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blairfrank's review
3.0
*Won from a Goodreads Giveaway.*
I haven't read The Book of Speculation, but after reading this I feel as if I should. I wish I would have read it first instead of diving into this background story. I liked Paulina and her imperfection. I also love their realistic life and marriage. Since leaving the carnival as The Mermaid Girl it would be difficult to provide a grandiose life.
I haven't read The Book of Speculation, but after reading this I feel as if I should. I wish I would have read it first instead of diving into this background story. I liked Paulina and her imperfection. I also love their realistic life and marriage. Since leaving the carnival as The Mermaid Girl it would be difficult to provide a grandiose life.
knittyreader's review
4.0
This short story is a prequel on 'The Book of Speculation'. That it's very clearly not a standalone, and better when you also read that other book, is the only drawback for me - it made the end too abrupt, the story too not-finished at all.
I really enjoyed reading 'The Mermaid Girl'. You don't have to expect many wonderful tales about the circus, this story is about people. About people, and love, and caring, and fear to lose someone. The writing style is simply everything it should be.
I received a free copy through Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading 'The Mermaid Girl'. You don't have to expect many wonderful tales about the circus, this story is about people. About people, and love, and caring, and fear to lose someone. The writing style is simply everything it should be.
I received a free copy through Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
abbievillehorror's review
4.0
A little bit sad. A lot a bit touching. I love Erika's use of motif and parallelism, too.
bookdragonamy's review
3.0
I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I have yet to read The Book of Speculation but it has been on my to read list. I still want to read it but The Mermaid Girl was different than what I thought it would be.
It starts off with Paulina suffer from a headache which over a period of time you learn that they are a daily occurrence for her. It's little snippets of her life and memories.
It's written wonderfully. I just expected more of a background story and less of a depressing mermaid suicide.
I have yet to read The Book of Speculation but it has been on my to read list. I still want to read it but The Mermaid Girl was different than what I thought it would be.
It starts off with Paulina suffer from a headache which over a period of time you learn that they are a daily occurrence for her. It's little snippets of her life and memories.
It's written wonderfully. I just expected more of a background story and less of a depressing mermaid suicide.
key2's review
4.0
I really liked this story...it intrigued me, and made me curious about the main character Paulina. I know she is a character from "The Book of Speculation" and now I want to read that book as well. I won this book after entering the Give Away. It was a quick read and I found it enchanting.
carolynaugustyn's review
Note: I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'm unsure how to rate this since I haven't read The Book of Speculation and silly me, I didn't realize that this was a prequel of sorts to that book. I can say that this was an interesting and easy read with lots of lovely bits and moments that I reread just to reexperience the words. I certainly have to read The Book of Speculation now and then reread this so it makes more sense. But so far, consider me a fan.
I'm unsure how to rate this since I haven't read The Book of Speculation and silly me, I didn't realize that this was a prequel of sorts to that book. I can say that this was an interesting and easy read with lots of lovely bits and moments that I reread just to reexperience the words. I certainly have to read The Book of Speculation now and then reread this so it makes more sense. But so far, consider me a fan.
jillkahnwald's review
3.0
I won this short story and the accompanying first chapter of Erika Swyler's novel The Book of Speculation in a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed the short story and thought it gave a nice glimpse into the family life of a displaced carnival member, building good characterization even in its short form. Although the story did not have a large arc or definitive resolution, it was a competent portrayal of a slice of life. I have not read the full novel, but the first chapter did pique my interest. I am curious how much of Paulina's story takes precedence in the novel over Simon's. Erika Swyler's prose is enjoyable, and while I probably will not read the novel (my to-read list is already extensive), I believe it would be worth reading.
torakima's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5