Where the Drowned Girls Go

Where the Drowned Girls Go is a 2022 fantasy novella by American author Seanan McGuire. It is the seventh book in the Wayward Children series and won the 2023 Hugo Award for Best Novella.

The story follows Cora Miller, who after a suicide attempt caused by bullying about her weight, found a door to the Trenches, an undersea magical world where she became a mermaid and was valued for her size and strength. When she was forced out of the Trenches, she returned to school with rainbow skin and turquoise hair, facing more scrutiny. Eleanor West, who runs a school for children who have traveled to magical lands, invited Cora to live with other adventurers.

After a journey to the Moors where she was lured by the Drowned Gods, Cora suffers from their nightly call and asks to transfer to the Whitethorn Institute, a place where children try to forget their magical experiences and return to normal life. There, she faces strict rules and bullying, until her former classmate Sumi, a girl made of candy from the nonsense world of Confection, arrives to rescue her. Together, they uncover Whitethorn’s dark secrets and plan an escape.

The novella explores themes of identity, body image, and trauma, as well as the series’ recurring theme of heroes versus monsters. It focuses on Cora’s weight and the myth that weight loss is equally easy for everyone. The theme of heroes and monsters is examined through the idea that those in power often believe they are doing right even when causing harm.

Critics received the book well. Publishers Weekly gave it a starred review, calling it “outstanding” and praising McGuire’s whimsy, dense plot, lyrical prose, and exploration of oppressive systems. Kirkus Reviews noted that McGuire’s themes are familiar but her arguments remain sound. Book Reporter Rebecca Munro called it “delightful” and “empowering,” comparing Whitethorn Institute to a conversion-therapy boarding school that forces children to suppress their unique qualities. Booklist highlighted its horror of denying what you know to be true and praised it as a fantastic, tension-filled addition to the series.