In "Ingo" by Helen Dunmore, readers are introduced to Sapphire and her brother, Conor, who live by the sea in Cornwall. The story unfolds with the mysterious disappearance of their father, leading Sapphire to discover the world of Ingo, a dangerous realm beneath the waves. As Sapphire and Conor navigate the secrets of the underwater world and the connection between the merpeople and their own family, they are faced with choices between life on land and life in the water. The book creatively explores themes of family, loss, environmental issues, and the allure of the sea, captivating readers with its enchanting and mysterious storyline.

"Ingo" is a captivating fantasy novel that immerses readers into a world of merpeople, underwater adventures, and family secrets. The author, Helen Dunmore, weaves a tale that combines elements of mystery, mythology, and environmental themes, drawing readers into the depths of the sea alongside the main characters. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Dunmore brings to life a world where the boundaries between land and sea blur, and where the characters must navigate the challenges of their dual existence in a captivating and imaginative way.

Characters:

The characters exhibit a blend of youthful curiosity and depth, particularly highlighted through the siblings' contrasting personalities and struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The author's writing style is characterized by beautiful, imaginative prose that vividly captures the underwater world and its emotional resonance.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows Sapphire as she navigates the mysterious underwater realm of Ingo while coping with her father's disappearance, creating a narrative that intertwines personal journeys with mythological elements.

Setting:

The setting beautifully contrasts the real world of Cornwall with the magical, separate realm of Ingo, enriching the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing of the story is balanced, with slower moments for reflection juxtaposed against more exciting, action-driven sections.

YOU’LL FIND THE MERMAID of Zennor inside Zennor Church, if you know where to look. She’s carved from old, hard, dark wood. The church is dark too, so you have to bend down to see her clearly. You can ...

Notes:

Ingo is a fantasy world with different names like Mer, Mare, and Meor.

Sapphire (Sapphy) Trewhella is the main character, who feels a strong connection to the sea after her father's mysterious disappearance.

Sapphy's father, Matthew Trewhella, is presumed drowned, and his boat was found without him.

The story is set in modern-day Cornwall, where Ingo exists both above and below the water's surface.

Sapphy and her brother Conor encounter mermaids and merfolk, leading them into the underwater world of Ingo.

The story explores themes of family dynamics, individual choices, self-discovery, and the pull between two worlds.

Ingo is the first book in a planned series with titles like The Tide Knot and The Deep.

The narrative encourages readers to use their imagination and wonder about the connection to nature and the sea.

The book is recommended for middle-grade readers and has elements that might appeal to fans of Harry Potter.

There are strong themes of adventure, fantasy, and environmental awareness throughout the story.

From The Publisher:

A whisper on the tide

Sapphire's father mysteriously vanishes into the waves off the Cornwall coast where her family has always lived. She misses him terribly, and she longs to hear his spellbinding tales about the Mer, who live in the underwater kingdom of Ingo. Perhaps that is why she imagines herself being pulled like a magnet toward the sea. But when her brother, Conor, starts disappearing for hours on end, Sapphy starts to believe she might not be the only one who hears the call of the ocean.

In a novel full of longing, mystery, and magic, Helen Dunmore takes us to a new world that has the power both to captivate and to destroy.

Ratings (1)

It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (4)
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1 comment(s)

lulareviewla

It Was OK

8 months

This was a pretty good first book, to what looks to be an OK series.

What can you read after
Ingo?

See the list (52 books)

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Ingo

Helen Dunmore

Book 1 in the series:Ingo Chronicles