Near the island of Black Conch, a fisherman sings to himself while waiting for a catch. But David attracts a sea-dweller that he never expected - Aycayia, an innocent young woman cursed by jealous wives to live as a mermaid. When American tourists capture Aycayia, David rescues her and vows to win her trust. Slowly, painfully, she transforms into a woman again. Yet as their love grows, they discover that the world around them is changing - and they cannot escape the curse for ever . . . 'A bittersweet love story . . . A joy to read' BBC News 'A fiercely modern mermaid story' The Times 'Wondrous . . . A striking achievement' Sunday Times 'Not your standard mermaid' MARGARET ATWOOD 'Exquisite' ELIZABETH MACNEAL