Megan (thebookishtwins)'s Reviews > A Song Below Water

disclaimer: I received this free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A Song Below Water follows both Tavia and Effie in the aftermath of the murder of a Black woman who was, apparently, also a siren. Tavia is forced to keep her siren identity under wraps because not only is it dangerous to be a Black woman, but also a siren. But when she accidentally lets her voice out during a police traffic stop, her secret no longer feels like a secret. Effie’s past soon comes back to haunt her and she has to try and uncover the secret as to what she is. As both girls discover their magical identities and what it means to them, they also face the challenges of today’s racism and sexism.

rep: black m/c’s, latino side character

content warnings: the murder of a Black woman, racism, police brutality

‘Black and female and a siren is just layers upon layers of trauma’.

A Song Below Water is a compelling novel about racism, and, more specifically, misogynoir. It is filled with interesting mythology set in an alternative Portland and has a wonderful relationship between Effie and Tavia – best friends but actually more like sisters. The beginning was a little difficult to get into due to the presence of mythological beings in a world like our own where it appears to be the norm but once I found my footing I was dragged into a compelling and important story about the dangers and injustices Black women face.

A Song Below Water is set in an alternative Portland where sirens, gargoyles, eloko’s, sprites, and mermaids exist and it is the norm of the world. However, not all are treated equally. Tavia is a siren, and her voice has power and that is why sirens are considered dangerous. She is also Black. In a world where being a Black woman is dangerous enough, she feels it is even more important to keep her siren identity secret. I loved Tavia and I really loved going on this journey with her where she truly discovers who she is and her place in the world and I loved watching her use her power for activism and to let the world know that siren’s and Black Lives Matter.

Effie was also a favourite. Her story focused on trying to figure out what she is. She is haunted by her past and struggles to escape it, but that past is catching up and she is struggling to outrun it. The mystery surrounding Effie and her mythical identity was really compelling and interesting. Her friendship with Tavia goes futher than just being best friends, there is a real sense of sisterhood between the two and I really loved the unconditional love and support the two had for each other.

A Song Below Water calls out racism and misogynoir. It puts a spotlight on the injustices that Black women face in not just this alternative Portland but in our own real world. We see it all over the news, and this book truly screams that Black Lives Matter. It calls out the hypocrisy and safety of white allies, discusses police brutality, and it also discusses the importance of protest and the anger that they feel at all the injustice and violence Black people face and the need to do something.

‘The sun is shining but there’s gonna be a storm. My skin is goose-pimpled, an unseen sharpness dancing in the air and prickling me everywhere I’m exposed.’