Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
Bizarrely beautiful, pure escapism... This is a delightful and intriguing debut novel. Slipping seamlessly from reality into underwater worlds, the story takes the reader on an extraordinary journey in the company of an eclectic cast of companions. Raphaella Turner is a painter with a difference - she can change shape and, at night, swoops as a bird over dark waters or, fishlike, swims to deeper depths. Art world politics, family feuds and sexual betrayal make this book an unforgettable read. This is an extraordinary book that has an immediate accessibility, that magical page turning quality, real literary merit. It is a debut novel that deserves to win wide recognition because it showcases a new and very surprising talent.
Is Raffy's Shapes appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This adult literary fantasy contains themes of sexual betrayal and art world intrigue, though explicit content is not indicated. The magical shapeshifting elements provide escapist fantasy alongside adult relationship drama.
What to know going in
This book has no graphic violence, moderate sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include cheating.
Who'll love this
Older teens who enjoy imaginative stories with complex adult characters and magical realism will find the shapeshifting painter protagonist captivating.