Set in the court of Louis XIV, the story blends historical fiction with elements of fantasy as it follows a young woman who serves as the king's natural philosopher. Tasked with studying a sea creature captured by the king, believed to be a mermaid, she discovers its intelligence and humanity, challenging the prevailing views of her time. As she forms a bond with the creature, she must navigate the treacherous waters of court intrigue and scientific discovery, while confronting ethical dilemmas about the treatment of sentient beings and the pursuit of knowledge at any cost. The novel explores themes of power, gender, and the clash between science and superstition.

The 9551st greatest book of all time