The Selkie’s Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan

The Selkie’s Daughter presents its protagonist with a profound choice between two natures.

The Selkie’s Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan. Holiday House, 2024, 202 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for: ages 10-15

Growing up in a fishing village on Nova Scotia, Brigit Finn is isolated from the larger world. But something else isolates her even from her small world. The webbing between her fingers gives her secret away, much as she tries to hide it: she’s only half human. Her mother is a selkie, or shape-shifting seal, who gave up her seal life after falling in love with Brigit’s father. Her little brother Willie appears to be all human, but Brigit lives with a conflicted nature, and a sense that at some time she may have to make a choice.

Crisis forces that choice upon her, when a father-and-son team in her village begin hunting baby seals for profit. The Great Selkie will not stand for this, and a series of misfortunes creates more suspicion and hostility within the village. Tragedy strikes Bigit’s family, and shortly after her father fails to return from a fishing expedition. Seal relatives know where he is but the only way he can be rescued is for Brigit or her mother to make a great sacrifice.

The Selkie’s Daughter is short but atmospheric, immersing the reader in this small corner of the world. The Selkie tradition has a long lineage originating in the Northern Isles of Scotland, by way of Viking invaders. Mythical beings coexist with Catholic theology, and the village priest is presented positively. His nephew Peter, a budding scientist, becomes a loyal friend and helper in time of need, offering this reminder: “God made the rules of science and the sea. Wouldn’t hurt to have Him on our side.” Without giving too much away, Brigit’s mother makes a choice as the end that readers may find disturbing. But it’s worth thinking about, and possibly discussing.

A thoughtful read.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Reviews: Other sea-based adventures we’ve reviewed are The Last Mapmaker, Beyond the Bright Sea, Queen of the Sea, and Princess of the Wild Sea.
• Review: Across the Rainbow Bridge is a fine collection of Norse mythology.
• Resource: Find mythical creatures galore in our Here Be Dragons booklist.

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