This is a sad, haunting, achingly lovely novel. On a lonely, rocky, windswept isle that might be off the coast of either Ireland or England, a bitter and heartsore witch conjures beautiful, gentle sea-wives out of seals to enchant the men away from the native women. The story spans a generation as the witch's slow revenge works its way through its tragic course, sometimes surprising even her. Each character is fully formed and their stories are richly told in wonderful, muscular, earthy language. Utterly brilliant.