Strange Horizons, January 16, 2017

“Bluebellow” by Alexis Pauline Grumbs

Reviewed by Benjamin Wheeler

Alexis Pauline Grumbs provides some haunting sea metaphors and descriptions for “Bluebellow.” Serena goes to England and is disturbed by watery dreams and ghosts in mirrors. Their meaning will become apparent as she searches for others like her. From the beginning, much of the story focuses on the history of the African slave as a cause for the ghostly mermaids, which, during the denouement, alleviates some tension in a normally creepy story. There’s also a careful balance between politics and description that never gets too preachy.