The Seamaiden's Odyssey

When a strange creature is rescued from the sea and brought to the marine sanctuary where Sasha works, she finds herself fascinated by the beautiful sea-girl, who is kept for scientific research and exhibited to a curious public. As Sasha spends time with 'Marissa', as she names her, the sea-girl eventually offers to tell her story in exchange for a promise.

I loved this story so much that I almost don’t know where to begin! Any book by Berlie Doherty is a real treat and The Seamaiden's Odyssey combines her magical storytelling with stunning illustrations from Tamsin Rosewell. It is a beautifully told tale of love, longing, pride and grief, which captures the imagination and plunges the reader into the world of watery folklore and legend.

The story which 'Marissa' shares with Sasha follows the tale of Merryn, who defies her father in a bid to find her own way rather than follow the path he has set for her. To tell too much of her adventures here would spoil the plot for others, but there is much to enjoy, much to reflect on, echoing like the seamaiden's song long after the story has ended. The writing is evocative of traditional tales, mixing the familiar with the surprising and new, offering a deeply satisfying and poignant story.

Set against stunning blue backgrounds, silhouette work is used in the illustrations. Reminiscent of the work of Jan Pieńkowski, which I love, these add much to the magical appeal of the story, allowing the reader to give the characters face and form from their own imagination. Each is a work of art to be lingered over and enjoyed. It is such a beautiful book, one to be gifted and treasured.

176 pages  /  Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 11+

This haunting new novella from Berlie Doherty with gorgeous illustrations by Tamsin Roseweil is a gem - a wonderful, imaginative story to share, stitched from the glittering threads of traditional tales of mermaids.

At the start, a strange and wonderful creature is brought, wounded, into a marine sanctuary, where Sasha is enthralled by her beauty and eager to nurse her back to health. Meanwhile, the other scientists are excited by the opportunities for research and the sanctuary director is delighted by the opportunities for fundraising. But as Sasha tries to find out more about her new charge, the creature offers a story in exchange for a promise.

Every word in The Seamaiden's Odyssey seems to have been carefully selected, and in powerfully expressive and timeless language, the mermaid describes the magical wonder of the oceans, the rewards of determination and loyalty, the joy of sisterhood. The beauty of kindness and forgiveness is contrasted with the ugliness of cruelty. All of it is woven together by an inventive narrative (just as you would expect from Carnegie medallist Berlie Doherty) and evocative illustrations.

The Seamaiden's Odyssey would make a beautiful Christmas present. It would also make a fabulous class text to use as a focus for reading lessons and an inspiring model for writing. It's a masterclass in showing how traditional folk tales can be reinvented.

As a poignant but warm-hearted modern fable that celebrates the importance of listening and empathy, it could make the starting point for so many interesting discussions. Where does courage and independence become defiant pride? How can we fix our own mistakes? Can scientific research become intrusive and damaging?

So much richness is packed into such a relatively short space - it’s definitely one for my own 'book of the year' shortlist.

176 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

A retired fisherman finds a strange creature one night and, realising it is hurt, brings it to Sasha who works at the local sea life sanctuary. Very quickly they realise this is no ordinary fish or mammal, and soon the director of the sanctuary is talking about using it as an exhibit. Sasha tends to the creature, who is revealed to be a mermaid - a 'seamaiden' in this tale, and never wants to be parted from her. But sea creatures are not supposed to be kept on land, and one night the mermaid tells Sasha a tale about the depths of the ocean and what lies beneath, allowing her to understand the true nature of the creature before her, and where she really belongs.

The Seamaiden’s Odyssey is an illustrated tale about relationships, love, and loss. A story within a story, it is a tale of two halves. The present part of the story is told through the eyes of Sasha, who finds herself torn between knowing what is right, and the mesmerising hold of a mermaid. Kept as an exhibit and for scientific research, the author uses the mermaid as an example of the way humans treat other creatures, human and otherwise.

Sasha and other characters in the present day are undeveloped but this does not matter as they are merely bystanders to the real tale, told by the mermaid. Entwined with folklore, duty and longing, the story comes to life and we are taken into the depths of the sea and the mind.

Illustrated in rich colours throughout with silhouette figures by the talented Tamsin Rosewell, we are transported into the water and landscaped scenery. Throughout the book we are gently urged to understand the hold others can have on our minds and bodies, resulting in actions not necessarily in our own, or others, best interests.

Merryn is the main character in the mermaid's tale, and I enjoyed her headstrong nature which, although it led her into difficulties, meant she was courageous enough to choose her own pathway in life. The nature of the colourful textured ink illustrations contrasting with the silhouetted people and mermaids are a joy, with a stunning full spread text-free centrepiece that causes the reader to pause and take stock. The blue watery surrounds throughout immerse us within the sea, its dangers and delights.

Personally, I found the mermaid's tale alive and riveting, compared to the modern day setting which seemed staid, but that is perhaps the point of the book. An enjoyable read and one that I'm sure will delight younger readers whilst also possibly inspiring them to experiment with mark-making and inks.

176 pages / Reviewed by Lorraine Ansell, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+