they fall in love despite a sexually violent meet cute and the town learns to appreciate both rapist and his "childlike" victim despite their oddities, or something.
Jeeeeesus.
I can't help thinking how much better this book would be if written from the girls point of view and then this stuff could be explores without the novel demanding that we feel sorry for such a pathetic asshole.
This novel is supposed to be about forgiveness or some shite, and maybe a different person could get that from this book. Maybe a different person could read it, find it uplifting, decide that it examines sexual violence and its fallout sensitively, or feels it is justified in it handling these things in the context of the culture and time period yadda yadda.
But you know what, I'm not that person. I'd rather Donald died in a fire.
##
PS, if I didn't like seals so much this might inky have been a two star. Also, if this didn't have such rave reviews for being literary fantasy, it might also have scraped a two star. But if you elevate my expectations to celestial levels and then smash them utterly, I'll be pissed.
February 28, 2020
What's a selkie? I think this book sufficiently answers that in this gorgeous, poetic take. The prose, dear God is so amazing.
How can I read this novel and not think of Teeth by the ever-talented Hannah Moskowitz?
and of course, reminds me of Song of the sea.
But forget the song of that sea and read this.
It's set in Scotland and it is about a fish. Why aren't you reading it?
April 21, 2017
Publish date 05/01/2017!
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
The Legend
---------------------------------------------
A few words to explain this tale: sadly...sweet?. I question sweet because of the fact that the main character, Donald, raped a Selkie in order to "keep" her.
Donald, a young man born to a fishing family, was down at the sea's edge. Some seals appeared on the rocky beach, and shed their seal skins, revealing themselves as young maidens. Donald hid, and watched as the girls danced. Entranced by them, he hid one of the girl's skins, so she would be trapped on shore. As the girls made to leave, one couldn't find her skin. Before she could search for it, Donald seized her and raped her (which I had not expected the way the story to start out), then forced her to come back home with him.
When his mother found out what he had done, she insisted that Donald and the girl wed to hide the discretion, as she became pregnant. The girl, unnamed, stranded without her skin, and unable to speak, (later given the name Mairhi), concedes---not that she has much choice.
As time passes, and their first child comes, Mairhi and Donald seem to get along and grow together. Donald changes drastically---growing from the young, irresponsibly dull boy, to a bolder, and caring father and husband. Mairhi, becomes a beloved addition to the community, except by a select few. Despite the warmth in their relationship, issues constantly face the couple, and the looming guilt Donald holds in regards to his wife blinds him from the truth.
Character breakdown:
Donald: I couldn't help but compare Donald to a less virtuous John Ridd from Lorna Doone. Simple, dull, and thick---but only in the first half of the book. The second half, he begins to realize the weight of the deed that he had done, and how his choices not only affect himself, but the fate of other people. The book sheds light on forgiveness, which is noble, indeed. Later on, Donald even stands up for a woman in his village who's husband was abusive. I was glad to see how his character developed, and he wasn't stuck in his old habits and excuses to evade issues.
Mairhi: We never learn much about her. Granted, she couldn't speak, but she forever remains a mystery.
The other characters I found rather inconsequential to the plot. Besides Donald's mother, Bridie, but I cannot say why here.
Setting:
I loved the setting in which the story took place. You could feel the influence of the sea, and the crudeness of it. However, wanted to see a bit more of the Scottish landscape intertwined into the tale.
Pacing:
I couldn't help but feel a bit lost with the timeline of the story. The chapters are relatively short, but much time would pass between them without much indication of the lapse. I think this could have been smoothed out to make it less segregated.
Overall, Sealskin is a well written extension of the legend of the Selkie (version provided above). I enjoyed it, as I enjoy majority of stories involving local folklore. I couldn't help but be heartbroken at the end, no matter how frustrating the story began. But the way the story began caused me to rate this lower than I had expected going into this book. I think the book tries almost too hard at times to redeem Donald. I'm not saying forgiveness shouldn't be given, because he does turn out to be a rather good guy. However, rape is not a topic to be taken lightly, and I felt it was relatively un-discussed in the end. Even so, the story remains true to the legend, and is a rendition as to how the sailor "took her home to be his wife."
Vulgarity: None that I recall.
Sexual content: Some, including a non-descriptive rape scene in the beginning.
3 stars.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!
This review can also be viewed on my blog: She's Going Book Crazy
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
The Legend
Once, there was a fisherman who spent many nights fishing alone. One night at full moon, he witnessed a marvel: nine seals came ashore, put off their skins and became beautiful young women, dancing on the beach. The fisherman hid himself, and as he watched, he began to fall in love with one of them. Secretly, he hid her sealskin, so that when the others returned to the sea, she was left behind.
The fisherman took her home to be his wife, and he hid the skin at the bottom of a chest. They lived together for some years, and she bore him children. She seemed to be happy, but from time to time she would look out to sea and weep.
One day while he was out at sea, one of the children found the skin and showed it to his mother. When the fisherman returned at the end of the day, she was gone, and he never saw her again.
---------------------------------------------
A few words to explain this tale: sadly...sweet?. I question sweet because of the fact that the main character, Donald, raped a Selkie in order to "keep" her.
Donald, a young man born to a fishing family, was down at the sea's edge. Some seals appeared on the rocky beach, and shed their seal skins, revealing themselves as young maidens. Donald hid, and watched as the girls danced. Entranced by them, he hid one of the girl's skins, so she would be trapped on shore. As the girls made to leave, one couldn't find her skin. Before she could search for it, Donald seized her and raped her (which I had not expected the way the story to start out), then forced her to come back home with him.
When his mother found out what he had done, she insisted that Donald and the girl wed to hide the discretion, as she became pregnant. The girl, unnamed, stranded without her skin, and unable to speak, (later given the name Mairhi), concedes---not that she has much choice.
As time passes, and their first child comes, Mairhi and Donald seem to get along and grow together. Donald changes drastically---growing from the young, irresponsibly dull boy, to a bolder, and caring father and husband. Mairhi, becomes a beloved addition to the community, except by a select few. Despite the warmth in their relationship, issues constantly face the couple, and the looming guilt Donald holds in regards to his wife blinds him from the truth.
Character breakdown:
Donald: I couldn't help but compare Donald to a less virtuous John Ridd from Lorna Doone. Simple, dull, and thick---but only in the first half of the book. The second half, he begins to realize the weight of the deed that he had done, and how his choices not only affect himself, but the fate of other people. The book sheds light on forgiveness, which is noble, indeed. Later on, Donald even stands up for a woman in his village who's husband was abusive. I was glad to see how his character developed, and he wasn't stuck in his old habits and excuses to evade issues.
Mairhi: We never learn much about her. Granted, she couldn't speak, but she forever remains a mystery.
The other characters I found rather inconsequential to the plot. Besides Donald's mother, Bridie, but I cannot say why here.
Setting:
I loved the setting in which the story took place. You could feel the influence of the sea, and the crudeness of it. However, wanted to see a bit more of the Scottish landscape intertwined into the tale.
Pacing:
I couldn't help but feel a bit lost with the timeline of the story. The chapters are relatively short, but much time would pass between them without much indication of the lapse. I think this could have been smoothed out to make it less segregated.
Overall, Sealskin is a well written extension of the legend of the Selkie (version provided above). I enjoyed it, as I enjoy majority of stories involving local folklore. I couldn't help but be heartbroken at the end, no matter how frustrating the story began. But the way the story began caused me to rate this lower than I had expected going into this book. I think the book tries almost too hard at times to redeem Donald. I'm not saying forgiveness shouldn't be given, because he does turn out to be a rather good guy. However, rape is not a topic to be taken lightly, and I felt it was relatively un-discussed in the end. Even so, the story remains true to the legend, and is a rendition as to how the sailor "took her home to be his wife."
Vulgarity: None that I recall.
Sexual content: Some, including a non-descriptive rape scene in the beginning.
3 stars.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!
This review can also be viewed on my blog: She's Going Book Crazy
March 5, 2017
Oh. Oh, oh oh. I'm really not sure I know how to begin to review this book. What a beautiful story set around an old legend. Such colour and so much beauty in the words. And the story... My full review is to come in Feb but I'm almost regretting agreeing to the blog tour now as I'm not sure my silly ramblings will do this book justice.
If you only do one thing, then go and either buy the e-book or pre-order the paperback of this book. It is very much worth it. Orenda hits yet another home run.
A sneak peak of my review to wet your appetite:
'From the very opening, the language and the mythical beauty that is captured in the narrative truly drew me in. I cannot believe how quickly the pages and the hours passed as I read this for once I had started, I never wanted it to stop. I cannot say that I definitely knew where this story would lead, but there was a certain inevitability about the conclusion from the very beginning. The slow, softly-beating rhythm of the story, akin to the flapping wings of a butterfly, kept me moving forward, and the poetic imagery which Su Bristow conjured up truly evoked the spirit of many a fishing village and the anticipated mysticism of old folklore. The atmosphere created in the book, the pacing, the description of setting, are nothing short of perfect.'
The full review will be up on my blog JenMedsBookReviews.com in time for the paperback release in Feb.
If you only do one thing, then go and either buy the e-book or pre-order the paperback of this book. It is very much worth it. Orenda hits yet another home run.
A sneak peak of my review to wet your appetite:
'From the very opening, the language and the mythical beauty that is captured in the narrative truly drew me in. I cannot believe how quickly the pages and the hours passed as I read this for once I had started, I never wanted it to stop. I cannot say that I definitely knew where this story would lead, but there was a certain inevitability about the conclusion from the very beginning. The slow, softly-beating rhythm of the story, akin to the flapping wings of a butterfly, kept me moving forward, and the poetic imagery which Su Bristow conjured up truly evoked the spirit of many a fishing village and the anticipated mysticism of old folklore. The atmosphere created in the book, the pacing, the description of setting, are nothing short of perfect.'
The full review will be up on my blog JenMedsBookReviews.com in time for the paperback release in Feb.
February 16, 2017
'What happens when magic collides with reality?’
Sealskin is a novel by herbalist and author Su Bristow.
Just published by Orenda Books, Sealskin is something very very different that has caused me a few sleepless hours.
Please read on to find out why...
When I started Sealskin I was very taken aback by the violent scene that unfolded in the first few pages. I found it very difficult to get my head around what happened and how this despicable act was accepted and hidden as the book continued. On completion of the book this incident sat very uncomfortably with me. So I took a few days away from it and researched the Selkie Legend. This is where things changed for me.
Now I’m Irish, which makes me Celtic and admittedly I knew nothing of Selkies.
Defined by Wikipedia as ‘a mythological creature…If a man steals a female selkie’s skin she is in his power and is forced to become his wife. Female selkies are said to make excellent wives, but because their true home is the sea, they will often be seen gazing longingly at the ocean. If she finds her skin she will immediately return to her true home…. Sometimes, a selkie maiden is taken as a wife by a human man and she has several children by him. In these stories, it is one of her children who discovers her sealskin (often unwitting of its significance) and she soon returns to the sea….’
This definition was very important to me in reviewing this book because it is the use of the word ‘force’ that made me fully realise that as I was reading Sealskin, I was reading the retelling of a the Selkie legend. I needed to suspend my beliefs on right and wrong, as I would in any fairy tale, and accept it for just that ~ a legend.
The setting for Sealskin is a village set in the very bleak and remote west coast of Scotland. Donald lives there with his mother, Bridie, since the untimely loss of his father to the sea many years previously. Bridie is an herbalist who cares for the folk of the community and Donald is a struggling fisherman. Between them, their life is a very simple one, living off the land and sea. Since his father’s death, Donald has lived a very lonely life, seeking his own company over that of the villagers, who have taunted and bullied him over the years.
One night, Donald comes upon a magical scene, one that fishermen up and down the coast of Scotland and beyond only ever dream of. His actions that night change the course of his life forever.
‘That dance was never meant for you. They were maidens, ready for mating'
Su Bristow describes Mairhi, as almost waif like, ethereal as she is brought into the household. Bridie immediately takes charge. Donald, on realising the full extent of what he has done, decides to make right, as best he can in the following months. Mairhi is frightened of Donald and shrinks away from him but over time there is an understanding and life takes a new and unexpected turn for Donald.
In Sealskin, the people are very much the story. The community, the bitterness, the scandals, the humility ~ all shouldered by individuals used to dealing with hardship. This is not a story told in modern times with all the mod cons we take for granted. This is a story of a time gone by where you stood up to be counted, where your contribution to society was vital for it’s very survival.
Donald grows throughout this novel. He becomes a man.
Sealskin is a novel you read without prejudice and with the legend of the Selkie in your heart. It is a retelling of what I now know is a famous legend, passed between generations, among communities that believe in magic and especially the magic of the sea.
Sealskin is a novel by herbalist and author Su Bristow.
Just published by Orenda Books, Sealskin is something very very different that has caused me a few sleepless hours.
Please read on to find out why...
When I started Sealskin I was very taken aback by the violent scene that unfolded in the first few pages. I found it very difficult to get my head around what happened and how this despicable act was accepted and hidden as the book continued. On completion of the book this incident sat very uncomfortably with me. So I took a few days away from it and researched the Selkie Legend. This is where things changed for me.
Now I’m Irish, which makes me Celtic and admittedly I knew nothing of Selkies.
Defined by Wikipedia as ‘a mythological creature…If a man steals a female selkie’s skin she is in his power and is forced to become his wife. Female selkies are said to make excellent wives, but because their true home is the sea, they will often be seen gazing longingly at the ocean. If she finds her skin she will immediately return to her true home…. Sometimes, a selkie maiden is taken as a wife by a human man and she has several children by him. In these stories, it is one of her children who discovers her sealskin (often unwitting of its significance) and she soon returns to the sea….’
This definition was very important to me in reviewing this book because it is the use of the word ‘force’ that made me fully realise that as I was reading Sealskin, I was reading the retelling of a the Selkie legend. I needed to suspend my beliefs on right and wrong, as I would in any fairy tale, and accept it for just that ~ a legend.
The setting for Sealskin is a village set in the very bleak and remote west coast of Scotland. Donald lives there with his mother, Bridie, since the untimely loss of his father to the sea many years previously. Bridie is an herbalist who cares for the folk of the community and Donald is a struggling fisherman. Between them, their life is a very simple one, living off the land and sea. Since his father’s death, Donald has lived a very lonely life, seeking his own company over that of the villagers, who have taunted and bullied him over the years.
One night, Donald comes upon a magical scene, one that fishermen up and down the coast of Scotland and beyond only ever dream of. His actions that night change the course of his life forever.
‘That dance was never meant for you. They were maidens, ready for mating'
Su Bristow describes Mairhi, as almost waif like, ethereal as she is brought into the household. Bridie immediately takes charge. Donald, on realising the full extent of what he has done, decides to make right, as best he can in the following months. Mairhi is frightened of Donald and shrinks away from him but over time there is an understanding and life takes a new and unexpected turn for Donald.
In Sealskin, the people are very much the story. The community, the bitterness, the scandals, the humility ~ all shouldered by individuals used to dealing with hardship. This is not a story told in modern times with all the mod cons we take for granted. This is a story of a time gone by where you stood up to be counted, where your contribution to society was vital for it’s very survival.
Donald grows throughout this novel. He becomes a man.
Sealskin is a novel you read without prejudice and with the legend of the Selkie in your heart. It is a retelling of what I now know is a famous legend, passed between generations, among communities that believe in magic and especially the magic of the sea.
June 5, 2022
Incredibly sad and troubling. I tried to sigh when it ended but my chest was tight.
April 19, 2017
'Do you think you're the only fisherman to go out on a moonlit night and catch more than he bargained for?'
SEALSKIN is a story that is rather hard to like but equally hard to dislike. I remember falling in love with the myths and legends surrounding the selkies as a child, seals who could shed their skins to become human, who would either choose to love a human man or be captured by one. But as an adult I can see how awful and generally problematic this kind of story is.. especially when it becomes a romance.
Donald lives in a small coastal town in Scotland. It's a hard life and there is all sorts of closeness and conflict in the small community of fishermen. One night he stumbles upon a miraculous sight of women dancing naked on the shore, animal skins left discarded, and in their distraction he liberates and hides one of the pelts. And so when the women discover him and scatter back to the waves there's one left behind who does not belong. He ends up taking her by force and then, not knowing what else to do, bringing her home.
I'm going to be honest : it wasn't just my distaste for Donald that had me questioning this read but also I just couldn't seem to let myself be swept away by it. This is my first read by Bristow and between the guilt-ridden but still unlikeable main character and my struggles with the writing.. I wasn't sure if I could see this through.
I won't say that I eventually came to like the story but I did come to appreciate how Mairhi, a name given to the selkie by Donald's mother, both adapted to human life -- though she never spoke -- and how the community at first mistrusted her and then grew not only to appreciate her but welcome her. Between claims of being touched in the head or uncanny, the journey wasn't easy and there were a lot of struggles along the way.. including those between Donald and his selkie wife.
Eventually it does seem to be that she learns to care for the man she's been wed to, she bears his children, takes on a role in the community, and acts as a catalyst for other people to come into their own, too. She had her own kind of magic that helped others to find themselves and there was something really beautiful about that. And then comes the answer to a question that Donald dreads : with her skin in hand, will she choose to stay or will she return to the waters to which she belongs? The answer might seem obvious but maybe it's not.
By the last 30% I definitely fell under the spell Bristow wove, even if didn't love everything about it, but between the unpleasant event that kickstarted the whole story, local bullies and an annoying character or two, this was hardly an enjoyable or uplifting read. But at the same time that made it feel very believable despite the magic of the shapechanging women. There's a bleak kind of wonder to the idea of this story and I think Bristow did a good job at showcasing that.. but would I recommend? I'm not sure.
2.5 "maybe all those wishful, drunken tales were true" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
SEALSKIN is a story that is rather hard to like but equally hard to dislike. I remember falling in love with the myths and legends surrounding the selkies as a child, seals who could shed their skins to become human, who would either choose to love a human man or be captured by one. But as an adult I can see how awful and generally problematic this kind of story is.. especially when it becomes a romance.
Donald lives in a small coastal town in Scotland. It's a hard life and there is all sorts of closeness and conflict in the small community of fishermen. One night he stumbles upon a miraculous sight of women dancing naked on the shore, animal skins left discarded, and in their distraction he liberates and hides one of the pelts. And so when the women discover him and scatter back to the waves there's one left behind who does not belong. He ends up taking her by force and then, not knowing what else to do, bringing her home.
I'm going to be honest : it wasn't just my distaste for Donald that had me questioning this read but also I just couldn't seem to let myself be swept away by it. This is my first read by Bristow and between the guilt-ridden but still unlikeable main character and my struggles with the writing.. I wasn't sure if I could see this through.
I won't say that I eventually came to like the story but I did come to appreciate how Mairhi, a name given to the selkie by Donald's mother, both adapted to human life -- though she never spoke -- and how the community at first mistrusted her and then grew not only to appreciate her but welcome her. Between claims of being touched in the head or uncanny, the journey wasn't easy and there were a lot of struggles along the way.. including those between Donald and his selkie wife.
Eventually it does seem to be that she learns to care for the man she's been wed to, she bears his children, takes on a role in the community, and acts as a catalyst for other people to come into their own, too. She had her own kind of magic that helped others to find themselves and there was something really beautiful about that. And then comes the answer to a question that Donald dreads : with her skin in hand, will she choose to stay or will she return to the waters to which she belongs? The answer might seem obvious but maybe it's not.
By the last 30% I definitely fell under the spell Bristow wove, even if didn't love everything about it, but between the unpleasant event that kickstarted the whole story, local bullies and an annoying character or two, this was hardly an enjoyable or uplifting read. But at the same time that made it feel very believable despite the magic of the shapechanging women. There's a bleak kind of wonder to the idea of this story and I think Bristow did a good job at showcasing that.. but would I recommend? I'm not sure.
2.5 "maybe all those wishful, drunken tales were true" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
March 14, 2017
The life of a crofter is tough and relentless. One night he sees something that he thought was only a rumour. He makes a snap decision, commits a terrible act and begins of a chain of events that will change him and the close-knit community where he lives.
His mother, Bridie, is quite shocked when he comes home with a girl. When she understands just what he has done and the implications behind it, she conceives a story to tell their friends and neighbours, and Donald becomes betrothed to Mairhi. But this stranger in the village is an unknown quantity, she cannot speak and she looks scared half to death most of the time. Bridie discovers when she takes her out to meet others in the village that she has a power that can bring calm and healing; but as some learn, threatening her can bring dread and fear like they have never known. Some call her a witch, but only Donald and Bridie know what she really is. Gradually tensions in the village disperse and people come to accept Mairhi and her two children.
This is a good reworking of an ancient legend, written with sensitivity and aplomb. Bristow has kept the key elements whilst adding depth and plausible characters. It is full of love and anger, joy and sadness with a strong moral thread woven through the narrative. The writing is eloquent with evocative descriptions of the land and seascape. The main character, Donald has some depth, and even Mairhi develops well, neatly done as she does not utter a word. The remainder of the characters are there as a foil to these main ones. I know it ties it closer to the legend; however, there are a couple of unsavoury moments in the book. 3.5 stars.
His mother, Bridie, is quite shocked when he comes home with a girl. When she understands just what he has done and the implications behind it, she conceives a story to tell their friends and neighbours, and Donald becomes betrothed to Mairhi. But this stranger in the village is an unknown quantity, she cannot speak and she looks scared half to death most of the time. Bridie discovers when she takes her out to meet others in the village that she has a power that can bring calm and healing; but as some learn, threatening her can bring dread and fear like they have never known. Some call her a witch, but only Donald and Bridie know what she really is. Gradually tensions in the village disperse and people come to accept Mairhi and her two children.
This is a good reworking of an ancient legend, written with sensitivity and aplomb. Bristow has kept the key elements whilst adding depth and plausible characters. It is full of love and anger, joy and sadness with a strong moral thread woven through the narrative. The writing is eloquent with evocative descriptions of the land and seascape. The main character, Donald has some depth, and even Mairhi develops well, neatly done as she does not utter a word. The remainder of the characters are there as a foil to these main ones. I know it ties it closer to the legend; however, there are a couple of unsavoury moments in the book. 3.5 stars.
May 31, 2018
I would give this book zero stars if I could. [CW: rape]
This book is a retelling of an old legend. The legend: a selkie (seal who can transform into a woman) is found by a man, who impregnates her. They raise a family and are happy, but as a seal, the woman never speaks. One day, she finds her sealskin, which the man stole from her. She abandons her husband, life, and children, dons the skin, and immediately returns to the sea.
The retelling is very similar and is told from the man's perspective. Donald finds a selkie stranded on the beach and rapes her and steals her skin. They marry, she gives birth, and they eventually have another child. (A big focus of the book is that they will only have sex again when she instigates it: which, eventually, she does.) When she eventually gets ahold of her skin again, she leaves.
And as in the legend, she never says a single word.
This is a woman who is raped, stolen from her family, forced to give birth, and made to live her life in a world she doesn't understand - and is never given a voice, either internal or external. We never understand her and how she feels: it's all about Donald's character development.
Usually books that I dislike get donated, but this one I put in the recycling. This is a book about a rapist and the woman he coerces to marry him and bear his children. It's a book about Stockholm syndrome. I was absolutely disgusted.
This book is a retelling of an old legend. The legend: a selkie (seal who can transform into a woman) is found by a man, who impregnates her. They raise a family and are happy, but as a seal, the woman never speaks. One day, she finds her sealskin, which the man stole from her. She abandons her husband, life, and children, dons the skin, and immediately returns to the sea.
The retelling is very similar and is told from the man's perspective. Donald finds a selkie stranded on the beach and rapes her and steals her skin. They marry, she gives birth, and they eventually have another child. (A big focus of the book is that they will only have sex again when she instigates it: which, eventually, she does.) When she eventually gets ahold of her skin again, she leaves.
And as in the legend, she never says a single word.
This is a woman who is raped, stolen from her family, forced to give birth, and made to live her life in a world she doesn't understand - and is never given a voice, either internal or external. We never understand her and how she feels: it's all about Donald's character development.
Usually books that I dislike get donated, but this one I put in the recycling. This is a book about a rapist and the woman he coerces to marry him and bear his children. It's a book about Stockholm syndrome. I was absolutely disgusted.
February 3, 2018
I loved this story! The only thing that stopped it being 5 star was as uncomfortable start.
Based on an old Scottish myth about selkies - seal women. this is a beautiful, magical story. it was a fantastic listen with amazing narration by Angus King. I totally fell in love with his soft, Scottish accent, perfect for the main character Donald.
I had a big problem with an early action by Donald which seemed to by quiet out of character. I think part of the moral of the tale however was that Donald became a different person through his interaction with the gentle Mairi.
Based on an old Scottish myth about selkies - seal women. this is a beautiful, magical story. it was a fantastic listen with amazing narration by Angus King. I totally fell in love with his soft, Scottish accent, perfect for the main character Donald.
I had a big problem with an early action by Donald which seemed to by quiet out of character. I think part of the moral of the tale however was that Donald became a different person through his interaction with the gentle Mairi.
January 1, 2021
So this was an arc I received from Netgalley like three years ago and never reviewed.
And I didn't really know that much about it going in than it was about selkies.
This one is a little difficult to rate and review. The synopsis is purposefully vague because the magic of this story is in how it unfolds. I'm keeping my original rating of 3.5 stars, but I have decided to round up instead of down. My reason for this is because this story has stuck with me and I have found myself thinking about it in a positive light instead of negative.
This story is set in a fishing village off the coast of Scotland in a time that is not overtly discussed, but I gathered it was about the turn of the twentieth century. It is a tight knit and very small village with its own customs, traditions, and folklore that is very different from the mainland. Donald, a teenager who is somewhat of an outcast in the village, is off on his own one night emptying his crab traps, when he sees a group of selkies shedding their sealskins and dancing around naked in some type of mating ritual. He is transfixed by them and makes a decision that will change his life, and the lives of everyone in his village. It is a selfish decision, and one that is very hard to read about and sets a dark tone pretty early on.
However, the way that his actions have changed the course of his life was absolutely beautifully written. His change from beginning to end was remarkably done and I really and truly believed it. This novel is a slow burn. And when I say a slow burn, I really mean
No no no I kid. But seriously, the first 40% of this book was very slow. And the only reason I didn't give this one a true 4 stars. The writing style is also very blunt and choppy, kinda Steinbeckian, and not something I really truly appreciated until the story got going. But I promise, once this story got going I was fully on board. It is a beautifully written love story filled with hope and promise, but also carries the bittersweet twang of human error. It is very very reminiscent of Ursula Vernon's short story, Jackalope Wives, one of my absolute favorite stories, but definitely carries a different tone and theme. These characters, who felt flat and bland and one dimensional at first, really grew on me and became dynamic and nuanced. It is also filled with the rawness of hard work and sacrifice, was more magical realism than actually fantasy or fairy tale, but with a folklorian backbone that ran throughout. It is ultimately a story about the ways in which our choices define us and guide us, and about the inevitable consequences to our actions that we must live with. If you like a good story and don't mind a little slow unfolding, then I highly recommend this story. I will definitely check out this author's other writing.
I received an arc of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm sorry Netgalley, that I was so late in reading and reviewing.
And I didn't really know that much about it going in than it was about selkies.
This one is a little difficult to rate and review. The synopsis is purposefully vague because the magic of this story is in how it unfolds. I'm keeping my original rating of 3.5 stars, but I have decided to round up instead of down. My reason for this is because this story has stuck with me and I have found myself thinking about it in a positive light instead of negative.
This story is set in a fishing village off the coast of Scotland in a time that is not overtly discussed, but I gathered it was about the turn of the twentieth century. It is a tight knit and very small village with its own customs, traditions, and folklore that is very different from the mainland. Donald, a teenager who is somewhat of an outcast in the village, is off on his own one night emptying his crab traps, when he sees a group of selkies shedding their sealskins and dancing around naked in some type of mating ritual. He is transfixed by them and makes a decision that will change his life, and the lives of everyone in his village. It is a selfish decision, and one that is very hard to read about and sets a dark tone pretty early on.
However, the way that his actions have changed the course of his life was absolutely beautifully written. His change from beginning to end was remarkably done and I really and truly believed it. This novel is a slow burn. And when I say a slow burn, I really mean
No no no I kid. But seriously, the first 40% of this book was very slow. And the only reason I didn't give this one a true 4 stars. The writing style is also very blunt and choppy, kinda Steinbeckian, and not something I really truly appreciated until the story got going. But I promise, once this story got going I was fully on board. It is a beautifully written love story filled with hope and promise, but also carries the bittersweet twang of human error. It is very very reminiscent of Ursula Vernon's short story, Jackalope Wives, one of my absolute favorite stories, but definitely carries a different tone and theme. These characters, who felt flat and bland and one dimensional at first, really grew on me and became dynamic and nuanced. It is also filled with the rawness of hard work and sacrifice, was more magical realism than actually fantasy or fairy tale, but with a folklorian backbone that ran throughout. It is ultimately a story about the ways in which our choices define us and guide us, and about the inevitable consequences to our actions that we must live with. If you like a good story and don't mind a little slow unfolding, then I highly recommend this story. I will definitely check out this author's other writing.
I received an arc of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm sorry Netgalley, that I was so late in reading and reviewing.
February 17, 2017
The Selkie legend was completely new to me; I’m not normally one for stories featuring the mystical or magical – it has to be a very special story to make me put my cynicism aside. However discovering here the mythical story of the Selkies – seals who shed their skin when on land and turned into human form before returning to their skins and to the sea made for such a captivating and engrossing story I could entirely believe this was possible and that is solely down to the talent of the author.
I have to admit to being rather unsettled by the story at the start. I was unable to determine the era but assumed it to be set in the past. Donald’s actions made for uncomfortable reading but as the story progressed, I, and I would assume Mairhi too, forgave him as the story is so much more than one momentary act of madness.
Sue Bristow writes beautifully and her prose is a pleasure to read. I was totally enthralled by the story of this close knit community on the Scottish coast. So many damaged and flawed characters and deep held prejudices, intertwined with kindness and compassion. Even though she doesn’t speak, Mairhi communicates so much through just a look and her actions. The villagers distrust of her was quite understandable however even without any words, her natural charm and calm demeanour work their magic.
One of the highlights of the book for me was seeing the effect that Mairhi had on Donald. When the story began, he was a naive loner; a dehabilitating skin condition making him feel self-conscious and different and hindering his work as a fisherman. The croft he shares with his mother Bridie is his sanctuary. Bullied by some and scorned by others he avoided other people as much as possible however Mairhi’s magical touch was far reaching and life changing.
I don’t want to go into intricate detail of the story because you really do need to discover it for yourself. My review can’t possibly do this book justice. I loved it for the wonderful writing and captivating storytelling. Although no exact location is given (it is actually set in the Hebrides), there is a wonderful sense of place; the descriptions of the clifftop walks, the harbour are so vivid – all of which allowed me to easily visualise the scene in my head. Community is very important here too. People may have disagreements with each other but when help is needed, grievances are put aside and they come together.
When I finished reading, I tweeted that I had found my first Top 10 Read of 2017. Some days later, I still feel the same and the story is still with me – this is definitely a book you should put on your reading lists.
I have to admit to being rather unsettled by the story at the start. I was unable to determine the era but assumed it to be set in the past. Donald’s actions made for uncomfortable reading but as the story progressed, I, and I would assume Mairhi too, forgave him as the story is so much more than one momentary act of madness.
Sue Bristow writes beautifully and her prose is a pleasure to read. I was totally enthralled by the story of this close knit community on the Scottish coast. So many damaged and flawed characters and deep held prejudices, intertwined with kindness and compassion. Even though she doesn’t speak, Mairhi communicates so much through just a look and her actions. The villagers distrust of her was quite understandable however even without any words, her natural charm and calm demeanour work their magic.
One of the highlights of the book for me was seeing the effect that Mairhi had on Donald. When the story began, he was a naive loner; a dehabilitating skin condition making him feel self-conscious and different and hindering his work as a fisherman. The croft he shares with his mother Bridie is his sanctuary. Bullied by some and scorned by others he avoided other people as much as possible however Mairhi’s magical touch was far reaching and life changing.
I don’t want to go into intricate detail of the story because you really do need to discover it for yourself. My review can’t possibly do this book justice. I loved it for the wonderful writing and captivating storytelling. Although no exact location is given (it is actually set in the Hebrides), there is a wonderful sense of place; the descriptions of the clifftop walks, the harbour are so vivid – all of which allowed me to easily visualise the scene in my head. Community is very important here too. People may have disagreements with each other but when help is needed, grievances are put aside and they come together.
When I finished reading, I tweeted that I had found my first Top 10 Read of 2017. Some days later, I still feel the same and the story is still with me – this is definitely a book you should put on your reading lists.
August 4, 2019
Let me tell you a story:
A man finds a woman who is out having fun with her family and friends. He deliberately separates her from them, rapes her, and then brings her home with him. She does not speak. The person the man lives with instantly understands that he has raped this woman and immediately starts to concoct a plan to keep her with them and explain her presence to everyone else in the town. They manipulate this woman - who they now know has a limited understanding of English, though she's learning - into a hurried marriage to her rapist, because she's pregnant and it would bring shame on the man for a baby to be born out of wedlock. The woman remains, voiceless and cut off from her family, mistrusted by many of her neighbors, with the people who took away her freedom. She bears two children. And then finally, one captor dies and the other one makes a mistake, and she has the chance to escape, so she takes it.
Horror/thriller novel? Law and Order: SVU episode? Nope. That's Sealskin.
There's a lot I can say about this beyond "it's a rape/kidnapping story from the perpetrator's point of view", but a lot of it's just elaborating on all the extra layers of bullshit layered over this. (Ex: Donald thinks several times that he has 'given' Mairhi the gift of being human - you know, by raping her and stealing part of her identity; nobody in the book actually STAYS mad at him, or expresses anger, for the crimes he has committed; Mairhi is the model of a placid, undemanding wife who simply accommodates the needs of everyone around him without seeming to have needs of her own, etc etc.)
One of the small things I want to point out, though, is that the writing is unbearably bland. At the very least! I expected a literary prize-winning novel set on the coast of Scotland to have some atmosphere to it, some strong sense of setting! But no; there is really no substance to this town or the landscape around it. Everything is vague, broad brushstrokes, and doesn't seem to exist beyond their interactions with Donald.
Overall? Small mercy that it was short. I kept reading hoping Mairhi would get to actually express an emotion which was inconvenient for Donald in some way, any way, and my faith was not rewarded. Skip it. This is the least-empathetic selkie story I've ever encountered.
A man finds a woman who is out having fun with her family and friends. He deliberately separates her from them, rapes her, and then brings her home with him. She does not speak. The person the man lives with instantly understands that he has raped this woman and immediately starts to concoct a plan to keep her with them and explain her presence to everyone else in the town. They manipulate this woman - who they now know has a limited understanding of English, though she's learning - into a hurried marriage to her rapist, because she's pregnant and it would bring shame on the man for a baby to be born out of wedlock. The woman remains, voiceless and cut off from her family, mistrusted by many of her neighbors, with the people who took away her freedom. She bears two children. And then finally, one captor dies and the other one makes a mistake, and she has the chance to escape, so she takes it.
Horror/thriller novel? Law and Order: SVU episode? Nope. That's Sealskin.
There's a lot I can say about this beyond "it's a rape/kidnapping story from the perpetrator's point of view", but a lot of it's just elaborating on all the extra layers of bullshit layered over this. (Ex: Donald thinks several times that he has 'given' Mairhi the gift of being human - you know, by raping her and stealing part of her identity; nobody in the book actually STAYS mad at him, or expresses anger, for the crimes he has committed; Mairhi is the model of a placid, undemanding wife who simply accommodates the needs of everyone around him without seeming to have needs of her own, etc etc.)
One of the small things I want to point out, though, is that the writing is unbearably bland. At the very least! I expected a literary prize-winning novel set on the coast of Scotland to have some atmosphere to it, some strong sense of setting! But no; there is really no substance to this town or the landscape around it. Everything is vague, broad brushstrokes, and doesn't seem to exist beyond their interactions with Donald.
Overall? Small mercy that it was short. I kept reading hoping Mairhi would get to actually express an emotion which was inconvenient for Donald in some way, any way, and my faith was not rewarded. Skip it. This is the least-empathetic selkie story I've ever encountered.
October 5, 2017
A wonderful debut novel from Su Bristow who shows that she has talent by the bucketful in this retelling of a Selkie myth. This is NOT something I would usually read but the fact that it was an Orenda book (they have published some of my top books over the last few years) and that it was on promotion thankfully made me take a chance on something different.
The author gently and beautifully tells a story which opens with an unforgivable act
The writing is absolutely stunning, evocative and somewhat lyrical. The way the author brings us into the community, with it's harsh lifestyle and judgmental/superstitious people is subtle and cleverly done. I was completely enmeshed in this story of prejudices, family ties and traditions and the change that one magical silent person inspired in all around her.
Enchanting is probably a good description of both the story and the writing ... not sure how the author can follow this beauty but I'm keen to see!
The author gently and beautifully tells a story which opens with an unforgivable act
The writing is absolutely stunning, evocative and somewhat lyrical. The way the author brings us into the community, with it's harsh lifestyle and judgmental/superstitious people is subtle and cleverly done. I was completely enmeshed in this story of prejudices, family ties and traditions and the change that one magical silent person inspired in all around her.
Enchanting is probably a good description of both the story and the writing ... not sure how the author can follow this beauty but I'm keen to see!
July 6, 2017
I generally enjoy selkie stories, so I was pleased that Net Galley sent me an ARC for this book.
I was less pleased when there was a rape within the opening sequence of the book.
I was even more displeased by the way that the protagonist's entire life changes positively because he rapes and marries a selkie, and she "makes him a better man."
Women, even unhuman women, as plot device, generally make me really pissed off.
So, why's it a 3 star book? The prose is really great. The story, leaving aside how the plot is actually generated and developed, is good. It's worthwhile to me to read stories that are outside of my comfort zone. The ending was genuinely touching. The characters are well written and feel real, and learn and grow in believable ways.
I probably wouldn't recommend this to a whole lot of people, but I can see its potential.
I was less pleased when there was a rape within the opening sequence of the book.
I was even more displeased by the way that the protagonist's entire life changes positively because he rapes and marries a selkie, and she "makes him a better man."
Women, even unhuman women, as plot device, generally make me really pissed off.
So, why's it a 3 star book? The prose is really great. The story, leaving aside how the plot is actually generated and developed, is good. It's worthwhile to me to read stories that are outside of my comfort zone. The ending was genuinely touching. The characters are well written and feel real, and learn and grow in believable ways.
I probably wouldn't recommend this to a whole lot of people, but I can see its potential.
February 21, 2017
This read like an old time legend and was unique. I had never heard of the selkie myth & it's a very mystifying tale. A love story & the telling of how a community can draw together as family. Quite the blend of so many aspects.
Thanks to Orenda books for this copy in exchange for review.
Thanks to Orenda books for this copy in exchange for review.
February 15, 2017
Prepare to be completely entranced by Sealskin, a mystical and emotive novel by debut author, Su Bristow. Set in a small fishing community on the west coast of Scotland, Bristow weaves a magical tale tinged with sadness, regret and violence drawing on the traditional folkloric stories of shape-changing Selkies, and their mesmeric effect on the hapless men that encounter them. One such man is Donald Macfarlane, a formerly quiet and naïve individual, who experiences a phenomenal change of character to forcibly abduct a young Selkie woman, and integrate her into his family and community. What transpires is a story, that in its seeming simplicity, explores many threads of human nature, and the real meaning of community, family and love…
I was instantly held in the swirling, mystical air of this story, and quickly developed an instant feeling of empathy or strong dislike for the characters contained within it. The way that Bristow explores the changes that Mairhi’s arrival in this close knit community, and on those who dwell within it, is a constant source of enjoyment throughout the book. Mairhi’s influence on a whole array of individuals, for better or worse, exposes some real schisms in the community, and behaviour that was previously overlooked or accepted comes to be exposed as truly the opposite. There is a real growing in strength in some of the female characters in particular, and by the same token, a noticeable reigning in of the arrogant and violent behaviour of some of the male residents. The way Bristow leaves her without verbal communication allows us to view her as a human prism through which other’s behaviour is seen and judged, and although not wholly childlike she does have this aura about her. The changes she brings to Donald’s character in particular is striking, exposing a man formerly crippled by insecurity in a community where masculinity is prized, who grows in stature and confidence as he builds a life with her. In the day to day lives of the village’s inhabitants, Bristow carefully navigates the realm of the real and the spiritual, drawing in the themes of the tough existence of the fishermen, the influence of religion in the community, and the adherence to the old ways of natural cures and respect for the traditional. This is very strong in Donald’s mother, Bridie, who practices, and is regularly called on for, her craft in traditional cures, and the community as a whole exposes division and suspicion roughly drawn along the lines of those who subscribe to the retaining of tradition and those that embrace the folkloric. Hence, the arrival of Mairhi, is cause for further suspicion, moments of violence, and an eventful and emotional journey to some degree of acceptance for more than one character along the way.
Bristow’s portrayal of the bleak and wild coastal landscape is never less than perfect, reflecting the extremes of weather and seasonal changes that impact on this small community and shape their lives. The changeable spirit of the ocean that punishes or provides in equal measure is at the heart of this story, and the author’s descriptions of this windswept terrain, flora and fauna is vivid and tangible to the reader. Whether it is the cries of the seals, the raging of the sea, the hostility of winter, or the blooming promise of spring, the descriptions consistently arouse our senses and form bright, vivid pictures in the mind.
It’s been a while since I have been utterly lost in a book, but Sealskin produced this very effect. Set apart by its difference in subject to much of modern fiction, it held me totally in its grip, and the ending was something special and unexpected too. A book that is tinged with sadness, but utterly magical too. Highly recommended.
I was instantly held in the swirling, mystical air of this story, and quickly developed an instant feeling of empathy or strong dislike for the characters contained within it. The way that Bristow explores the changes that Mairhi’s arrival in this close knit community, and on those who dwell within it, is a constant source of enjoyment throughout the book. Mairhi’s influence on a whole array of individuals, for better or worse, exposes some real schisms in the community, and behaviour that was previously overlooked or accepted comes to be exposed as truly the opposite. There is a real growing in strength in some of the female characters in particular, and by the same token, a noticeable reigning in of the arrogant and violent behaviour of some of the male residents. The way Bristow leaves her without verbal communication allows us to view her as a human prism through which other’s behaviour is seen and judged, and although not wholly childlike she does have this aura about her. The changes she brings to Donald’s character in particular is striking, exposing a man formerly crippled by insecurity in a community where masculinity is prized, who grows in stature and confidence as he builds a life with her. In the day to day lives of the village’s inhabitants, Bristow carefully navigates the realm of the real and the spiritual, drawing in the themes of the tough existence of the fishermen, the influence of religion in the community, and the adherence to the old ways of natural cures and respect for the traditional. This is very strong in Donald’s mother, Bridie, who practices, and is regularly called on for, her craft in traditional cures, and the community as a whole exposes division and suspicion roughly drawn along the lines of those who subscribe to the retaining of tradition and those that embrace the folkloric. Hence, the arrival of Mairhi, is cause for further suspicion, moments of violence, and an eventful and emotional journey to some degree of acceptance for more than one character along the way.
Bristow’s portrayal of the bleak and wild coastal landscape is never less than perfect, reflecting the extremes of weather and seasonal changes that impact on this small community and shape their lives. The changeable spirit of the ocean that punishes or provides in equal measure is at the heart of this story, and the author’s descriptions of this windswept terrain, flora and fauna is vivid and tangible to the reader. Whether it is the cries of the seals, the raging of the sea, the hostility of winter, or the blooming promise of spring, the descriptions consistently arouse our senses and form bright, vivid pictures in the mind.
It’s been a while since I have been utterly lost in a book, but Sealskin produced this very effect. Set apart by its difference in subject to much of modern fiction, it held me totally in its grip, and the ending was something special and unexpected too. A book that is tinged with sadness, but utterly magical too. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2017
'Sealskin' is a retelling of the myth of the selkie -- seals who shed their skin to become human women, who dance in the moonlight. The blurb states that 'Donald witnesses something miraculous . . . and makes a terrible mistake [...] Can he ever atone for the wrong he has done, and can love grow when its foundation is violence?' Based on the word 'mistake', I assumed (based on the myth) that Donald would merely steal her skin. However, the person who wrote the blurb should clearly buy a dictionary, as a better descriptor of Donald's actions would be 'committed a horrific crime' -- because his 'mistake' is that he rapes the selkie less than ten pages into the novella. And if this year has taught us anything, it's that you don't 'accidentally' rape somebody.
Donald does not apologise to the selkie (later named Mairhi) for the rape until page 98, -- just under halfway through the book proper. It's clear that Bristow thinks he is atoning for the rape, but he does nothing of the kind. He apologised to the other selkies, but feels no guilt about raping Mairhi. He feels rather awkward around her, , but he feels neither ashamed nor apologetic. Donald goes through 'character development', becoming a better, stronger man -- and he has the gall to think that Mairhi's arrival into his life was a good thing. He mentions later that the sea 'gave' Mairhi to him. No, Donald, it didn't. Mairhi was dancing on the beach with her sister-selkies. You hid her skin. When she couldn't find it, you held her down and raped her, and brought her home. The sea didn't give you anything. You took it when it wasn't yours to take.
Additionally, Mairhi's presentation throughout he book is troubling, to say the least. She is frequently described as having the innocence of a child, doesn't speak a single word for the entire novel, and is presumed to be too 'simple' to understand the consequences of both Donald's and her own actions. If this had been a satire about how women are silenced while trying to speak out about their experiences, it would have been excellent. I sincerely doubt that Bristow intended this, however, as this is yet another book .
The supporting characters were . . . fine, I guess. They were all complicit with rape culture, in some form or another, even during a subplot about a wife trying to leave her abusive husband -- and in a novella this out-of-touch on the subject of rape, this just added to the horror. There were also a scene where Donald's mother, a midwife, was able to confirm Mairhi's pregnancy half an hour after her rape. This is just ridiculous -- and this is coming from somebody who doesn't have a medical background at all.
The ending of this book is true to the myth, and is framed as tragically romantic. All I can say is -- Good for you, Mairhi.
If I could give this book 0 stars, I would. It only gets one because the prose is well-written.
Donald does not apologise to the selkie (later named Mairhi) for the rape until page 98, -- just under halfway through the book proper. It's clear that Bristow thinks he is atoning for the rape, but he does nothing of the kind. He apologised to the other selkies, but feels no guilt about raping Mairhi. He feels rather awkward around her, , but he feels neither ashamed nor apologetic. Donald goes through 'character development', becoming a better, stronger man -- and he has the gall to think that Mairhi's arrival into his life was a good thing. He mentions later that the sea 'gave' Mairhi to him. No, Donald, it didn't. Mairhi was dancing on the beach with her sister-selkies. You hid her skin. When she couldn't find it, you held her down and raped her, and brought her home. The sea didn't give you anything. You took it when it wasn't yours to take.
Additionally, Mairhi's presentation throughout he book is troubling, to say the least. She is frequently described as having the innocence of a child, doesn't speak a single word for the entire novel, and is presumed to be too 'simple' to understand the consequences of both Donald's and her own actions. If this had been a satire about how women are silenced while trying to speak out about their experiences, it would have been excellent. I sincerely doubt that Bristow intended this, however, as this is yet another book .
The supporting characters were . . . fine, I guess. They were all complicit with rape culture, in some form or another, even during a subplot about a wife trying to leave her abusive husband -- and in a novella this out-of-touch on the subject of rape, this just added to the horror. There were also a scene where Donald's mother, a midwife, was able to confirm Mairhi's pregnancy half an hour after her rape. This is just ridiculous -- and this is coming from somebody who doesn't have a medical background at all.
The ending of this book is true to the myth, and is framed as tragically romantic. All I can say is -- Good for you, Mairhi.
If I could give this book 0 stars, I would. It only gets one because the prose is well-written.
February 26, 2017
I honestly don’t know how I am going to do this book justice with my humble opinion! Sealskin is absolutely stunning in both it’s plot and Bristow’s writing style. Right from the first few pages I thought that this was going to be special – and I was right!
Sealskin is a modern take on the various legends of the selkies which are told along the northern coasts of Scotland – in this instance Bristow has drawn from the legend whereby seals came ashore, shed their skins and became beautiful young women however a fisherman made the transition back impossible for one of the seals.
Donald is a lonely young fisherman who attracts teasing and ridicule from his peers, therefore hides away spending the majority of his time either on his own or in the remote home that he shares with his mother, Bridie. One night, he sees a spectacular sight whereby seals have come ashore and turned into beautiful women – in the spur of the moment, he selfishly hides one of the skins and therefore prevents one of the seals returning to the water. If only this was his only error!! In an attempt to redeem himself from his violent act, he takes this young selkie home to care for her. Despite the violent start, what follows is actually a beautiful story of a young man trying to fix a huge mistake and the care and attention that is shown to him by the selkie, Mairhi.
One of the many wonderful qualities of this book is the complete innocence of Mairhi, the sensitivity she naturally has towards others and her childlike qualities as she is learning literally everything there is to being a human. Mairhi is able to build up bonds through her actions and kindness alone which is completely lovable, I adored Mairhi’s character. Bridie is also a wonderful character, strong since losing her husband in a tragic fishing accident and trying to sort out her son’s mess whilst being extremely nurturing towards Mairhi, helping her to adapt to her new surroundings, make friends and learn new skills – and Mairhi actually teaches Bridie a thing or two in her own way.
Most of all I enjoyed the transformation that Donald goes through, there is no escaping his violent act at the start of the book but that one night brings about a journey whereby he is finally becoming comfortable in his own skin. He goes through the rest of the book trying to atone for his mistakes which lends itself to a beautiful relationship between him and Mairhi.
Bristow has woven a beautiful tale of love, loss, friendship and forgiveness, it has a serious side where it looks inwards into a community and how they treat people who are different to them which is centred on the mysterious Mairhi but also includes many other characters due to their individual nuances. Sealskin is beautifully written, it transports the reader to northern Scotland through its descriptions of the Scottish landscape and the poetic narrative really compliments its content and gives it a magical feel.
A truly special book which is beautifully written.
Sealskin is a modern take on the various legends of the selkies which are told along the northern coasts of Scotland – in this instance Bristow has drawn from the legend whereby seals came ashore, shed their skins and became beautiful young women however a fisherman made the transition back impossible for one of the seals.
Donald is a lonely young fisherman who attracts teasing and ridicule from his peers, therefore hides away spending the majority of his time either on his own or in the remote home that he shares with his mother, Bridie. One night, he sees a spectacular sight whereby seals have come ashore and turned into beautiful women – in the spur of the moment, he selfishly hides one of the skins and therefore prevents one of the seals returning to the water. If only this was his only error!! In an attempt to redeem himself from his violent act, he takes this young selkie home to care for her. Despite the violent start, what follows is actually a beautiful story of a young man trying to fix a huge mistake and the care and attention that is shown to him by the selkie, Mairhi.
One of the many wonderful qualities of this book is the complete innocence of Mairhi, the sensitivity she naturally has towards others and her childlike qualities as she is learning literally everything there is to being a human. Mairhi is able to build up bonds through her actions and kindness alone which is completely lovable, I adored Mairhi’s character. Bridie is also a wonderful character, strong since losing her husband in a tragic fishing accident and trying to sort out her son’s mess whilst being extremely nurturing towards Mairhi, helping her to adapt to her new surroundings, make friends and learn new skills – and Mairhi actually teaches Bridie a thing or two in her own way.
Most of all I enjoyed the transformation that Donald goes through, there is no escaping his violent act at the start of the book but that one night brings about a journey whereby he is finally becoming comfortable in his own skin. He goes through the rest of the book trying to atone for his mistakes which lends itself to a beautiful relationship between him and Mairhi.
Bristow has woven a beautiful tale of love, loss, friendship and forgiveness, it has a serious side where it looks inwards into a community and how they treat people who are different to them which is centred on the mysterious Mairhi but also includes many other characters due to their individual nuances. Sealskin is beautifully written, it transports the reader to northern Scotland through its descriptions of the Scottish landscape and the poetic narrative really compliments its content and gives it a magical feel.
A truly special book which is beautifully written.
May 15, 2017
Sealskin is set in Scotland, at an undisclosed time but likely the 19th century, and features one of my favorite myths – selkies. Selkies, for those who don’t know, are mythological creatures who live as seals in the sea but are able to shed their pelts and become human on land. Donald, our protagonist, stumbles upon a group of selkie females and ends up taking one home, hiding her pelt so that she cannot return to the sea. They end up having a family and Mairhi’s presence influences Donald into becoming a better man – but their dark beginning underlies everything.
Su Bristow’s writing is evocative, and perfectly captures the harsh landscape of Scotland and its people. I also enjoyed the fishing culture in this village, and how sea myths were interwoven throughout the story. However, that’s unfortunately where my praise for this book ends. The very first interaction between Donald and Mairhi is one of extreme violence and violation – he steals her pelt, rendering her helpless to return to the sea with the others, and then rapes her. This first moment tainted the entire book for me, and I felt completely unable to grow to like Donald. If Mairhi ever did feel fondness or love for him, it was likely out of Stockholm syndrome instead of genuine affection. I found it impossible to actually connect with any of the characters, and ultimately didn’t find the story very compelling. I wanted to like this because it’s so rare to find a good selkie story, but this fell very short for me.
Rating: 2.5 stars
I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
Su Bristow’s writing is evocative, and perfectly captures the harsh landscape of Scotland and its people. I also enjoyed the fishing culture in this village, and how sea myths were interwoven throughout the story. However, that’s unfortunately where my praise for this book ends. The very first interaction between Donald and Mairhi is one of extreme violence and violation – he steals her pelt, rendering her helpless to return to the sea with the others, and then rapes her. This first moment tainted the entire book for me, and I felt completely unable to grow to like Donald. If Mairhi ever did feel fondness or love for him, it was likely out of Stockholm syndrome instead of genuine affection. I found it impossible to actually connect with any of the characters, and ultimately didn’t find the story very compelling. I wanted to like this because it’s so rare to find a good selkie story, but this fell very short for me.
Rating: 2.5 stars
I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
July 3, 2017
I had mixed feelings about this book. It's no secret that I love Scottish folklore in books, so was very excited to read a book featuring selkies. I really loved Bristow's writing and absolutely loved the way she wrote about the small fishing community in the north of Scotland. It all felt very realistic and I found myself unable to put the book down.
I must say trigger warning for rape in this book, which is unfortunately a common part of selkie folklore. Much folklore has a horrible origin, and it's unfortunate that selkies haven't shaken off that part in their retelling's yet. Fortunately it one single line and not graphic (which maybe downplays the seriousness), so if you are wanting to read this book I'd be happy to let you know when it happens so you can easily miss it out. As the line is so short I definitely felt like it could have been missed out. I suppose folklore comes from humans trying to make sense of horrors in real life, and so you can see why the selkie tales would have developed in small isolated fishing villages.
Bristow's writing is really brilliant. We read from the POV of Donald, who is the one to attack the selkie, and that made it very interesting. At times you forget how the story started and can't help but be swept up in his own excitement about the way life is going etc, but then the author would remind the reader what happened and jolt us back to the reality. I had mixed emotions throughout this book, which was a good thing.
Throughout the book we see other issues such as domestic abuse and alcoholism, but we also have an insight into why the characters are like that. She does not try to excuse any of their actions, it's just an interesting book in terms of understanding human beings. It's a fascinating book when it comes to character growth, showing that no is simply good or evil.
I hope this review makes sense. I couldn't help but love this book because of the settling and Scottish folklore, plus Bristow's writing was brilliant and had me hooked from the beginning. It is a dark book, and deals with dark issues, but at the same time you see a community coming together and relationships (as unhealthy as they may be) developing. I always wish that rape wouldn't be included in books, but I think the author handled this folklore retelling well.
Thank you to Orenda books for sending me a copy of this book.
I must say trigger warning for rape in this book, which is unfortunately a common part of selkie folklore. Much folklore has a horrible origin, and it's unfortunate that selkies haven't shaken off that part in their retelling's yet. Fortunately it one single line and not graphic (which maybe downplays the seriousness), so if you are wanting to read this book I'd be happy to let you know when it happens so you can easily miss it out. As the line is so short I definitely felt like it could have been missed out. I suppose folklore comes from humans trying to make sense of horrors in real life, and so you can see why the selkie tales would have developed in small isolated fishing villages.
Bristow's writing is really brilliant. We read from the POV of Donald, who is the one to attack the selkie, and that made it very interesting. At times you forget how the story started and can't help but be swept up in his own excitement about the way life is going etc, but then the author would remind the reader what happened and jolt us back to the reality. I had mixed emotions throughout this book, which was a good thing.
Throughout the book we see other issues such as domestic abuse and alcoholism, but we also have an insight into why the characters are like that. She does not try to excuse any of their actions, it's just an interesting book in terms of understanding human beings. It's a fascinating book when it comes to character growth, showing that no is simply good or evil.
I hope this review makes sense. I couldn't help but love this book because of the settling and Scottish folklore, plus Bristow's writing was brilliant and had me hooked from the beginning. It is a dark book, and deals with dark issues, but at the same time you see a community coming together and relationships (as unhealthy as they may be) developing. I always wish that rape wouldn't be included in books, but I think the author handled this folklore retelling well.
Thank you to Orenda books for sending me a copy of this book.
April 9, 2017
Visit the locations of the novel Sealskin
If a novel were a song, this would have a haunting melody of longing and regret. I can imagine an orchestra playing it with the flutes dancing on top of the melody and the drums rumbling in the distance. The language is sublime, reading like the fairytale it represents. Words float from the page, the weather and the landscape of this novel creating a mythical and magical backdrop to the whole Selkie myth.
The story goes much deeper than just recreating the Selkie myth – it goes deep inside the minds and imaginations of those who meet her – the undercurrents of a closed community and the secrets that wash up with the tide. Apt watery analogies for what this novel is all about.
The fact that this story is based on a legend makes this intriguing. I love stories based around legends – they allow me to dream and try to make sense of myths like this. Having holidayed in Scotland a lot, and in around the Hebrides, this was like going back to the mist covered islands and seeing the legend unfold for myself.
There is a very dark undercurrent to this novel though that I was a bit disappointed by, saddened even but overall the novel was a song of magical realism that sang to me. I can still hear the whispers of that music now.
If a novel were a song, this would have a haunting melody of longing and regret. I can imagine an orchestra playing it with the flutes dancing on top of the melody and the drums rumbling in the distance. The language is sublime, reading like the fairytale it represents. Words float from the page, the weather and the landscape of this novel creating a mythical and magical backdrop to the whole Selkie myth.
The story goes much deeper than just recreating the Selkie myth – it goes deep inside the minds and imaginations of those who meet her – the undercurrents of a closed community and the secrets that wash up with the tide. Apt watery analogies for what this novel is all about.
The fact that this story is based on a legend makes this intriguing. I love stories based around legends – they allow me to dream and try to make sense of myths like this. Having holidayed in Scotland a lot, and in around the Hebrides, this was like going back to the mist covered islands and seeing the legend unfold for myself.
There is a very dark undercurrent to this novel though that I was a bit disappointed by, saddened even but overall the novel was a song of magical realism that sang to me. I can still hear the whispers of that music now.
January 10, 2019
Not sure I quite have the words for this one yet. Conflicted.
Review to come.
Review to come.
November 13, 2017
Sealskin
is a mesmerising tale bringing legend to life, with a stolen, brutish opportunity marking the beginning of an unforgettable and haunting journey.
The initial scene is set with a dreadful act being committed by one of the main characters who has exploited a situation to his own advantage. For the remainder of the plot, under the guidance of his ageing and respected mother, he concentrates his efforts into redressing his wicked behaviour.
I was completely absorbed by the origins of the story, the transformation taking place within the characters, and the gracefulness of the writing – its straightforward narration expressed the villagers’ actions and dialogue perfectly.
This soulful one-sitting read wears a veil of mystery throughout and it was a joy to wrap it, piece by enchanted piece.
The initial scene is set with a dreadful act being committed by one of the main characters who has exploited a situation to his own advantage. For the remainder of the plot, under the guidance of his ageing and respected mother, he concentrates his efforts into redressing his wicked behaviour.
I was completely absorbed by the origins of the story, the transformation taking place within the characters, and the gracefulness of the writing – its straightforward narration expressed the villagers’ actions and dialogue perfectly.
This soulful one-sitting read wears a veil of mystery throughout and it was a joy to wrap it, piece by enchanted piece.
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