Becoming Leidah

In nineteenth-century Norway, a woman rescued from the sea is married to a fisherman, and their daughter is a shapeshifter who follows their every move. Maeva must help her daughter navigate and control her birthright to survive, but Pieter's protective love threatens their secure life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

In the remote village of Ørken, nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of nineteenth-century Norway, a captivating love story unfolds, entwined with elements of magic and mystery. The protagonist of this tale is Leidah Pietersdatter, a young woman rescued from the treacherous sea by a kind fisherman named Pieter. Their union brings forth a tiny and extraordinarily gifted daughter, whose presence sparks curiosity and intrigue among the villagers. However, as the villagers harbor suspicions and prejudices, Leidah and her family are forced to navigate a delicate social landscape, where their differences threaten to be exposed and punished.

Hidden away from the prying eyes of the villagers, Leidah's mother, Maeva, conceals her own magical ancestry from her daughter, fearing the consequences of revealing their secrets. Maeva desperately tries to protect her daughter from the scrutiny of the townsfolk, who adhere to a strict faith in the new God and have abandoned the old ways. However, as the villagers closely monitor any sign of transgression, Maeva becomes increasingly aware of the danger lurking around them.

Unbeknownst to Maeva and Pieter, a curious shapeshifter lurks in the shadows, patiently waiting for the Fates to weave their intricate web. The shapeshifter, driven by an insatiable curiosity, follows both mother and daughter through time, observing their every move. As Maeva's elusive past begins to beckon, she realizes that she must help her daughter navigate and control her own singular birthright if the child is to survive in the human world.

Yet, the protective love Pieter has for his family poses a significant threat to their secure life they have slowly built. Witnessing this, Maeva reaches a drastic conclusion: she must make a sacrifice that will forever alter the course of their lives. With a heavy heart, Maeva makes a decision that will forever change the trajectory of their destiny.

The love story between Leidah, Pieter, and their daughter continues to unfold, filled with trials, triumphs, and unexpected twists. As the villagers learn to embrace their differences and recognize the extraordinary gifts that Leidah possesses, the family finds solace and acceptance within the community. However, the journey is not without its challenges, as the shapeshifter continues to stalk their every move, determined to unravel the secrets that lie hidden within Maeva's past.

In the end, the love and sacrifice of Leidah, Pieter, and Maeva bring forth a new understanding of the power of love, acceptance, and the extraordinary abilities that lie within us all. The story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of love can guide us toward a brighter future.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 154 x 230 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982141202