Sealskin
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
“The Scottish myth of the selkie—a seal that can transform into human form—inspires a tale of life on the margins, forgiveness and redemption” (The Guardian).
Donald, a young fisherman, is overwhelmed when he comes across a group of exotic women dancing on the shore beneath the moonlight. They are selkies—seals that shed their skin once a year and become human for a few hours. Overcome by their beauty and magic, Donald kidnaps one—a choice that will determine his future.
Now, back home in his close-knit Scottish village, he must take responsibility for what he has done. Donald has been bullied and isolated all his life, but thanks to his mother and his stolen selkie wife, he finds the courage to question, then change the culture of the town that has been mired in the past for generations. Yet despite their mutual happiness, he can never truly forgive himself for the thoughtless act that brought his wife to him.
This enchanting story works its way to a surprising yet satisfying ending. Based on a beloved Scottish legend, Sealskin is a timeless tale of the responsibilities of love—and the inner strength required to atone for terrible wrongs.
“A haunting tale of family and consequences . . . The writing is sorrowful and lovely, with a well-earned, satisfying conclusion.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A powerful tale of love, learning and forgiveness, Sealskin is a bold and moving read that I was sad to put down.” —The Bookbag
“Well-written and atmospheric . . . Bristow paints a vivid setting and knows how to tug on the heartstrings.” —Fantasy Literature
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Bristow's debut is a haunting tale of family and consequences. Donald is an outcast in the little fishing village that is his home. Weak and isolated, he is driven to the edge of their little world. By chance he happens upon the selkie maidens, and he rapes and betrays one of them. Helped to hide his crime by his mother, Donald gives the nameless selkie no choice but to be his bride and mother to his children. She makes a place for herself on land, as she has no hope of returning to her home. But even as Donald struggles to protect and love her, the truth of their relationship lies between them and can never fully heal. Bristow has drawn a portrait of the unforgiving life of fishermen and the women who rely on their care, while tenderly and carefully portraying a terrible physical and psychological violation and its years-long reverberations. The writing is sorrowful and lovely, with a well-earned, satisfying conclusion.