Legend of the Selkie

by Daisy O'Shea

A moving and compelling standalone work of fiction set in southern Ireland. This dramatic novel takes an introspective look at Irish culture when it comes into contact with the commercial world. A wistful hint of the selkie legend is woven into the reality of a rural community.The Irish backdrop is richly described, the underlying culture brought to life as a young farmer brings a city girl into his home, and she views everything from the perspective of someone who doesn’t quite fit in. Grainne is brought to life as a determined and strong heroine. The novel, set on the rugged backbone of a West Cork peninsula, with its wild coastline, tight communities and lingering tradition of story-telling, provides a believable backdrop for a tale which blends a contemporary setting with a wisp of myth and superstition.

For readers who enjoyed the slow-burn character-led mystery of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.Evocative, sensitive writing. There's a quiet, absolute control to this work. Like the sea beside which the story is set, the currents which stir it are powerful and hidden beneath the surface. It never hurries, drawing us deeper and deeper into the lives of the people of an Irish fishing village. The book is branded a mystery, and that is true, but the mystery here is not a crime to be solved, but rather the unknowable mystery of the human heart.The author has beautifully captured the Irish landscape, and the concept of Irish farms trapping generation after generation. There were quite a few times the work gave me goosebumps - from a sense of building suspense and also wonderful descriptions.It’s been a while since I read such a good book! What an achievement. Many parts made me think of Station Eleven, it is so atmospheric. The author has captured west Ireland perfectly. Legend of the Selkie truly belongs in the ‘literary’ category. As we delve deep into Grainne’s internal battles, it really drives the narrative forward. Chapter one is brilliant, such an exciting ending, and amazing imagery. I love the way this chapter seeds so much, the many differences in their personalities unfolding as the book progresses.Wow, I’m speechless. This book was beautiful. The author's description of the land set the mood perfectly. It matched Grainne’s cold, painful grief. What I found the most compelling was her insight. She had a few realizations that blew me away, and I had to stop and reflect on what I’d just read. Thank you for an amazing book! I really enjoyed the Irish names, so I feel like I’m connecting a little bit with my heritage.Selkie is a great story in which to lose oneself. I fell in love with the stark beauty of the coasts. I very much enjoyed revisiting the area through the descriptions of the land and sea and their effects on the characters. The use of the so very sad Selkie legend as the bones of the story is wonderful. The mournful music of the folk song comes through when reading about the seals lingering longer than usual during Grainne's pregnancy. There was a wisp of fey which was just right.I really felt West Cork in my bones as I read; the atmosphere and characterisation, and turn of phrase, well, they were all brilliant. The writing is so polished, each sentence leading smoothly to the next, I’m actually in awe. It’s such a wonderful book.

Genres: Fantasy

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2023

About the author

Writes women's fiction with a touch of romance.
Currently lives in West Cork, Ireland.
Signed in August 2023 for a three book deal with Bookouture.

Reviews

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I liked the characters and the pacing and weaving of the story. Complex emotions woven with superstition and fantasy easily

[Rebecca Winemiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the twists and turns

I was so drawn into the story I didn't realize a whole day had passed and me just reading this book. The emotions, the Irish lore of the selfie, and real life setting are combined so well by this author. I didn't expect to like it so much lol!

[Stacy Runyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated fairy tale has become my new favourite

I love the sea and my Irish McCarthy roots come from the West of Ireland so reading stories placed there with incredible visuals pull me in. I love Irish mythology and what the author has done in terms of updating it along with throwing in an unfathomable twist making you question what if it happened to me? What would I do? How would I handle it? The characters are hauntingly vibrant. This is a tale I'll never forget. I can't wait for her next book. I've packed a bag & im ready to hop across the pond for good. Our author paints financial independence for women in each story along with a new found mate and community. If only that was reality I would've escaped a long time ago. I can't wait to see what's next! Thank you for inspiration and courage.

[Lewis Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this ro be a compelling and delightful read ... the author, in contrast to other authors I have read recently, manages to balance and control multiple story lines without confusing or losing the reader ... of course there are elements of fantasy and things that cannot be believed, but this is fiction not history ... in addition, there are beautiful descriptions of the countryside and challenging observations on the difficulties of marriage

[Gail Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how the author incorporates Irish legends, myths and the landscape in her books.
Newly married Grainne and Colm, live on a farm with Da. One stormy night Colm goes on a fishing trip with his friends and doesn't come back.
The story takes us through the various stages of them getting their lives back together, with a few twists and turns.
A great easy read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every review I read made me think this read couldn’t possibly be THAT good.
I was wrong. From the first page I was hooked, and read the entire book in one sitting (actually lying down) - all night! I could not put it down. Daisy O’Shea has done a masterful job of weaving an undercurrent of legend into a modern day setting. And at the end, you say, “Was that a…?”
Highly recommend.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional!

What an amazing book. I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy stories about Ireland and the mysteries that are part of their lore, you'll really enjoy this book. So atmospheric!

[Sharon J · Rating 5 out of 5]

legend of the selkie

Couldn’t put it down absolutely lovely story. Would highly recommend. This is the fourth book from this author I can truly say I’ve loved all of them cannot wait for the new one.

[Sue Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book from Daisyi O'Shea. Twists and turns, certainly held my attention. I really love her style of writing.

[Janette Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning it was hard to get into, but by the end I really enjoyed it!

[thelma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love has no boundaries

Five stars such lovely and beautiful storyline how the characters search and cope with their lives and the sadness and for love

[Tracey Dovey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story filled with twists and Irish Folklore. This is the second book of hers I’ve read and loved now! A really great author.

[Martha Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long dark, kept waiting for the happy ending, depressing

[Dolly Mastrangelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

This is an awesome story that you will have a very hard time putting down. You will enjoy reading it.

[Patricia Peer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I really enjoyed this book, with its combination of story and legend. I’ll be looking forward to more stories from this author.

[Sherie Miklas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this beautiful book down. Recently wed and new in town, Grainne moves into her husband’s family home along with her father-in-law. While still trying to find her place as a stranger in a closely knit community, her husband’s fishing boat is lost at sea. Her grief is compounded when she discovers she is pregnant. Her cold, painful grief matches the description of the land around her and sets the mood perfectly. You can feel the unbearable weight of losing the love of her life and the fear of being alone and pregnant. She decides to stay in her husband’s home with her father-in-law and a mutually respectful and loving relationship develops. Grainne’s turmoil while dealing with her loss and the anger of an unwanted pregnancy was just so honestly and beautifully told. What I found the most compelling though was her insight. She had a few realizations that blew me away, and I had to stop and reflect on what I’d just read, leaving me feeling like I’d had a cleansing therapy session. Daisy O’Shea (aka Chris Lewando) is a master story teller in multiple genres, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything I’ve read.