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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have read several of Christina Henry's books and this is very different. Probably my least favorite. Overall, it's fairly uneventful and a bit repetitive. She develops the characters well, but keeps repeating their motives which slowed the story more for me. There wasn't any big action or conflict- just Barnum wanting to "own" her and profit off her, and she wanting to keep her independence in a world where women had virtually none- and I suppose I am just used to Henry's darker works. Taking it for what it is- not one of her darker works- it's very much a love story within a historical/fantasy fiction. So, if that's your thing, then you'll enjoy this book.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
3.5 stars This isn't a fairy tale retelling of the Little Mermaid as I originally thought. Instead, it's a tale about P.T. Barnum and his Feegee mermaid hoax. I really liked Amelia, the mermaid, but I intensely disliked Barnum. I was pleasantly surprised at the subtle undertone of feminism in this book. It wasn't in your face, but it was there enough to make you stop and think. It did get a bit repetitive at times, but overall I really liked this book. Christina Henry is becoming one of my favorite authors!
I absolutely loved this book. I thought it was very cleverly written with a lot of thought gone into. I expected the book to be a re-telling of The Little Mermaid with a bit of a twist, however Amelia is no Ariel. We discover that it centres on P.T Barnum and his feejee mermaid. Amelia wants a better life years after losing her husband and wants to see more of the world and what it has to offer. Amelia is very strong-willed and would speak up for herself and I liked that especially during the 1800's when women didnt have a voice. I also liked the friendship she had with Charity and the fact she felt she could confide in her when she required back up.
I loved this story from start to finish. It is the first Christina Henry book I have read and it has definitely made me want to read her other books.
I loved this story from start to finish. It is the first Christina Henry book I have read and it has definitely made me want to read her other books.
A historical fiction story of P. T. Barnums mermaid told has if she were real and not the "humbug" it truly was. In her true to nature writing style Christina Henry's The Mermaid is an enthralling story that doesn't disappoint! This is the third original retelling I read of hers and throughly enjoyed!
I look forward to her next published work.
I look forward to her next published work.