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thistle_and_verse 's review for:
The Deep
by Rivers Solomon
I came in with high expectations because I adored Solomon's debut novel. I didn't love it as much as I thought I would but still a solid read. This was a very imaginative take on mermaids, and I was intrigued by the changes Solomon made to the lore. The wanjiru world felt a bit underdeveloped. I felt like there was more to tell about how they structure family and their society. I think the analytical/ objectice tone made it difficult for me to get invested in Yetu. Stylistically and thematically it made sense, but it wasn't until about halfway in when Yetu falls in love that I felt an emotional connection to her character. The ending was very sweet. This novel looks at questions of memory and heritage in a thought provoking and engaging way.