In 1976, David is fishing off the island of Black Conch when he comes upon a creature he doesn't expect: a mermaid by the name of Aycayia. Once a beautiful young woman, she was cursed by jealous wives to live in this form for the rest of her days. But after the mermaid is caught by American tourists, David rescues and hides her away in his home, finding that, out of the water, she begins to transform back into a woman.

Now, David must work to win Aycayia's trust, while she re-learns what it is to be human, navigating not only her new body, but also her relationship with others on the island, a difficult task after centuries of loneliness. As David and Aycayia's love grows, they navigate both the joys and dangers of life on shore. A lingering question remains: will the former mermaid be able to escape her curse? Taking on many points of view, this mythical adventure tells the story of one woman's return to land, her healing, and her survival.