The Drowned Man's Daughter is a post-apocalyptic fiction novella, written by C. J. Lavigne, published by NeWest Press. An evocative and compelling tale focused on a group of mismatched characters struggling to survive in a claustrophobic enclave between the sea and invasive moss; a ravaged world that Lavigne uses to create an excellent novella.

Naia, the central character, was washed ashore as a baby, carrying with her the myth of her origin: the rest of the inhabitants believe that she can mediate with the sea, control it, putting her in a leadership role she's not comfortable. She craves to leave the island, but her path is blocked in both directions: the mainland is filled with moss that drives anybody that touches it to madness, and the ocean is full of dangers, an assured sea sentence. As time is passing, Naia must take a decision, as she can't continue pretending as the rest might find out.

Lavigne uses this premise to paint a vivid portrait of the characters; the extreme situation and the sensation of time running out push them towards the edge of the knife, taking decisions that are far from ideal, risking much. We could see this as a study of characters in an isolated place, really well balanced to keep the reader engaged.

The Drowned Man's Daughter is an excellent novella, a fiction piece that uses a particular setting to bring together a great cast of characters while examining aspects like beliefs, hope, and the despair near an almost inevitable end. A brilliant book if you ask me!