Plot Summary

The Mermaid Chair

Sue Monk Kidd
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The Mermaid Chair

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

Book Brief

Sue Monk Kidd

The Mermaid Chair

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Egret Island • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd follows Jessie Sullivan, who returns to Egret Island to care for her mentally unstable mother, Nelle. While there, she confronts past traumas, examines her stagnant marriage, and becomes romantically involved with a monk named Brother Thomas. Jessie navigates introspective challenges and seeks independence while uncovering secrets about her father's death and her mother's struggles. Topics include self-harm and parental death.

Contemplative

Emotional

Romantic

Bittersweet

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

3.7

91,393 ratings

41%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

23%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd offers a compelling narrative with rich, evocative prose and a deeply reflective journey of self-discovery. Positive reviews commend its lyrical writing and emotional depth. However, some criticize the slow pacing and predictability of the plot. While the character development is strong, not all readers connect with the protagonist’s decisions. MLA

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Mermaid Chair?

Readers who enjoy introspective journeys of self-discovery, similar to those in The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd or Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, will find The Mermaid Chair captivating. Ideal for those drawn to emotionally rich narratives set against evocative southern landscapes, this book delves deep into themes of spirituality, love, and transformation.

3.7

91,393 ratings

41%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

23%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Egret Island • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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