Book Review: When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley
When I first stumbled upon When the Tides Held the Moon, I was intrigued by the promise of mythical romance mingled with the vibrant backdrop of early 1900s Coney Island. Venessa Vida Kelley’s debut, which deftly weaves the escapades of a merman and a former blacksmith, pulled me into a world that felt so alive, I could almost hear the waves crashing against the shore. I found myself captivated—not just by the plot, but by the profound emotional currents that ran through the narrative.
At the heart of this story is Benny, a twenty-two-year-old Puerto Rican navigating the constraints of a society that often feels too confining. He joins the scheming Morgan’s menagerie, where he discovers the “mystical merman of the Seven Seas,” Río. This relationship evolves beautifully from initial tension to a deep, soul-nurturing connection that explores themes of freedom, identity, and love. As Benny faces the complexity of caring for a being he once helped trap, the author artfully illustrates the battle between survival and longing—a struggle that resonated with me deeply.
Kelley’s writing is nothing short of exquisite. The imagery she paints is lush, blending poetic language with an emotional cadence that keeps the reader enthralled. I escaped into dialogues that felt like whispers from the ocean, each line echoing hope and understanding. One particularly poignant quote struck me: “You make me feel like I’m kissing the tides.” Such powerful sentiment embodies the book’s core, where love not only signifies devotion but also the courage to confront one’s true self.
I was especially taken with the genuine growth witnessed in both Benny and Río. Their relationship unfolds gracefully; it’s a dance of vulnerability and acceptance that speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place. Another line that has stayed with me is: “Your emotions are not madness. Nor are you broken.” It encapsulates the book’s heart—the celebration of love that dares to defy societal norms, a tribute to found family and the bonds that bind those ostracized by conventional limits.
However, I found myself grappling with a few minor elements. For instance, a reference to the Book of Genesis felt slightly disjointed within the context of the otherwise fluid narrative. And as I reached the end, I yearned for an epilogue, a final glimpse into the futures of these characters I had come to cherish. Despite some pacing issues toward the close, the tension was gripping enough that I could overlook them, reveling instead in the emotional waves Kelley crafted so skillfully.
In conclusion, When the Tides Held the Moon isn’t just for fans of fantasy or merman stories; it’s for anyone who appreciates beautifully woven narratives that explore love in myriad forms. Whether your heart beats for romance or you simply seek a poignant tale of resilience and acceptance, this book will leave an impression. Kelley has birthed a world I didn’t want to leave, and I can’t help but look forward to what she’ll create next. If you’re like me—a romantic at heart—dive in; you won’t regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🌊✨
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