The Sirens by Emilia Hart is a beautifully written, haunting story that blends historical fiction with magical realism, creating an enigmatic story. The writing is stunning—almost poetic at times—without ever feeling over-the-top. Hart’s writing evokes a deeply moody, evocative atmosphere, pulling you into the mysteries that stretches across the novel’s dual timelines.
The story follows Lucy, who arrives at her sister Jess’s remote coastal home, only to find that Jess is missing. As she searches for answers, she realizes that everyone around her—family, friends, and the town itself—knows more than they’re letting on. This creates an undercurrent of suspense that made me anxious to learn how it all would come together to help Lucy piece together the truth. And just when you think you have a grasp on where the story is headed, a plot twist lands—unexpected and brilliantly executed. I pride myself on identifying early on the plot twist will be; not here. I actually gasp “What???” in surprise.
Because I listened to the audiobook, it is necessary to mention @barriebarriepix’s incredible narration. I usually avoid audiobooks because I often find the narrators’ voices annoying, but that wasn’t the case here. She delivers a phenomenal performance, capturing the perfect tone for the novel’s blend of mystery and melancholy. She is also a master of accents which added depth to the characters, and at one point, she even sings—an element that makes the audiobook feel even more immersive.
Despite the novel’s many strengths, I was left with is a lingering sense of incompleteness when it comes to the dreams mentioned through the story. Their significance is left somewhat open-ended, never fully discussed or resolved, which might leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.
Overall, The Sirens is a gripping, atmospheric read that explores family secrets, sisterhood, and the mysteries of the past. While some questions are left unanswered, the gorgeous writing, strong narration, and unexpected twists make this a book worth reading. I loved it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Emilia Hart and NetGalley for the eARC. This was such a pleasure to listen to.
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