Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting my wish! 

Folklore has always been of interest to me and the story of the Selkie Wife is one I recall of having heard when I was a child, albeit in a different language, which is why I wished for the book on sight. 

This book is a marvel! The historical world building in this book is impressive and submersive, making me feel as though I was there, day to day. The author's research clearly must've been immaculate if it allowed her to construct a world that really makes you feel as though the novel's world is the world you live in. 

The writing of course is also a large part of the immersion and I enjoyed the structure of the novel as well as the writing style of the author. There is a tense and yet subdued pace to the story, wherein there are many day-to-day, mundane events that all somehow build the overall tension the reader grows to feel throughout the book -- when it breaks, events happen in a breathtaking rush that makes the book un-put-downable. 

Mythologically, it is also well constructed, things making the right amount of sense in order to not break you out of the immersion. The superstitious nature of the town blended into the magical structure in a truly fascinating manner.

Of course, the main focus of the book were the relationships between Jean and everyone around her. The characters were well constructed: flawed, real and believable. Jean's development over the course of the book was heartwarming and I loved her interactions with everyone around her. Muirin was amazing -- I just loved everything about her. 

Overall, a must read of the retelling genre! Highly recommended.