When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal

BOOK REVIEW

This novel circles around the two sisters, with the bond between them proving fragile yet resilient.

Beneath layers of deception lies a heartfelt story about acceptance and love.

Set primarily in New Zealand, the novel tells the story of the sisters, who have survived neglectful parents and abuse, and the backdrop of beautiful New Zealand contrasts sharply with their emotional struggles, enriching the narrative with vivid descriptions and relatable settings.

Key themes include the power of family, secrets and lies, healing and redemption and the emotion of loss.

Beautiful Settings: The contrasting backdrops of Santa Cruz and New Zealand enhance the emotional weight of the story.

When Kit sees news footage of her sister Josie on the television 15 years after her reported death, Kit travels to New Zealand to find her and, in the process, finds love, hope and acceptance.

The narrative captures the emotional weight of guilt, regret, and the desperate need for forgiveness, so the complexity of the sisters’ relationship challenges them to confront their identities, leading them toward a path of healing.

Finally, their reunion becomes a culmination of long-standing hurt and unearthing painful memories.

Both sisters must navigate their past misunderstandings and emotional turmoil while redefining their futures.

The thematic elements of love, loyalty and redemption encompass their experiences, highlighting that healing often demands confronting the most unbearable truths.

As the sisters grapple with their shared history, they are forced to question everything they thought they knew, leading to self-discovery.

When We Believed in Mermaids is a haunting, yet beautifully written exploration of familial bonds and the complexities of love.

O’Neal’s storytelling captivates readers, drawing them into the emotional depths of the characters.

The narrative threads between past and present craft a rich tapestry of experiences and not only does the book explore themes of trauma and recovery, but it also delves into the idea that redemption is possible when forgiveness is embraced.

The emotional journey of Kit and Josie serves as a poignant reminder; sometimes the path to healing requires one to relive the pain of yesterday to envision the love and hope of tomorrow.

Julie Chessman