46 pages • 1 hour read
Rivers SolomonThe Deep
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Yetu is the historian of a society of merfolk descended from pregnant enslaved women. Burdened by the collective memory of historical suffering, Yetu struggles to balance her duty to her people and her personal identity. Fleeing her role, she encounters two-legs and begins to rediscover herself, leading to a transformation in how her people handle their shared history. Themes of enslavement and historical trauma, racism, and mental health stressors are present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Rivers Solomon's The Deep is praised for its imaginative storytelling and rich, evocative prose that deeply explores themes of memory, identity, and trauma. Critics highlight its unique premise and strong world-building, though some note that its intricate narrative can feel dense. Overall, it offers a powerful, thought-provoking read despite occasional complexities.
Who Should Read The Deep?
The reader who would enjoy The Deep by Rivers Solomon likely appreciates thought-provoking, speculative fiction with rich world-building and multidimensional characters. Fans of Octavia Butler's Kindred and Nnedi Okorafor's Who Fears Death will find the novel's exploration of identity, memory, and cultural heritage engaging and impactful.