‘When the Tides Held the Moon’ Forges a Heartfelt Found Family Fairytale

Review by Nick, Library Specialist
Book by Vanessa Vida Kelley

With prose as gorgeous and captivating as the accompanying cover artwork, Venessa Vida Kelley’s debut novel is an ode to the cultures and (found) families she’s lovingly crafted. When the Tides Held the Moon is soaked in vivid, immersive world-building and tender-hearted romance, and I dove in to explore the depths of this story eagerly.

Set in 1911 New York City, young Benigno “Benny” Caldera dreams of being a Puerto Rican artist. For many though, especially those who look and sound like Benigno, the “American Dream” is just that – a dream. Having emigrated to New York a few years previously, Benny is a talented ironworker employed at a foundry, his talent taken advantage of by his employer and his identity mocked by his coworkers.

When overly-charismatic, Coney Island sideshow owner Samuel Morgan requests a massive tank framed in iron with heavily reinforced glass walls, Benigno’s employer assigns him to the task with promises of better wages and a cleaner work environment. The creation of the tank (a cage, rather) sets in motion a swirling series of events, plunging Benigno into an examination of what it means to be truly free.

The rich illustrations and lyrical storytelling within bring the setting to life beautifully, and the first-person perspective submerges the reader in Benigno’s mind, building an intimate understanding of his world. Kelley depicts the slow-burning romance that gradually develops between Benigno and the merman (eventually called Río by Benigno) with aching tenderness. It takes time and patience for Benigno to earn Río’s trust, but as they learn more about each other, a life-changing bond starts to flourish between them. When the Tides Held the Moon dives into themes of loneliness, otherness, and exploitation with earnest compassion, exploring the definitions of humanity, acceptance, and freedom.

When the Tides Held the Moon stands out as a fantasy romance so heart-warming and satisfying that even I, someone who hasn’t generally enjoyed the romance genre in the past, couldn’t help sticking a toe in.

This story is more than a queer merfolk romance, though. Below the surface, it’s a story about home and what it takes to find acceptance and support in others, but most importantly, within yourself. It’s a story about rediscovering who you are beyond the layers of shapeshifting required to survive in a society inhospitable to every part of you. It’s a story of “outsiders” exploring their roots, their identities, and their ideas of community despite the cage of society and circumstance.

It’s a story about being with it, for it, and never against it.

Note: Starting in January 2025, we began publishing long-form book reviews written by GFPL staffers. The books are all available to check out at the Library, or from one of our Partner Libraries. We post a new review each month! Come back next month to find the next review.