A Sweet Sting of Salt: A Novel By Rose Sutherland
In a stunning queer retelling of "The Selkie Wife," debut author Sutherland weaves a tale of mystery and love. When Jean, a midwife, discovers a young woman named Muirin in labor during a tempest, she's drawn into a web of secrets surrounding Muirin's marriage to Tobias. Despite warnings to stay out of others' affairs, Jean's growing concern for Muirin leads her to uncover dark truths about Tobias and his treatment of his wife.
As Jean navigates her feelings for Muirin and grapples with the consequences of her actions, she must confront the sinister forces at play in their small community. With each revelation, Jean's determination to protect Muirin and her baby grows stronger, even as danger lurks around every corner.
Sutherland's debut is praised for its slow-building sense of Gothic dread and intensely beautiful storytelling. With echoes of the classic folktale woven throughout, "The Selkie Wife" offers a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and suspense. As Jean fights to save the woman she loves, she risks everything to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served.
Filled with richly drawn characters and evocative prose, "The Selkie Wife" is a spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of resilience in the face of darkness. Readers will be swept away by Sutherland's haunting narrative and the timeless allure of this queer reimagining of a beloved folktale. 📚❤️