The Woman in the Seal Skin - by Lauren Keegan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A wonderfully atmospheric and compelling historic novel set in Scotland in 1695, from the author of All The Bees In The Hollows. Based on the selkie myths of the time, this is the story of Malie, a young woman struggling with grief, oppression, her relationship with nature and her own inherent wildness within during Europe's 'little ice age'.

Malie grew up hearing tales of selkies: shape-shifting women who shed their seal skins to seduce fishermen on the Orkney shores. That's the story of how her parents met, and it must be true because one day her mother slipped into the sea and was never seen again.

Raised by her father, Malie has always done what she's been told, and now she's married and expecting her first baby. Life on land is predictable and safe, and her future is all mapped out for her. But, just like the seals in the sea, there's a wildness in Malie's soul - one that cannot be tamed and deeply yearns for the sea.

Dealing with themes of motherhood, grief, violence and female oppression, The Woman in the Seal Skin is a wonderfully haunting and atmospheric tale of a woman living in a cloistered community on a wild Scottish island, who one day meets her wildness within.

Review Quotes

'At once both treacherous and tender.'--Kell Woods

'Heartache and loneliness take centre stage in this 17th century tale as Keegan, a psychologist, explores loss, family, misogyny, violence and the search for truth through the eyes of a woman unwilling to let go of the wild streak she inherited.'-- "QWeekend"

'Slides beneath your skin and hooks you completely.'--Madeleine Cleary

About the Author

Lauren Keegan is an author and psychologist living on Dharawal and Gundungurra Country (Wollondilly, New South Wales). She has worked in perinatal and infant mental health for fifteen years, has two young girls and drinks more tea than is sensible. She is the author of All the Bees in the Hollows, which was voted Best Debut Fiction at the 2025 Indie Book Awards and longlisted for the ARA Historical Novel Prize 2025. This is her second novel.