Makara

Makara, a story of a daughter of a Selchie, makes good on the promise to deliver an original, rich, and thoroughly engrossing tale. And more. There is something magical about the sure-handed, passionate prose that makes Fionnuala leap off the page and into my heart. The story is about growing up, about being deaf, about acceptance, and about myth and truth. Big themes in and of themselves. Ringman binds them together - or perhaps uncovers what already binds them - to give us something whole, complete, and immensely human. I stole moments anywhere I could to read this book and it changed me - woke up a piece of my heart I did not know was sleeping. I will keep Makara on my shelf for a very long time - diving in again whenever there is a chance I have forgotten.

Great debut novel! Well written and such a unique and original story!

In Kristen Ringman's Makara, readers are blessed with the ability to truly journey with the protagonist through both the foreign lands she travels, and through the turbulent inner journey of adolescence, thanks to Ringman's fantastic sense of passion for the places and feelings she writes upon. Her images of Ireland, Italy, and India are so achingly beautiful...every sensation is delineated masterfully. It is safe to say if one has not actually been to those places, Makara has taken them there to the fullest extent. Initially, one may assume a half-seal, half-human girl may not be a character everyone can relate to. Read Makara and cast the assumptions aside. Throughout Fionnuala's voyages, Ringman taps into the gut wrenching self-awareness and crippling social uncertainty that every teenager endures. All who read will undoubtedly feel a pang of empathy as she embraces the changes happening in her body, her soul, and the way she perceives the world around her. Makara explores the elements of transformation, travel, and self acceptance in a unique and evocative style. This is not a book to be missed.

Makara is splendid! Ringman pulled me in so closely that I felt like I was another character in her story. From excitement, to admiration, to envy, to sadness, to fear, I felt so much for the characters. I loved how the relationships among the main characters evolved over the course of her travels, and how lively each chapter was! Ringman's writing feels like music: it is playful, soulful, seductive, and rhythmic. I had a hard time putting Makara down! I am already anticipating her next novel!

I just finished reading Makara...I love the ways that "place" held so much sway over the characters. These are amazing places lovingly rendered. The characters evolve as their surroundings change and I love the story of growth happening in how the main character begins to see her parents more complexly over time. A beautiful, story well told!

My girlfriend made me read this book. I was skeptical at first, but the story really drew me in. Ms. Ringman paints pictures with her words, each chapter has a different color and a different feel. I really appreciated the original perspective, and I feel as though I have visited foreign lands. Ladies, make your loved ones read this book, it is well worth the journey.

Not my usual read, but this book has it all. Part fantasy, part travel log, part thriller and a coming of age tale. Written thru the eyes of someone who has been there.

Beautifully written, captivating story that really makes you think. You can tell the author has been to the places she so lyrically describes. It has just the right amount of tension and "real life" struggle with crazy, fantastical plot twists. Loved it!