Book Review: Sea Change by Susan Fletcher
When I first stumbled upon Susan Fletcher’s Sea Change, I was immediately intrigued. The melding of folklore with relevant social themes is something that can be truly magical in literature, and I couldn’t resist diving into this reimagining of “The Little Mermaid.” With the added context of climate catastrophe and genetic engineering, I felt like this book was destined to resonate deeply in our present landscape. Thanks to NetGalley and Amulet Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts—I couldn’t wait to share my impressions!
At its heart, Sea Change tells the story of Turtle, a fiercely relatable 15-year-old girl living among the genetically modified Mer community on a decaying cruise ship aptly named The Mermaid. The imaginative world-building is one of Fletcher’s biggest triumphs; the eerie, submerged towns contrasted against the vibrant life beneath the waves paint a vivid picture that stuck with me long after the last page. Turtle’s journey to navigate her hybrid identity as a Mer and her desire for human connection sparked a tugging sense of nostalgia for those formative years when we all struggled to find our place in the world.
Turtle’s life is marked by both yearning and adversity. Torn between her Mer upbringing under Constance’s stern leadership and her burgeoning friendship—and potential romance—with Kai, a Normal boy, she embodies that relatable mix of stubbornness and vulnerability. I found myself rooting for her as she scavenged through flooded towns and sifted through her complicated emotions regarding family and belonging. The stakes feel all the more significant when the Normals offer her a surgery to remove her gills, and Fletcher doesn’t shy away from exploring the heavy emotional consequences of that choice.
While the pacing felt a bit off at times, especially around world-building and the lore of the Mer community, the emotional heart of Sea Change remains profoundly impactful. The moments when Turtle grapples with her identity and her relationship with Kai were the standout sections for me. Fletcher’s writing style, which is both lyrical and accessible, invites younger readers into these complex themes without diluting their weight. I appreciated how she broached difficult subjects like genetic modification and bodily autonomy with sensitivity, considering Turtle’s age makes the narrative all the more relatable.
One memorable quote that resonated with me was: “Sometimes belonging means tearing apart your own heart.” This encapsulates Turtle’s struggle beautifully and speaks volumes about the sacrifices we make, often without realizing. It’s precisely these contemplative moments that linger in your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading.
If you’re someone who has ever felt caught between various worlds, Sea Change should certainly find a place on your bookshelf. It blends the charm of fairy tales with the musings of today’s pressing societal dilemmas, making it exceptionally relevant and poignant. This novel isn’t just for fans of fantasy; it’s for anyone looking for a thoughtful exploration of identity, love, and sacrifice. Susan Fletcher has crafted an emotionally rich experience that I won’t soon forget, and I’m excited to see how it resonates with others in the literary community. Grab a copy, cozy up, and prepare for a journey that will challenge your perceptions and, perhaps like Turtle, lead you to reflect on your own sense of belonging.