SYNOPSIS

Simidele (Simi) is a Mami Wata, mermaid, daughter of Yemoja, her creator. Her purpose is to follow slave ships, and gather the souls of the fallen so Yemoja can bless their spirits’ on their return to the ultimate Creater, Olodumare. Against the wishes of Yemoja, Simi likes to be on land because in her human form her memories from before slowly return to her. Simi is scolded by another Mami Wata and Yemoja on separate occasions. Yemoja reminds Simi that her purpose is to gather the souls of the fallen in the crystal at her neck and nothing more or less. She is encouraged to stay in the sea and allow her human memories to wash away.

While following a ship, she prepares to gather the soul of a man who has fallen and discovers he is still breathing. She brings him to an island and nurses him back to health, which goes against her purpose of nothing more or less. What could possibly happen?

RECAP AND REVIEW

Natasha, the author, says The Little Mermaid was her favorite movie and her desire for representation inspired her to create a black mermaid. Simi is a mermaid that craves to be human to be with the person she has feelings for, to have a community, and to remember her mother. I wouldn’t say it is a retelling or even reminiscent of the movie, and I like it’s originality.

The story is told in the first person of Simi. The writing is detailed and paints a picture. It flowed well. I enjoyed the flashbacks because it gave more backstory into what Simi values and we learn her story as she remembers on her journey.

Interfering in someone’s death by not allowing them to die was not something Simi was allowed to do per the agreement between Olodumare and the orisas. She has to fix her mistake and beg Olodumare for forgiveness. Adekola, the man she rescues, needs to get back home and makes a deal with Yemoja to help Simi as long as Simi also helps him get home. It’s kind of fate the way their stories play out and are intertwined.

The romance is a subplot, a slow burn, based on admiration. The way it turned out between them at the end makes sense, though I would argue either 1) Simi learned nothing or 2) Simi knows what she believes in and won’t let anyone tell her she is wrong in her beliefs. If you’ve read it, I think you’ll know what I’m referring to. I am leaning towards number 2, that she stays true to her beliefs and I admire that about her.

The book takes us on their journey as they travel from place to place. Each location they learn and receive what they need, whether information, supplies, or physical healing. The story builds upon itself as every stop leads them to their next experience.

I thought it was fitting that slavery was tied to the book and admire how it was done. The mentions of slavery weren’t traumatic for the sake of being traumatic. It was based on what really happened without being so detailed that it was hard to read.

SPOILERS AHEAD – SKIP TO OVERALL TO AVOID

I guessed that Ifedayo was Esu the second he was introduced. It became more obvious to me as they’re approaching Esu’s territory. I’m not sure why Kola’s dad and Kola trusted him so readily, but it is what it is. The twist made sense given that Esu is a trickster. The way he went out is amusing because it was due to ego.

The people who died broke my heart and I’m like was this really necessary? I guess to show high stakes but still it hurt me.

I also felt like the deal with Olokun didn’t need to happen, though it did benefit her in the end. I felt like Olokun helping with Esu and explaining it to Olodumare should have been sufficient for Olokun to be unchained at least. The deal was set up for the second book.

END OF SPOILERS

OVERALL

Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I was going to give it a 3, but as I’m writing this I really don’t have much that I didn’t like about it. I was satisfied with how it ended. I like Simi and Kola and appreciate their care for each other. Honestly, I liked all the characters. I enjoyed the story and the use of African gods. I’ll miss the characters and I will read the second one eventually, even though I don’t think it needed sequel.