Reviews

The Mermaid's Tale by Lee Wei-Jing

the_sunken_library's review

3.0

Beautifully written. A hard read with feminist undertones about the role of gender within the world of competitive paired dance.

I felt set adrift by the ending - a bit empty. Perhaps this is a story that needs to be read more than once.

It should be noted that the author died after finishing the manuscript, and therefore, the translator couldn't consult with them directly about meaning and metaphors, which might be why it feels a bit loose to me.

afterttherain's review

3.0

"That's all we really need in our lives, Summer, to walk beautifully. That's all there is."

thisisnele's review

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I thought this was gonna be about mermaids. It is not. 

shelflifebooksandzines's review

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

laurataylor's review

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

bethghoul's review against another edition

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

pylonsarenice's review

reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny

littlemaggiemae's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

the writing is gorgeous and it’s an easy read. separated like little short stories about life and dancing

fandomsandfiction's review

informative mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

Besides a few shows I had watched and a single cha-cha-cha class I joined while on vacation, I never gave the industry of ballroom dance much thought. This book opened me to a whole new world of art, performance and passion. Through this world, Lee Wei-Jing explores gender, sexuality, intimacy, desire, ambition, self-esteem, and human connection. She critiques normative gender roles and the impacts of familial dynamics/trauma. The metaphor and symbolism of the mermaid adds a richness that ties all the themes and commentary together. I can only imagine this story must be even more exquisite in its original language.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Child abuse

Minor: Sexual violence