Chlorine by Jade Song
“Chlorine,” by Jade Song, is a work of literary fiction that plunges into the disquieting depths of a second-generation Chinese immigrant’s adolescence.
Touching on weighty topics like abuse, self-harm and body mutilation, “Chlorine” can be a profoundly unsettling read. Yet, it also offers a look at the challenges of assimilation, self-identity and navigating sexuality. Ultimately, it’s a fascinating coming-of-age story.
From an early age, protagonist Ren Yu was captivated by mermaids. As a young child, her mother pacified her with a storybook of mermaid legends. Years later, Yu convinced her mother to allow her to take up competitive swimming, ostensibly an extracurricular activity for college applications – though Yu’s true motive was simply to become a mermaid. Shortly after, Yu’s father returns to China to work, leaving Yu and her mother to navigate life alone in America.
From here, the story progresses as Yu’s subtle psychosis deepens her identity as a mermaid, while maintaining her human facade: excelling as a star athlete, succeeding at school and navigating relationships. Further complicating matters, Yu and her best friend Cathy share a sapphic connection. However, neither knows how to express their feelings and instead conform to what they perceive as socially acceptable hetero roles.
Underlying the narrative is the sadly all too prevalent reality of abuse and harm in competitive youth sports. Yu’s drive to perform, coupled with her need to meet familial expectations, leaves her vulnerable. “Chlorine” tackles heavy topics and should appeal to readers of dark coming-of-age stories, narratives of self-discovery and unsettling contemporary fiction. Visit wcls.org to find “Chlorine” and other similarly themed stories.
“Chlorine” is the August selection for the Blaine Books and Bites book group. The group will discuss the book at 1 p.m. Friday, August 15 at the Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, for a time of community and lively conversation.
Jonathan Jakobitz is an avid reader and the branch manager of Blaine Public Library.
(Originally published in The Northern Light, Wednesday, July 30, 2025.)