51 pages 1 hour read

Barbara O'Neal

When We Believed in Mermaids: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal, Dr. Kit Bianci travels to New Zealand upon seeing a woman resembling her sister Josie on TV 15 years after Josie's reported death. As Kit searches for her sister, she reconnects with her past, explores her relationship with a man named Javier, and uncovers secrets involving her sister, who now goes by Mari. Sensitive topics include child sexual assault, addiction, and neglect.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal is praised for its compelling storytelling and richly drawn characters. Readers appreciate the vivid setting and emotional depth, though some find the plot predictable and dialogue occasionally clichéd. Overall, it's regarded as an engaging and heartfelt read, balancing themes of trauma, family, and redemption effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read When We Believed in Mermaids?

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal appeals to readers who enjoy emotionally charged family dramas and complex character relationships. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Jodi Picoult's Small Great Things will appreciate O'Neal's nuanced exploration of sisterhood and healing from past traumas.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Romance

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Identity: Mental Health

Relationships: Family

Topics

Love / Sexuality