cover image Sealskin

Sealskin

Su Bristow. Orenda, $14.95 trade paper (276p) ISBN 978-1-910633-60-1

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. Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency. (May)