Aycayia , a young woman condemned to live as a mermaid, wanders from century to century in the Caribbean Sea. One day, David the fisherman who was singing in his canoe, waiting for a catch, attracts the beautiful mermaid. He falls madly in love with her. When American tourists capture her, David saves her, vows to protect and cherish her, far from the sound and fury. Slowly, the mermaid transforms back into a woman. As their love grows, they discover that the world around them is sinking into a spiral of destruction, and that it will be impossible for them to escape the curse. The mermaid of Black Conch is inspired by a Taïno legend .  

Born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Monique Roffey is a renowned author, known for her novels, short stories, essays and literary criticism articles.