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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
For as much as I read, I can confidently say that I have never read a book quite like this. Not only is it historical fiction about mermaids, but it is also a bit about P.T. Barnum and the Fiji "Feejee" Mermaid retelling.
For those who don't know who P.T. Barnum is, he was a founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, you know, the guy The Greatest Showman is based on. The legendary P.T. Barnum in this version of events is a lot more corrupt than the movie musical one. I honestly was just tolerant towards his character. He wasn't a greatly written character, but he wasn't a poorly written one either.
I was more into the book for Amelia. She was a strong female character who had many beautifully crafted insights on humans and their world. Her story is about grief, freedom/independence, and autonomy.
As you may have been able to guess from my short description of Amelia, this story has a lot of social commentary for the Victorian Era. I'd say around 95% of the comments made in the book still hold up about today's society. Because there is loads of social commentary, that may turn people away from the book because they don't want something so in your face. I can assure you that it may be obvious the author or character is critiquing a worldly or American issue, it is not being forced down your throat every other line.
A few short things I liked are: fast pacing, easily mixing fairytale and history, depictions of grief after suddenly losing a loved one, each character POV had a unique voice.
I feel like I've said it already, but I'll say it again, this book was absolutely beautiful. No matter what was being said, Christina Henry made it sound gorgeous:
"He knew then, without any other proof, that she was a mermaid, a real mermaid, and far from wanting her in Barnum’s tank, he wanted her to return to the ocean or to her cottage on the rocks or just go anywhere but there, for Barnum would take all of her magic and twist it out of her until the enchantment was gone, and Levi was afraid for her, so afraid."
"Freedom was far more intoxicating than safety could ever be.”
“The ocean has a rhythm, but it has no heart.”
“Women who did what they liked instead of what other people wished were often accused of witchcraft, because only a witch would be so defiant, or so it was thought.”
For those who don't know who P.T. Barnum is, he was a founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, you know, the guy The Greatest Showman is based on. The legendary P.T. Barnum in this version of events is a lot more corrupt than the movie musical one. I honestly was just tolerant towards his character. He wasn't a greatly written character, but he wasn't a poorly written one either.
I was more into the book for Amelia. She was a strong female character who had many beautifully crafted insights on humans and their world. Her story is about grief, freedom/independence, and autonomy.
As you may have been able to guess from my short description of Amelia, this story has a lot of social commentary for the Victorian Era. I'd say around 95% of the comments made in the book still hold up about today's society. Because there is loads of social commentary, that may turn people away from the book because they don't want something so in your face. I can assure you that it may be obvious the author or character is critiquing a worldly or American issue, it is not being forced down your throat every other line.
A few short things I liked are: fast pacing, easily mixing fairytale and history, depictions of grief after suddenly losing a loved one, each character POV had a unique voice.
I feel like I've said it already, but I'll say it again, this book was absolutely beautiful. No matter what was being said, Christina Henry made it sound gorgeous:
"He knew then, without any other proof, that she was a mermaid, a real mermaid, and far from wanting her in Barnum’s tank, he wanted her to return to the ocean or to her cottage on the rocks or just go anywhere but there, for Barnum would take all of her magic and twist it out of her until the enchantment was gone, and Levi was afraid for her, so afraid."
"Freedom was far more intoxicating than safety could ever be.”
“The ocean has a rhythm, but it has no heart.”
“Women who did what they liked instead of what other people wished were often accused of witchcraft, because only a witch would be so defiant, or so it was thought.”
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Violence, Grief, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
3.75 stars
Ok, this book was beautiful and the message throughout was a wonderful one, but having read Christina Henry's Alice duology I was expecting something much darker. This book is beautiful and shows an outsiders perspective on humanity which is always incredibly interesting an enlightening. I found some beautiful and thoughtful quotes in this book that really express some of the things I have always felt but never knew how to put into words.
Beautiful writing and a charming story.
Ok, this book was beautiful and the message throughout was a wonderful one, but having read Christina Henry's Alice duology I was expecting something much darker. This book is beautiful and shows an outsiders perspective on humanity which is always incredibly interesting an enlightening. I found some beautiful and thoughtful quotes in this book that really express some of the things I have always felt but never knew how to put into words.
Beautiful writing and a charming story.
☆☆☆☆/☆ #MERMAID
Amelia's Story P.T. Barnum's "Figi Mermaid"
P. T. Barnum was looking for marvelous attractions for his American Museum, and he'd heard a rumor of a mermaid who lived on a cliff by the sea. He wanted to make his fortune, and an attraction like Amelia was just the ticket.
Amelia agreed to play the mermaid for Barnum, and she believes she can leave any time she likes. But Barnum has never given up a money-making scheme in his life, and he's determined to hold on to his mermaid.
Amelia's Story P.T. Barnum's "Figi Mermaid"
P. T. Barnum was looking for marvelous attractions for his American Museum, and he'd heard a rumor of a mermaid who lived on a cliff by the sea. He wanted to make his fortune, and an attraction like Amelia was just the ticket.
Amelia agreed to play the mermaid for Barnum, and she believes she can leave any time she likes. But Barnum has never given up a money-making scheme in his life, and he's determined to hold on to his mermaid.
I thought this had a great start, the middle dragged on a little bit and I was a little unsatisfied by the ending. I wished that it was darker. But this didn't dampened my enjoyment too much, it's a nice wee quick read.
This was beautiful and heartbreaking all wrapped into one.
I adore Christina Henry’s writing
I adore Christina Henry’s writing
Not a bad book. Quick read. Had me at “mermaid.” Nothing demonstrates how terrible people are like introducing a foreign character. Story felt surface level and predictable. But had some emotional connection the main characters.
A lovely retelling of a classic fairy tale, featuring the historical figure PT Barnum.
This novel was enchanting and compelling, providing a great mix of familiarity and unique twists that is perfect for a story based on a fairy tale. I loved the characterisation and relationship dynamics that twist and turn as the novel develops - in particular, how Henry's mermaid stands out from the expected cliché. There is little focus on the particulars of the rest of the mermaid world, or the magic involved; instead, the book explores society's relationship with something new and 'unnatural'. Easy to read and short in length, it is a perfect stand-alone novel. I will definitely be seeking out more by Christina Henry.
This novel was enchanting and compelling, providing a great mix of familiarity and unique twists that is perfect for a story based on a fairy tale. I loved the characterisation and relationship dynamics that twist and turn as the novel develops - in particular, how Henry's mermaid stands out from the expected cliché. There is little focus on the particulars of the rest of the mermaid world, or the magic involved; instead, the book explores society's relationship with something new and 'unnatural'. Easy to read and short in length, it is a perfect stand-alone novel. I will definitely be seeking out more by Christina Henry.
The start of The Mermaid by Christina Henry is a magical fairy tale. The remainder of the book changes into a conversation about human beliefs and actions in the names of those beliefs. It also introduces a new love story which I find to not really developed and not necessary. I have greater appreciation for Amelia finding her own way in the world. An interesting premise, a magical beginning, and a story that for me does not find its way back to that magic.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/08/the-mermaid.html
Reviewed for Penguin First to Read program.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/08/the-mermaid.html
Reviewed for Penguin First to Read program.