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Liked It “A haunting, evocative tale of selkies and their life on windswept Rollrock Island” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Sadly it was a LOT more boring and disjointed than its premise promised. A girl mocked throughout her childhood, who has the ability to "see" the points of light within seals that she can, with nebulous and unexplained magics, "pull" together so as to split the seal's skin and deliver a human...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“A haunting, evocative tale of selkies and their life on windswept Rollrock Island”
Mt Alvernia College wrote this review Monday, May 20, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I really enjoyed the language and fantasy incorporated into this novel. The language was a little hard at the beginning, but after a while, when I got used to it, the language really gave it a lovely vibe and sing-song voice. Irish fantasy also takes a huge role in this collection of short stories, and while the legends may seem strange, you soon realize they are the norm for these people. Lovely read. ”
Chloe wrote this review Friday, May 17, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Part of a glorious Margo Lanagan journey I am currently on. This and the other books of hers I have read are written in a style I admire becuase I like to write and constantly works on style (etc etc) but most of all is a voice ... or a cool, clear eye, showing an angle on life that cuts across what we know at the same time exposing, acknowledging and seemlessly incorporating it into something altogether different - like a half open door to a place we've already been, but from somewhere else.”
Rhonda wrote this review Wednesday, April 24, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Sadly it was a LOT more boring and disjointed than its premise promised. A girl mocked throughout her childhood, who has the ability to "see" the points of light within seals that she can, with nebulous and unexplained magics, "pull" together so as to split the seal's skin and deliver a human being from within; gets back at her town's mocking by making all the men crave and find desperate ways to pay for and obtain her services in delivering to them "sea wives" (beautiful, insipid, obedient women pulled from sealskins). Cool idea! Delivered in a rather dragging manner that felt like a literary disco-ball. Plus, the story is delivered by about 5 different people and it was hard to keep track of who is who because NO ONE seemed to actually have any individual characteristics. Very flat characters all around. Had to skim the last third because I just couldn't retain my interest any further.”
April D wrote this review Friday, March 29, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A dark side of the selkie legend. A great allegory for societies where men hold women in servitude....”
Ms. Smith-Vaniz wrote this review Friday, March 29, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“While this was an interesting and original concept and a very well-written book, it was hard to see the overall plot of it. I enjoyed it, but it was based more on concept and setting than plot. There was a definite arc to the story and I could see how the events were progressing, but the lack of a conflict made it difficult to know which characters to sympathize with, although this may have been the point. The lack of suspense also meant it took longer to read. Although it was interesting and unique, it's still didn't leave me overly wowed. ”
blackandwhitedreamer wrote this review Friday, March 15, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“beautiful writing; interesting retelling of folklore”
Armenator wrote this review Sunday, February 17, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Beyond brilliant.
Abbie MG wrote this review Saturday, December 29, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
What I love is, it is not necessarily something I would love - it is not as warm as most of my favorite books, and though I love town stories, they can definitely be hit or miss - but it is perfect. On several levels.
Firstly, this is a solid world, unlike some books. The mythology is clear and strong, the world of Rollrock is easy to see and lovely to read about. None of the characters are overly-likeable, but they're also not so horrible that you can't care about them. I guess, if I were to have a critique - something stopping me from giving this a favorite - is that you also don't feel particularly close to the characters, or at least I didn't. But that didn't mean I didn't care *about* them - even Misskaella, thanks to the section about her.
And that's my second point. I love the way the book is structured, out of order time-wise at first and then in order once again. And even if I didn't feel exactly as if I were friends with all the characters, I did feel as if I understood them, which is important.
And then the last point, I suppose, is that I love the originality of it. I love such a strange and unique mythology combined with "issues" - appearance, for instance - and I love the various twists that occurred. I love that it's not a story told in the easy way, point A to point B, but simply a world in its whole for the reader to absorb.
Beautiful book, perfectly executed. ”
“A little different, but I'm always intrigued by the seal-person stories and this one was woven in such an interesting way. My first Margo Lanagan book, but definitely not my last. ”
Zombie Katie wrote this review Saturday, December 8, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The first book I've read by Lanagan. Beautiful writing. Definitely for people who like fantasy. I was intrigued by this book and enjoyed it. Such a change from most of the young adult fiction I usually read. Strange and pretty. ”
Jenny W wrote this review Sunday, November 25, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
