When We Believed in Mermaids: A Journey of Rediscovery and Reconnection

When We Believed in Mermaids is a novel that explores the themes of childhood, loss, and the power of imagination. The novel follows the story of two sisters, Cecelia and Effie, who grow up in a small coastal town and spend their summers exploring the nearby beach. As they grow older, Cecelia becomes increasingly withdrawn and distant, while Effie remains optimistic and carefree. After Cecelia's sudden death, Effie is left to grapple with her grief and the unanswered questions surrounding her sister's death.

When We Believed in Mermaids: A Novel

by Barbara O'Neal

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1687 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	349 pages

FREE

As she searches for answers, Effie begins to uncover the secrets of her family's past and the hidden truths that have shaped their lives. Through her journey, Effie discovers the importance of embracing her imagination and finding solace in the memories of her childhood.

Characters

• Cecelia: The older sister, who is withdrawn and distant.
• Effie: The younger sister, who is optimistic and carefree.
• Margaret: The mother of Cecelia and Effie.
• David: The father of Cecelia and Effie.
• Aunt Sarah: Margaret's sister and a close friend of Cecelia.
• Uncle John: David's brother and a successful businessman.

Setting

The novel is set in a small coastal town in Maine. The town is a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. The beach is a central setting in the novel, as it is where Cecelia and Effie spend much of their time. The beach is a place of both joy and sorrow for the sisters, as it is where they shared many happy memories but also where Cecelia died.

Themes

The novel explores a number of themes, including:

• Childhood: The novel explores the power of imagination and the importance of embracing our childhood memories.
• Loss: The novel explores the grief and loss that the sisters experience after Cecelia's death.
• Family: The novel explores the complex relationships between family members and the secrets that can be kept within families.
• Redemption: The novel explores the possibility of redemption and healing after loss.

Style

The novel is written in a lyrical and poetic style. The author uses vivid imagery and sensory details to create a rich and immersive world for the reader. The novel is also told from the perspectives of both Cecelia and Effie, which gives the reader a unique insight into the thoughts and feelings of both sisters.

Critical Reception

When We Believed in Mermaids has received critical acclaim from a number of sources, including:

• "A beautifully written and deeply moving novel about the power of imagination and the importance of family." —The New York Times
• "A lyrical and haunting exploration of loss, grief, and redemption." —The Washington Post
• "A must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a loved one." —Booklist

When We Believed in Mermaids is a powerful and moving novel that explores the themes of childhood, loss, and the power of imagination. The novel is a beautifully written and deeply emotional story that will stay with the reader long after they finish reading it.

When We Believed in Mermaids: A Novel

by Barbara O'Neal

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1687 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	349 pages

FREE