Song of the Sea Maid - Couverture souple

Captivating . . . With a plot rich in description, written in a straightforward style that reflects the no-nonsense attitude of its heroine, this is an inspiring read. (The Lady)

An original and uplifting novel that beautifully captures a young woman's determination to succeed. (S D Sykes, author of Plague Land)

Rebecca Mascull's second novel continues to showcase her talent for writing intelligent, impeccably researched, absorbing historical fiction. Dawnay Price - foundling, scientist, feminist - is a wondrous character and I was on the edge of my seat following her fortunes. (Louise Walters, author of MRS SINCLAIR'S SUITCASE)

I adored this book. Dawnay Price is possibly one of my favourite characters I've ever read and I loved seeing her journey from ignorant (in the sweetest way possible) orphan girl to woman of science. Her story isn't always a happy one, but that's what makes it such a believable tale . . . I would recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing female character, loves stories set in the depths of nature, or suffers from a bit of wunderlust. You can almost feel the sun shining through the pages. Five stars from me! (Pixiecrop.com)

It felt as if I was reading a work by a modern and accessible Dickens.Song of the Sea Maid is a highly intelligent novel - a feminist text, a scientific text, a philosophical text, a love story and an historical novel. However, above all else it is a fabulous blend of all these genres into a wonderful and hugely satisfying read. Song of the Sea Maid enriches the reader's life. (Linda's Book Bag)

This is a beautifully written story, it speaks profoundly, and I know that I am going to go on thinking about it for a very long time . . . I was utterly captivated by Dawany, by her story, by her experiences. She was - they were - so utterly real, and I was infected by her life and her spirit . . . I loved the heart and soul of this book. (Fleur in Her World)

From the heartbreaking days in the orphanage to the series of events which sees her boarding a ship to Portugal, I was with Dawnay all the way . . . The clever weaving of real life historical events, such as the Lisbon earthquake really added to the overall atmosphere and time of the novel.
Quite a discovery!

(The Book Trail)

This book is beautifully written. The words are lyrical and the plot is compelling . . . Dawnay, herself, is a brilliant lead. You can't help but love her from the moment she is introduced. (Lost in a Daydream)

Terrific. A vindication of the pleasures of reading . . . a book which draws the reader in, deceptively making it an easy, page turning journey, and then pounces on the complacent, relaxed reader and swallows them up! (Lady Fancifull)

Song of the Sea Maid is a beautiful book, with a heroine that I now definitely have a bit of a girly crush on. A must read! (The Welsh Librarian)

An orphan in a Home for the Destitute
dreams of being a scientist.
But this is the 18th Century . . .
and she is a little girl.

As a child living on the streets of London, then in an orphanage, Dawnay Price grows up determined not to let her background stand in the way of her ambitions.

In an era when women rarely travel alone, especially for scientific study, Dawnay sets sail aboard The Prospect to the beautiful Iberian Peninsula. Amid rumours of mermaids in the sparkling waters, she makes some unexpected discoveries, including what it means to fall in love.

Having fought hard against convention, Dawnay is determined to put her career above all else. Yet as war approaches she finds herself divided by feelings she cannot control.

Told in Dawnay's words, from the author of THE VISITORS, this is an unforgettable story about what it takes to achieve your dreams, even when they seem impossible.

'An original and uplifting novel that beautifully captures a young woman's determination to succeed.'
S D Sykes, author of Plague Land

'Dawnay Price - foundling, scientist, feminist - is a wondrous character and I was on the edge of my seat following her fortunes.'
Louise Walters, author of Mrs Sinclair's Suitcase