This is a dystopian novel set in the near future where humans are forced to take refuge underwater to escape lethal sunlight. In this underwater world, a new species of beautiful yet ferocious creatures is discovered: mermaids. They are imprisoned and exploited for both their delicious flesh and to satisfy sexual desires. Endowed with extraordinary physical power and an irresistible song, the mermaids are destined for a cruel fate. The protagonist, Samuel, who is a mermaid guard, falls in love with one of them, Mia, and decides to free her. But this rebellion will come at a price. Pugno's mesmerising writing combines apocalypse and contemporary tensions to create a dark fairy tale that explores the boundaries between love and death, and beauty and destruction.

First edition: Einaudi, 2007.

Copyright: Marsilio, 2017.