Customer Reviews

Selkie Girl

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Selkie Girl is a story set in Shapinsay Island which is one of the Orkney Islands off the north coast of mainland Scotland. This story is inspired by Selkie legends where a Selkie is a creature that is half human and half Seal.

Elin Jean has always felt like an outcast in her village. She has fingers which are connected by thin webs that make her the object of ridicule in the village. She spends most of her time in isolation seeking solace from the Ocean. She lives with her parents and her grandfather. But no one has ever been open to her about why she is so different from the others.

She would come to know in time, yes, but it will change her life, turn it upside down and will lead her on a journey into the unknown. She will have to find a purpose and a place to belong.

Selkie Girl is a magical book. The setting is beautiful and mythical. Laurie Brooks writing creates an imagery so vivid that you can feel and imagine the vastness of the ocean, the horror of the seals fate, the beauty of the land and Elin Jean's struggle to belong either on land or in the sea. The author has taken the Selkie legend and turned it into something else.

I could give you one example of the beautiful writing here:

"Here is a roaring power to be reckoned with, this channel where the North Sea meets the mighty Atlantic. At odds with each other, the two bodies collide, churning into waves that can rise to forty feet. As change-able as the weather that reigns over it, the channel rests, mild as a newborn lamb, until the wind shifts it into raging tides that can catch the most experienced sailor unawares. And in a storm, the waves stretch as tall as mountains, white peaks battling for domain over the waterway. Even the thought of these storms humbles the others. What the sea gives up, it must take away, they say. And the truth of those words is born of bitter experience. Each year families lose fishermen to the sea, gobbles up in the wild storms, bodies lost forever beneath the tides."

And although the writing is beautiful, it can be a bit too wordy at times.

"Grandpa blows rings of smoke, one inside the next. He sends the ovals toward the ceiling, and they follow willingly until they collide with the lingering haze from the cooking fire above and their perfect circles distort and disappear."

The first half was a bit slow for me but I raced through the second half not wanting to finish the book but also wanting to know what happens. Again a Young Adult book that can easily be a crossover.

Having said the above, I believe I have reasons for loving this book more than I expect others to. I LOVE the ocean and that's probably why I could understand the endless pages describing Elin Jean's pull to the ocean, her reasons being different than mine though. I love books set in lush, green surroundings, if it's an island it's a plus, if the island is in Scotland or Ireland, even better. And finally, I love books based on legends, myths or fairy tales. All I want to say is that these are also some of the factors that have lead me to like this book. That's all.

P.S: I kind of hate the cover.

I found this book fascinating and intriguing. The language is beautiful, the story, while not unique, definitely has its own flavor, and the romance....is out of place.

Honestly, I loved every part where Tam did not appear. However, Elin Jean's relationship with him seems forced and contrived, and strikes me as 'stupid teenage love'. It's not real. It won't last. It has no cause.

On the other hand, Tam provides Elin Jean with a connection to her human side. That seems to be the entire purpose of his presence. So, while the book is definitely worth reading, one could stop after Elin Jean returns to care for her father and not feel like anything's been left out.

First I'm amazed there are only two reviews for this book.

Second I'm amazed one is positive and one is negative.

In my opinion this novel, a young adult book, was fantastic and thoroughly enjoyed by this 41 year old. The first two reviewers of this book have already given the premise of the story, so I feel the most important thing I need to say is this book is a must read for all ages.

This book is about the main character - Elin Jean not only being accepted for who she is but finding out from who she wants to receive this acceptance from. It is about Elin Jean giving love and figuring out who she wants to receive it from. The book teaches a lesson in finding ones purpose in life. It is never preachy however.

The novel itself is relatively short and is an easy and enjoyable read. I feel the book is as beautifully written as the cover is designed. I long to read Laurie Brooks next book should she decide to go this route.

I recommend this book to all! I know I'll be rereading it again.

Author: Laurie Brooks
Pages: 262
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; First Edition edition (October 14, 2008)

Elin Jean has always known she was different fro others on her remote island home. She loves the seals that live in the waters surrounding the island and abhors the annual tradition of killing seal babies to thin the population. And if that isn't enough to set her apart, her hands--with their thin webs connecting each finger-- have marked her as a freak. Someone to be avoided.

Elin Jean's parents have never been open with her about why she is so different, and why she must stay away from the other islanders. But it's just a matter of time before she discovers the truth about her past and the mysterious circumstances of her birth. And when she does, she will face a choice, as the child of a most unusual union. Partly of the land, partly of the sea, she must search both worlds and dig deep inside herself to find out where she belongs, and where her future lies.

While SELKIE GIRL did have a very original premise, its execution was horrendous and the plot--what plot?--was thin and unremarkable. There was nothing to keep me motivated to continue reading. The writing itself was okay, but the characters were flat and one-dimensional. Unfortunately, there were no redeeming qualities about this book. I wanted to at least tolerate it, but I couldn't even manage that.

On a slightly more positive note, the cover is very beautiful. But, as the age-old saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

Brooks should stick to being a playwright. One star.