I loved the development of the rich and original concept of a society of aquatic fishy-hominids (the wajinru) living in the Atlantic Ocean off the cost of West Africa, the descendants of pregnant women murdered at sea by slavers. The main character, Yetu, lives in this world, and holds all the memories of all of the wajinru kin so that they can be free of those horrific memories and live a joyful, simple life in the present. Holding all of these is torturous for Yetu, who decides to find another way for them to live.

(It is very similar to the plot of The Giver by Lois Lowry, my favorite childhood book. On one hand it was familiar and pleasant, on the other hand I couldn't shake the feeling that I had been on this ride once before.)

In general, I'm glad I read it, and it's the kind of book you want someone else to read so you can discuss it with them.

arc received from the publisher