The Mermaid of Black Conch: The spellbinding winner of the Costa Book of the Year as read on BBC Radio 4

Roffey is one of my favourite writers. I’ve read and loved all of her books. I discovered her work because she was featured in an Open University course I did several years ago. I found out about thus book during an episode of Richard and Judy’s lockdown reading show a couple of months ago and had to have it. I loved this book. I devoured it in one sitting. I’ve read and enjoyed a decent amount of fiction featuring mermaid mythology so was looking forward to reading Roffey’s take on it. I loved this book. I was caught up in the story from the first page and couldn’t stop reading. This is a very sad book and quite dark at times as Aycayia is targeted by the fishermen who originally catch her and later by other villagers who perceive her as a threat. The love between Aycayia and David brought a lump to my throat. I cried a lot reading this. I cannot recommend this book enough.

I did not want to finish this book as I enjoyed it immensely. An unusual tale of a mermaid, but not your usual sweet, hair brushing, scallop wearing beauty. Oh no, this mermaid is massive, dynamic and barnacle encrusted. I just loved Roffey's vivid descriptions of Aycayia and how she changed. In some ways the story follows the fairy tale of the mermaid coming to live on land, but is so much more, with love, corruption, attitudes to women, slavery and ecology. I found the descriptions of the sea and the island extremely evocative. Really a story to step into and feel you've travelled to another place and time. Wonderful and memorable.

This a transporting tale of love, loss, existential loneliness and transformation. The writing is lyrical and layered, with vivid characterisation and the odd spike of humour. Moreover, the book is genuinely exciting and unpredictable while remaining deeply moving. This is a must-read!

Just finished this book and loved it. Unusual and has a real flavour of the Caribbean, I love the language, having lived around West Indians it resonates for me. I also like that it's a cry for respecting difference, tradition, the natural world, and better relationships between men and women. We need more such literature publishing.

One of the best, most absorbing and memorable books I've read in a long time. Fantastic story beautifully told. I read it as a Bookclub member. There are 10 of us. This is the first book in two years which has been unanimously raved about! Great writing and characterisation. Brava Monique Roffey!

I do not generally like books with 'supernatural' creatures but following the positive reviews I gave it a try. Putting aside the reservations mentioned, I did find the book engaging and came to care very much about the fate of the mermaid. It was an engaging story but a bit light as a novel.

Exactly the kind of magical realism - feelgood escapism needed during lockdown. With a healthy dose of literary symbolism and allegory. With references to Hemingway, Gabriel Gracia Marquez and the Tempest. Politically aware touching on ecological and human rights issues. Beautiful passages about the sea. Not sure I totally agree with the ending for our star crossed lovers and author does tend to repeat herself. All in all an enjoyable short read. The cadence of the language soon grows on you, and after a couple of pages it becomes natural.

Bought after I heard the author of Bernadine Evaristo whose book Girl Woman other joint winner of the 2019 Man Booker prize, was recommending it. I now recommend to others!