Sealskin - by Su Bristow (Paperback)

About the Book

"What happens when magic collides with reality? Donald is a young fisherman, eking out a lonely living on the west coast of Scotland. One night he witnesses something miraculous and makes a terrible mistake. His action changes lives; not only his own, but those of his family and the entire tightly knit community in which they live. Can he ever atone for the wrong he has done, and can love grow when its foundation is violence? Based on the legend of the selkies - seals who can transform into people - Sealskin is a magical story, evoking the harsh beauty of the landscape, the resilience of its people, both human and animal, and the triumph of hope over fear and prejudice." -- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

"The Scottish myth of the selkie--a seal that can transform into human form--inspires a tale of life on the margins, forgiveness and redemption" (The Guardian).

Donald, a young fisherman, is overwhelmed when he comes across a group of exotic women dancing on the shore beneath the moonlight. They are selkies--seals that shed their skin once a year and become human for a few hours. Overcome by their beauty and magic, Donald kidnaps one--a choice that will determine his future.
Now, back home in his close-knit Scottish village, he must take responsibility for what he has done. Donald has been bullied and isolated all his life, but thanks to his mother and his stolen selkie wife, he finds the courage to question, then change the culture of the town that has been mired in the past for generations. Yet despite their mutual happiness, he can never truly forgive himself for the thoughtless act that brought his wife to him.
This enchanting story works its way to a surprising yet satisfying ending. Based on a beloved Scottish legend, Sealskin is a timeless tale of the responsibilities of love--and the inner strength required to atone for terrible wrongs.

"A haunting tale of family and consequences . . . The writing is sorrowful and lovely, with a well-earned, satisfying conclusion."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A powerful tale of love, learning and forgiveness, Sealskin is a bold and moving read that I was sad to put down."--The Bookbag

"Well-written and atmospheric . . . Bristow paints a vivid setting and knows how to tug on the heartstrings."--Fantasy Literature

Review Quotes

Praise for Sealskin

"This assured and readable story is determined to show that change and growth are possible, even on the very margins of society. The heartfelt message seems to be that acceptance comes when individuals face up to their fears and act for the good beyond themselves. The love of Donald for mysterious Mairhi is beautifully done." --The Guardian

"The writing is sorrowful and lovely, with a well-earned, satisfying conclusion. " --Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"An accomplished and intelligent novel, a fine piece of craftsmanship and a pleasure to read." -- Allan Massie, author of The Hanging Tree

"Su Bristow's writing is fluid and flawless, and this is a story so deeply immersive that you emerge at the end, gasping for air." -- Iona Grey, author of Letters to the Lost

"Dark and brooding and half-familiar, the tale steals over you till you're half-in, half-out of a dream." --Jane Johnson, author of Court of Lions

"It's a story about the tensions of life in a tiny fishing community, about bullying and violence as well as the healing magic of nature. It's written smoothly and skillfully with not a word too many or too few." --Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife

About the Author

Su Bristow won the Exeter Novel Prize for Sealskin in 2013. A consultant medical herbalist by day, she is also the author of several short stories, as well as two books on herbal medicine and the co-author of two on relationship skills.