Sister's Ghost on the News

Kit, an ER doctor, is stunned to see her sister Josie, who was presumed dead for fifteen years, on a TV news broadcast. This shocking revelation occurs during a chaotic night at the hospital, where Kit is dealing with the aftermath of a violent beach party. The sight of Josie, with her unmistakable features, ignites a mix of disbelief and hope in Kit. She is compelled to question the official story of Josie's death in a terrorist attack on a European train, setting her on a path to uncover the truth about her sister's fate.

Memories of a Lost Childhood

Kit reflects on her tumultuous childhood, growing up with her beautiful, troubled sister Josie and their charismatic but neglectful parents. Their family restaurant, Eden, was a bustling hub frequented by celebrities, leaving Kit and Josie to fend for themselves. They formed a close bond with Dylan, a runaway who became like a brother. These memories are bittersweet, filled with moments of joy and deep-seated pain, as Kit recalls the love and loss that defined her early years.

A Mysterious New Life

Kit's investigation into Josie's possible survival leads her to New Zealand, where she hopes to find answers. She learns that Josie might have assumed a new identity, living a life far removed from the one she left behind. The search is fraught with emotional turmoil, as Kit confronts the possibility that her sister chose to disappear, leaving her family to grieve a false death. The journey is as much about finding Josie as it is about understanding the choices that led to her disappearance.

A Journey to New Zealand

Driven by the need to uncover the truth, Kit travels to New Zealand, where she believes Josie might be living. The trip is both a physical and emotional journey, as Kit navigates the unfamiliar landscape and her own conflicted feelings. She is determined to find her sister, despite the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. The journey is a test of Kit's resolve and her ability to confront the past while seeking closure and reconciliation.

A Stranger's Unexpected Charm

In New Zealand, Kit meets Javier, a charismatic musician who offers companionship and distraction from her quest. Their connection is immediate and intense, providing Kit with a sense of comfort and escape. Javier's presence is a welcome relief from the emotional weight of her search, and their relationship offers Kit a glimpse of happiness and normalcy. However, the encounter also raises questions about Kit's ability to let go of her past and embrace new possibilities.

Secrets of Sapphire House

Meanwhile, Mari, a woman living in New Zealand, is renovating Sapphire House, a historic mansion with a mysterious past. The house, once owned by a famous actress, is filled with secrets and echoes of its former glory. Mari is drawn to the house's history and the tragic love story of its previous owner. As she delves into the house's past, Mari uncovers hidden truths that resonate with her own life, revealing connections between her present and the secrets of the house.

A Family's Haunted Past

Mari reflects on her own family's troubled past, drawing parallels between her life and the history of Sapphire House. Her childhood was marked by neglect and chaos, similar to Kit's, and she has spent years trying to escape the shadows of her upbringing. The house becomes a symbol of Mari's desire to create a new life for herself and her family, free from the ghosts of the past. As she works to restore the house, Mari confronts her own demons and the choices that have shaped her life.

A Sister's Search Begins

Kit begins her search for Josie in earnest, visiting places where her sister might have been seen. She encounters people who may have known Josie, piecing together clues about her sister's new life. The search is both frustrating and enlightening, as Kit learns more about the person Josie has become. Each discovery brings Kit closer to understanding her sister's motivations and the reasons behind her disappearance, while also challenging her perceptions of their shared past.

A New Friend's Comfort

Throughout her search, Javier remains a constant source of support and comfort for Kit. Their relationship deepens as they share their stories and experiences, finding solace in each other's company. Javier's presence helps Kit navigate the emotional complexities of her quest, providing a sense of stability and understanding. Together, they explore the beauty of New Zealand and the possibilities of a future unburdened by the past.

A Dangerous Revelation

As Mari's renovation of Sapphire House progresses, her past threatens to catch up with her. A television crew arrives to film a feature on the house, putting Mari's carefully constructed new life at risk. The exposure could reveal her true identity and the secrets she has worked so hard to keep hidden. Mari must confront the possibility of losing everything she has built, forcing her to make difficult choices about her future and the legacy of Sapphire House.

Revelations on a Stormy Beach

Kit and Josie, now Mari, face each other on a stormy beach, where long-buried secrets come to light. Josie reveals the trauma of her past, including abuse by a family friend, which shaped her chaotic life. Kit grapples with the weight of these revelations, understanding the depth of her sister's struggles. The storm mirrors the emotional turmoil between them, as they navigate the complexities of forgiveness and the possibility of rebuilding their relationship. This moment marks a turning point, where both sisters must decide whether to let the past define them or to move forward together.

A Family Torn and Rebuilt

Kit is introduced to Josie's family, including her husband Simon and their children, Sarah and Leo. The encounter is bittersweet, as Kit sees the life Josie has built, filled with love and stability. The children, especially Sarah, remind Kit of her own childhood, sparking a mix of emotions. Simon's initial warmth turns to confusion as he learns of Josie's past, threatening the family's harmony. Kit's presence forces Josie to confront the lies she has lived by, and the family must navigate the fallout of these revelations. The chapter explores themes of identity, truth, and the bonds that hold families together.

Secrets of the Past Unveiled

Josie shares the full extent of her past with Kit, including the abuse she suffered and the choices that led her to fake her death. The weight of these secrets has shaped Josie's life, driving her to create a new identity. Kit listens, torn between anger and empathy, as she learns about the struggles her sister faced alone. This chapter delves into the impact of trauma and the lengths one might go to escape it. Josie's confession is a plea for understanding and a step toward healing, as she seeks to reconcile her past with her present.

A Sister's Painful Confession

In a moment of vulnerability, Josie confesses to Kit about her relationship with Dylan and the events leading to his death. The revelation is a shock, altering Kit's perception of both her sister and Dylan. This confession forces Kit to reevaluate her memories and the people she loved. The chapter explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexity of human relationships. Josie's honesty is a catalyst for change, challenging Kit to confront her own feelings and the reality of their shared past.

A New Beginning for Kit

After the emotional upheaval, Kit returns home, seeking solace in the familiar. She reflects on her journey, the truths uncovered, and the possibility of a new path. Kit considers her future, contemplating a shift in her career and personal life. The chapter highlights Kit's growth and resilience, as she embraces the lessons learned and the potential for change. It is a moment of clarity and hope, as Kit realizes that she is not alone and that she has the strength to forge a new beginning.

Love's Unexpected Intervention

In a surprising turn, Kit's family and Javier come together to support her. They stage an intervention, offering love and understanding to help Kit heal from the past. Javier's presence is a reminder of the connection they shared, and his unwavering support encourages Kit to open her heart. The chapter emphasizes the power of love and community in overcoming adversity. It is a testament to the bonds that endure and the possibility of finding happiness and fulfillment, even after the darkest times.

Characters

Kit

Kit is an ER doctor whose life is upended by the discovery that her sister Josie might still be alive. Her journey to New Zealand is driven by a need for closure and understanding. Kit is practical and grounded, shaped by a childhood marked by neglect and loss. Her relationship with Josie is complex, filled with love and resentment, and her search is as much about finding herself as it is about finding her sister.

Josie/Mari

Josie is Kit's sister, presumed dead for fifteen years. Her reappearance on a news broadcast sets off a chain of events that reveal her new life in New Zealand. Josie is a free spirit, drawn to adventure and risk, but her choices have left a trail of pain and confusion. Her decision to disappear is a mystery that Kit is determined to unravel, revealing the depths of Josie's struggles and desires.

Javier

Javier is a musician Kit meets in New Zealand. His warmth and charisma provide a welcome distraction from her search for Josie. Javier is a man of depth and sensitivity, offering Kit a glimpse of happiness and connection. Their relationship is a catalyst for Kit's personal growth, challenging her to embrace new possibilities and let go of the past.

Mari

Mari is a woman living in New Zealand, renovating Sapphire House. Her life is marked by secrets and a troubled past, mirroring the history of the house she is restoring. Mari is determined to create a new life for herself and her family, free from the shadows of her upbringing. Her journey is one of self-discovery and healing, as she confronts the choices that have shaped her life.

Simon

Simon is Mari's husband, a stable and loving presence in her life. He is unaware of Mari's past and the secrets she keeps, focused on building a future for their family. Simon's love and support are a source of strength for Mari, but also a reminder of the risks she faces if her true identity is revealed.

Dylan

Dylan was a runaway who became a surrogate brother to Kit and Josie. His presence in their lives was a source of stability and love, but his own struggles and eventual death left a lasting impact on the sisters. Dylan's memory is a haunting presence for Kit, a reminder of the love and loss that defined their childhood.

Suzanne

Suzanne is Kit and Josie's mother, a woman whose beauty and charm masked a deep neglect of her children. Her tumultuous relationship with their father and her own struggles with addiction left Kit and Josie to fend for themselves. Suzanne's presence looms large in Kit's memories, a symbol of the chaos and pain of their upbringing.

Veronica Parker

Veronica Parker was the original owner of Sapphire House, a famous actress whose life ended in tragedy. Her story is intertwined with the history of the house, and her presence is felt in Mari's journey to restore it. Veronica's life and death are a mystery that Mari is determined to unravel, revealing connections to her own life and choices.

Helen

Helen was Veronica Parker's sister, who lived in Sapphire House for decades after Veronica's death. Her life was marked by solitude and secrecy, and her journals hold the key to understanding the house's past. Helen's presence is a guiding force for Mari, offering clues to the mysteries that surround Sapphire House.

Hobo

Hobo is Kit's black cat, a feral rescue who provides companionship and comfort. His presence is a reminder of home and stability for Kit, a connection to the life she has built for herself. Hobo's loyalty and affection are a source of solace for Kit, grounding her in the midst of her search for Josie.

Plot Devices

The Nightclub Fire

The nightclub fire in New Zealand is the catalyst for Kit's discovery that her sister Josie might still be alive. The event sets off a chain of revelations and actions, driving Kit to travel to New Zealand in search of answers. The fire is a pivotal moment that brings the past into the present, forcing Kit to confront the truth about her sister's disappearance.

Sapphire House

Sapphire House is a historic mansion with a mysterious past, central to Mari's journey of self-discovery and redemption. The house represents both the secrets of the past and the potential for a new beginning. As Mari works to restore it, she uncovers hidden truths that resonate with her own life, revealing connections between her present and the history of the house.

The Search for Josie

Kit's search for her sister Josie is a central plot device, driving the narrative forward and revealing the complexities of their relationship. The search is both a physical journey and an emotional exploration, as Kit confronts the past and seeks closure. It is a quest for understanding and reconciliation, challenging Kit to let go of old resentments and embrace new possibilities.

The Journals

The journals kept by Helen, Veronica Parker's sister, are a key plot device in uncovering the history of Sapphire House. They hold the secrets of the past, offering insights into the lives of those who lived there. The journals are a bridge between the past and present, guiding Mari in her quest to restore the house and understand its legacy.

The Earthquake

The earthquake that Kit experienced as a child is a significant plot device, shaping her character and influencing her choices. It is a symbol of trauma and loss, a pivotal moment that defined her childhood and her relationship with her family. The earthquake is a reminder of the fragility of life and the need for resilience and healing.

The Beach

The beach is a central setting where pivotal moments occur, symbolizing truth and revelation. It is where Kit and Josie confront their past, and where Kit finds solace and clarity. The beach represents the ebb and flow of life, the constant change, and the potential for healing and new beginnings.

Confession

Confession is a key plot device, driving the narrative forward and facilitating character growth. Josie's confessions to Kit are pivotal moments that alter their relationship and set the stage for healing. The act of confession is a catalyst for change, challenging characters to confront their past and embrace the possibility of redemption.

Family Intervention

The family intervention is a plot device that underscores the power of love and community. It brings characters together, offering support and understanding in times of adversity. The intervention is a turning point for Kit, providing her with the strength and encouragement to face her challenges and find her path forward.

Analysis

"When We Believed in Mermaids" by Barbara O'Neal is a poignant exploration of trauma, identity, and the power of healing. Through the intertwined stories of Kit and Josie, the novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the impact of past traumas, and the journey toward self-discovery and redemption. The narrative highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of confronting one's past to forge a new path. The themes of forgiveness, love, and the enduring bonds of family are woven throughout the story, offering readers a message of hope and the possibility of new beginnings. The novel's rich character development and evocative settings create a compelling and emotionally resonant tale that resonates with readers long after the final page.

Last updated: December 4, 2024