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A review by noellita
The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really liked the beginning, but towards the end, the book wasn't as captivating any more.
I felt like Aycayia was put on a pedestal, especially by all the men around her, because of her beauty and her innocence, which bothered me. She is, of course, lovable, but I didn't like how other women were supposed to be a contrast to her (and thus, suck).
There was a very delicate reckoning with the colonial past and the ways in which it impacts the present. The character of Arcadia Rain was well-thought out. I really liked her, but was also able to see her flaws.
There was decidedly too much mention of genitals for my taste. Men in this book felt everything "in their balls".
I also disagree on a personal level with the importance sex has in this book. Of course it's amazing to see what kind of pleasure your body can give you, but it doesn't "turn you into a woman". Neither does your period.
I felt like Aycayia was put on a pedestal, especially by all the men around her, because of her beauty and her innocence, which bothered me. She is, of course, lovable, but I didn't like how other women were supposed to be a contrast to her (and thus, suck).
There was a very delicate reckoning with the colonial past and the ways in which it impacts the present. The character of Arcadia Rain was well-thought out. I really liked her, but was also able to see her flaws.
There was decidedly too much mention of genitals for my taste. Men in this book felt everything "in their balls".
I also disagree on a personal level with the importance sex has in this book. Of course it's amazing to see what kind of pleasure your body can give you, but it doesn't "turn you into a woman". Neither does your period.