“When We Believed in Mermaids” review – “When We Believed in Mermaids” is a novel by Barbara O’Neal and it has received positive reviews for its emotional depth and well-developed characters. Many readers have praised the book for its exploration of complex themes such as family, forgiveness, and identity. The book has also been described as a moving and captivating story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
When We Believed in Mermaids book review
“When We Believed in Mermaids” is a novel by Barbara O’Neal that tells the story of Josie, a young woman whose life is turned upside down when her estranged sister, Kit, reappears after being presumed dead for more than a decade.
The story begins when Josie receives a message from her sister, whom she believed was killed in a terrorist attack while on a trip to New Zealand with their mother. Josie is shocked and confused by Kit’s reappearance, and she begins to question everything she thought she knew about her sister’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.
As Josie tries to reconnect with Kit and learn the truth about her disappearance, she also grapples with her own demons and insecurities. She struggles with feelings of guilt and responsibility for her sister’s disappearance, and she must confront her fears and learn to forgive herself and others.
Throughout the book, Josie uncovers secrets about her family’s past and learns to embrace her own identity and find happiness in the present. The novel is a moving and poignant exploration of themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
Intrigue
Throughout the book, Josie uncovers secrets about her family’s past and begins to question everything she thought she knew about her sister’s death. She also discovers that Kit has been keeping secrets of her own, and she must navigate the complexities of their relationship as she tries to reconnect with her sister and learn the truth about what happened.
As Josie delves deeper into the mystery, she is drawn into a web of lies and deceit that threatens to unravel her entire world. The book is a compelling and emotionally charged story that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Plot Twist
One possible plot twist in the novel could be that Josie is actually alive and was not killed in the terrorist attack. Kit’s belief that she saw Josie on the news could be a result of her longing to see her sister again and her belief that Josie could still be alive. As the sisters reconnect and uncover the truth about what happened to Josie, they may discover that she was not actually killed in the attack, but was instead taken and held against her will by a group of terrorists who wanted to use her as a bargaining chip. This revelation would be a shocking and emotional moment for both Josie and Kit, as they come to terms with the fact that Josie has been alive all these years and the sisters are finally reunited.
Ending explained
In the ending of the novel, it is revealed that Josie was not actually killed in the terrorist attack as Kit had believed, but was instead taken and held against her will by a group of terrorists who wanted to use her as a bargaining chip. After being rescued by the military, Josie was left with severe injuries and spent the next 15 years recovering and rebuilding her life. She eventually moved to New Zealand and started a new life, but the trauma of her captivity and the loss of her family weighed heavily on her.
When Kit sees Josie on the news and believes that she is still alive, she is determined to find her sister and reunite with her. With the help of a journalist named Ben, Kit embarks on a journey to New Zealand to find Josie and learn the truth about what happened to her. Along the way, Kit and Ben discover that Josie’s story is just one piece of a larger puzzle, and that the terrorist attack that killed their parents was part of a much larger conspiracy.
As Kit and Josie reconnect, they begin to heal the wounds of the past and learn to forgive each other for the choices they made. In the end, the sisters are able to move forward with their lives, strengthened by their bond and the knowledge that they will always have each other to rely on.
When We Believed in Mermaids book characters
Here are the main characters in the novel:
Josie Bianchi: The older sister, Josie was believed to have been killed in a terrorist attack 15 years prior to the events of the novel. She was actually taken and held against her will by terrorists, but was eventually rescued and spent the next 15 years recovering and rebuilding her life in New Zealand.
Kit Bianchi: The younger sister, Kit is a successful classical musician who believes she sees Josie on the news and becomes determined to find her and reunite with her.
Ben Winters: A journalist who helps Kit on her journey to find Josie and uncover the truth about the terrorist attack that killed their parents.
Tess: Josie’s neighbor in New Zealand, Tess becomes a close friend and confidant for Josie as she navigates the challenges of rebuilding her life.
Matt: Josie’s ex-boyfriend, who played a role in her captivity and the events leading up to the terrorist attack.