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 danger. When Jean, a young midwife, discovers a pregnant woman, Muirin, in a storm, she's drawn into a web of secrets surrounding Muirin and her husband, Tobias. Despite her reluctance to meddle, Jean's growing feelings for Muirin compel her to uncover the truth.
As Jean delves deeper, she uncovers unsettling truths about Tobias and the lengths he'll go to keep Muirin under his control. Struggling against societal norms and her own fears, Jean risks everything to protect Muirin and her unborn child.
With atmospheric prose and Gothic undertones, Sutherland crafts a haunting narrative that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom. Paulette Kennedy praises the novel's slow-building tension and intense beauty, ensuring readers will be captivated until the final page.
As Jean navigates the treacherous waters of deception and danger, she must confront her own demons and make difficult choices to ensure Muirin's safety. With each twist and turn, the stakes rise, leaving readers breathless with anticipation.
"Laced with a slow-building sense of Gothic dread," Sutherland's debut is a compelling exploration of love and resilience in the face of adversity. "The Selkie Wife" is a poignant reminder of the power of love to conquer even the darkest of secrets.