Coral by Sara Ella – Review

About the Book

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved—yet tragic—fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid,” Coral explores mental health and what it means to be human in a world where humanity often seems lost.

Coral has always been different, standing out from her mermaid sisters in a society where blending in is key. Worse yet, she fears she has been afflicted with the dreaded Disease said to be carried by humans—emotions. Her sister had the Disease, and Red Tide took her away. Will it come for Coral next?

Above the sea, Brooke has nothing left to give. Depression and anxiety have left her feeling isolated. Forgotten. The only thing she can rely on is the numbness she finds within the cool and comforting ocean waves. If only she weren’t stuck at a new group-therapy home that promises a second chance at life. But what’s the point of living if her soul is destined to bleed?

Merrick may be San Francisco’s golden boy, but he wants nothing more than to escape his controlling father. When his younger sister’s suicide attempt sends Merrick to his breaking point, escape becomes the only option. If he can find their mom, everything will be made right again—right?

When their worlds collide, all three will do whatever it takes to survive. But what—and who—must they leave behind for life to finally begin?

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In My Opinion

Let me state that Coral is not a re-telling of The Little Mermaid. It’s a reimagining of the beloved fairy tale. While there are elements of the original in Sara Ella’s rendition, most of the story is completely new.

Another quick disclaimer: Please, please, please read the author’s note about triggers at the beginning of the book. If you choose to proceed after reading that, be sure and have some tissues handy.

Ella tackles some extremely difficult topes such as depression, suicide, self-harm, and vague mentions of abuse.

The three points of view—Coral, Merrick, and Brooke—did get a bit convoluted at first, but about halfway through the book, I had an epiphany about the connection between these characters and everything started to click (my hunch was, indeed, spot-on).

I will say that while Ella handles her topics with care and consideration, I was disappointed there wasn’t any sort of faith thread in the story. It would have given the overall tone of the book more hope-of-things-to-come filled than the darker overtones.

That said, this story engaged me in the lives of the characters, and my heart hurt for them in their pain, despair, and loss.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.