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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
I adore Henry so probably any review of her work by me should probably be taken with a grain of salt. I do, however, also have high expectations of her now, so maybe not? Anyway. The main character is lifted from The Little Mermaid and placed deep in the world of Barnum of Barnum and Bailey. What would it be like to be a mermaid who originally came ashore in far away Maine then moved to NYC to be swept up in Barnum’s circus? I wanted this to be dark like her previous works. It’s not, which disappointed me a bit, but once I let go of that exception, I found myself enjoying it.
This was like a fairytale. Amelia is a mermaid and she is strong. She doesn't let anybody push her around, especially about things she doesn't understand. She's a powerful and fantastical mermaid, proving that she's not an animal in a cage for P.T. Barnum or anyone to work over.
Read Full Review:
https://beentherereadthat.blog/2018/07/24/mermaid-in-a-tiger-cage-the-mermaid-a-book-review/
Read Full Review:
https://beentherereadthat.blog/2018/07/24/mermaid-in-a-tiger-cage-the-mermaid-a-book-review/
This is a stunning mermaid tale, really unlike anything I've ever read. Loved the strong female characters and the blend of mythologies. Magical, romantic, with a touch of sadness.
Although this book is different from any other Christina Henry I've read before, I loved it! It was exactly what I hoped for and more.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Fun (but slightly sad) retelling of the life of P. T. Barnum and his “Fiji Mermaid”. However, it constantly felt like something big was going to happen but it didn’t. Still, it was nice to read how even the most stubborn men had to bow to the strong-willed Amelia.
What I really did not understand was why Amelia fell in love with Levi. She was initially appalled by his obsession with her, and even later in the book he’s “just like all other men”. The fact that he showed some basic kindness towards her (out of selfish motivations, namely wanting her to stay with him) shouldn’t be enough reason to marry him.
I love a good mermaid story right? And one that had the mermaid choosing to stay, and having her own agency was just delightful.
I liked the contrast between Amelia and Charity, and their reactions to different situations was really interesting to read. I’m so glad this went in a women supporting women direction and neither shamed the other for their choices once they understood their differences. Amelia’s final tribute to her friend was so sweet.
Even the romance between Amelia and Levi was appreciated although the last two chapters soured it enough for me to knock off a star. So close to perfect!
58min
I liked the contrast between Amelia and Charity, and their reactions to different situations was really interesting to read. I’m so glad this went in a women supporting women direction and neither shamed the other for their choices once they understood their differences. Amelia’s final tribute to her friend was so sweet.
Even the romance between Amelia and Levi was appreciated although the last two chapters soured it enough for me to knock off a star. So close to perfect!
58min
Christina Henry always has a unique take on my favorite childhood stories. This book followed the story of the little mermaid, but what happened many years after she came to shore. Amelia is living a sad life when Levi finds her on a remote island. He convinces her to join PT Barnam in his strange endeavors. Of course, ignorance and prejudice take their tole and the whole story is turned on its tale. I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it to lovers of retellings.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
I don't' think Christina Henry's writing is for me. I started with The House that Horror Built and I hated that book, but I stuck with it because it was a book club book. I thought I would try another one of hers since I needed a mermaid book for a challenge. It didn't work out.