Inge Sorensen

A beautiful and haunting story of a banished woman turned into a mermaid and the impact she has on all those who meet her. This story captures so many timeless themes and bonds in an enchanting way so many books can't. As a reader, it just called to me due to my childhood love and fascination with mermaids. Postcolonialism, transgenerational trauma, racism, loss, jealousy, loneliness and isolation, dysfunctional relationships and so much more are covered in the graceful composure of Monique Roffey's words - thank you so much Miss Roffey for writing this book, it's one of my new favorites.

"The Book of Lost Names" has become one of my new all-time favorite stories. It is a beautiful, detailed, engaging, and moving piece of literature that deeply divulges into the universal impact of war on others. The book showcases how people can be drawn together with a shared love of books, literature, cherished relationships, and all while reminding the reader of the importance of saving love, holding bonds, preserving memories, and learning to let them go in the face of tragedy and inevitably change. While Eva (the protagonist) had an intriguing beginning showing a moment in her life in 2005, the scenes in the 1940s began with a slow start. But once the threat of the Germans became ‘real’ for Eva, “The Book of Lost Names” became a mystery I just had to find all the answers to. This is a rare book that transforms itself for any kind of reader – the historical fiction lover, the books and libraries lover, the lover of codes, the fans of war drama, the admirers of the romantics, and all others you can think of.