When We Believed in Mermaids - Barbara O’Neal

As a fellow book lover, I was immediately drawn to Barbara O'Neal's 'When We Believed in Mermaids' by its evocative title and a blurb that promised a thrilling emotional ride. The idea of a sister, long-presumed dead, suddenly reappearing on live television? My heart raced just thinking about it! This isn't just a story; it's a deep dive into the complexities of grief, the power of deception, and the enduring bond between siblings. Kit, our protagonist, is an ER doctor whose world is shattered for a second time when she sees a woman identical to her sister, Josie, who supposedly died fifteen years prior in a terrorist attack. This moment ignites a desperate quest for answers, leading Kit from the familiar streets of Santa Cruz to the vibrant, yet mysterious, landscape of Auckland, New Zealand. What follows is a masterful unraveling of long-buried secrets, a journey that forces Kit to confront not only the truth about Josie but also the hidden traumas that have shaped their entire lives. The narrative skillfully weaves between past and present, revealing glimpses of their childhood on the beach, a lost teenage boy who became part of their family, and the devastating event that tore them apart. What truly resonated with me was the raw emotion O'Neal injects into Kit's journey. Her anger, confusion, and desperate hope are palpable. As I read, I found myself questioning everything alongside Kit: How could Josie have faked her death? What lies were told, and why? The author excels at painting a vivid picture of the sisters' shared history, making their bond – and the pain of its deception – incredibly real. The cover art, featuring those "silhouetted figures walking on a beach at sunset," perfectly captures the melancholic beauty and underlying mystery of the sisters' past, especially their shared memories of the ocean. And seeing that Susan Wiggs, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, endorsed this book definitely piqued my interest even more. But let's talk about the title: 'When We Believed in Mermaids.' It's not about literal mermaids, of course, but it's a beautiful metaphor. To me, it symbolizes that period of childhood innocence, wonder, and perhaps even willful ignorance, before the harsh realities and complex deceptions of adulthood set in. For Kit and Josie, "mermaids" could represent the beautiful, fantastical illusions they once held, a time when belief in the impossible was easy, before their lives were shattered by secrets and tragedy. It hints at the elusive nature of truth Kit is chasing – as slippery and mysterious as a mermaid herself, often hidden beneath layers of the sea. This title truly adds a layer of poignant depth to the entire narrative, inviting readers to reflect on their own lost beliefs and the truths they've uncovered. If you're a fan of richly drawn characters, intricate family sagas, and mysteries that tug at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat, then 'When We Believed in Mermaids' is an absolute must-read. It’s a powerful exploration of sisterhood, forgiveness, and the sometimes devastating cost of keeping secrets. I finished it feeling completely engrossed and profoundly moved.