Picture a Nigerian-Welsh storyteller weaving mermaids and African mythology into a spellbinding fantasy—meet Natasha Bowen! Born in Cambridge, England, Bowen burst onto the young adult fantasy scene with her debut novel, Skin of the Sea, a New York Times bestseller that reimagines mermaids through the lens of Yoruba culture. Her lyrical storytelling and vibrant world-building have made her a fresh, powerful voice in literature, captivating readers with tales that blend history, folklore, and magic.
With a passion for mermaids and her Nigerian heritage, Bowen crafted a narrative that’s as enchanting as it is meaningful, earning praise for its originality and cultural depth. Let’s dive into her journey, from her roots to her rise as a celebrated author!
The Making of Natasha Bowen
Natasha Bowen was born in Cambridge, England, to a Nigerian Yoruba father and a Welsh mother, a blend of cultures that would later inspire her writing. Growing up, she was drawn to stories of mermaids and the rich oral traditions of her Nigerian heritage. She studied English and Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, honing her craft before moving to East London, where she taught for over a decade. Balancing a full-time teaching career and motherhood to three children, Bowen began writing Skin of the Sea, pouring her love for African folklore and history into every page.
Her multicultural background and fascination with mythology shaped her unique perspective. Bowen has shared that she wanted to write the book she longed to read as a young reader—one featuring Black mermaids and West African deities. This drive to celebrate her heritage laid the foundation for her literary career.
Natasha Bowen’s Unforgettable Stories
Bowen’s debut, Skin of the Sea, published in 2021 by Random House, is the first in the Of Mermaids and Orisa series. Set in the 1400s, it follows Simidele, a Mami Wata (mermaid) tasked with collecting the souls of those lost at sea. When Simi saves a human boy, Kola, from a slave ship, she defies divine rules, embarking on a quest to appease the gods. The novel weaves Yoruba mythology, historical elements of the transatlantic slave trade, and a reimagined Little Mermaid tale, earning accolades for its lush prose and vivid world-building.
The sequel, Soul of the Deep (2022), continues Simi’s journey, delving deeper into the orisa (gods) and the stakes of her choices. Bowen’s writing is lyrical yet accessible, blending fast-paced adventure with emotional depth. Her stories celebrate West African culture, showcasing its resilience and magnificence against a backdrop of historical tragedy. Critics have praised her ability to balance folklore with real-world issues, creating fantasies that resonate with diverse readers.
Bowen’s style is immersive, with poetic descriptions that bring the sea and its deities to life. Her focus on Black mermaids challenges Eurocentric fairy-tale norms, offering representation that’s both empowering and enchanting. Fans of Children of Blood and Bone or The Gilded Ones will find her work a perfect fit.
Why Natasha Bowen Matters
Natasha Bowen’s impact lies in her ability to center Black voices in fantasy, a genre often dominated by Eurocentric narratives. By reimagining mermaids as Mami Wata and grounding her stories in Yoruba cosmology, she introduces readers to West African mythology in an accessible, thrilling way. Her work has inspired young readers, particularly those of African descent, to see themselves as heroes in fantastical worlds.
Bowen’s novels have garnered critical acclaim, including a spot on the YA Book Prize shortlist and honors from the Children’s Africana Book Awards. Her emphasis on representation has sparked conversations about diversity in literature, proving that stories rooted in African heritage can captivate global audiences. As a teacher, mother, and writer, Bowen’s journey also inspires aspiring authors to pursue their dreams despite busy lives.
- Born: Cambridge, England
- Key Works: Skin of the Sea (2021), Soul of the Deep (2022)
- Awards: YA Book Prize shortlist (2022), Children’s Africana Book Awards Honor (2022)
- Fun Fact: Bowen is obsessed with Japanese and German stationery, showcasing her notebook collection on a secret Instagram!
Ready to swim into a world of Black mermaids and Yoruba gods? Grab Skin of the Sea and let Natasha Bowen’s magical storytelling sweep you away!