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A review by museaway
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
We read this for book club. It's not my tea, but it was interesting.
My major issue was the treatment of a character as a plot device. He was easily the most interesting and sympathetic character, but we knew almost nothing about him, and he was introduced and taken away to further the sisters' story. If the novel had been about HIS disappearance and his rediscovery 20 years later, I would have loved the story.
My take is that the author felt she needed significant shared trauma to pull off the story. Both of the girls had plenty without this character's demise.
My major issue was the treatment of a character as a plot device. He was easily the most interesting and sympathetic character, but we knew almost nothing about him, and he was introduced and taken away to further the sisters' story. If the novel had been about HIS disappearance and his rediscovery 20 years later, I would have loved the story.
My take is that the author felt she needed significant shared trauma to pull off the story. Both of the girls had plenty without this character's demise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Suicide, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt