Emilia Hart, the author of Weyward, returned this year with The Sirens, an ambitious new novel ripe with history and magical realism. In this brief interview, she shares her research process, her own family connection to the story, and why mermaids have such deep appeal.

Sam Danis: This story, told in multiple timelines, seems like it’s been percolating for a while for you. Can you talk about the genesis of it?

Emilia Hart: I knew I wanted to write about Australia’s history of convict transportation when I learned that one of my ancestors had actually been the captain of a convict ship transporting Irish prisoners to Australia. On the other side of my family, I’m descended from Irish women who emigrated during the potato famine, so I was really drawn to the experience of these Irish female convicts. The story clicked for me when I learned of the merrow, the Irish version of a mermaid: I began thinking about the connection between women and the sea, and how I might use magical realism to explore female power.

What did your research process look like for The Sirens?

I did quite a lot of research before I began writing, but I was still researching up until the final edit stage! No matter how much background reading you do before you begin a novel, ultimately you just don’t know what you don’t know, so for me writing and research are always intertwined.

Mermaids seem to be having a bit of a moment in literature and pop culture—what do you think the allure is? Why now?

I can’t speak to the motivations of other authors and creators, but I think there’s a striking common thread between “mermaid” stories from different cultures. The mermaid often faces a dilemma: She’s torn between the freedom of the open ocean, and a restricted life on shore with a male lover. Perhaps in a world where patriarchy is tightening its grip, the mermaid’s dilemma resonates with modern women. Who can blame us for longing for the open sea?

Barrie Kreinik is the perfect narrator for this book—her command of accents is truly impressive. What did you find most important about the performance for this story?

I was really awed by the authenticity and passion that Barrie brought to her narration. She captured the Irish and Australian accents perfectly, but she also captured the emotion of every scene. I’m so grateful to her for making my words sing.