The Brides of Rollrock Island takes the form of seven narrators, each taking up a layer of the story until it ends full circle. This is a tale about the sea-witch Misskaella, who has the ability to draw forth a woman from a seal. She begins selling these sea brides to the men of Rollrock Island both for payment and revenge for their rejection of her. Lanagan weaves a deeply insightful story about the consequences of revenge, and of the sorrow that accompanies unchecked desire.

Margo Lanagan’s writing is absolutely exquisite. Readers will easily become lost in the magic of her storytelling. Lanagan sets herself apart as a storyteller with her rich, lyrical prose and atmospheric settings. As readers we glimpse our own past slightly skewed into something strange and not quite of this world. Through enchanting dialogue and magnificent characterization, the world of Rollrock occupies a realm of existence that lies just beyond our own.  Enchanting is the best description I can provide for this book. I highly recommend to readers of any age.