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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
What a sweet love story. I love when you can tell that authors really did their research, and Shoop did her research. An enjoyable historical novel.
I must admit I struggle with the words to express how I feel about this book. It transports the reader back in time, through its pages to witness the lives of Mary and Lukasz, as written in the book held close by Patryk. The mixture of old and new woven together is seamless and holds you under its spell. More vivid than any movie, as the story unfolds you will find yourself laughing, crying, and cheering on Mary and Lukasz, as they navigate a world where the only certainty is a hard life.
This is a good story with some great characters, weaving real emotional moments in with the gritty reality of life in the early decades of the 20th century in America. The stories reflect the difficulties of the language barriers, the prejudice, and the prevalence of discrimination along side the moments that are uplifting and restore hope. I did find the story did slow down a little much in places but overall this was a good read that is a little different from my usual stuff but was more enjoyable because of it.
I liked the historical fiction aspect of it, and the love story was sweet. There were a couple of sections that just seemed out of place - like they were added per an editor’s suggestion to spice up the story. But overall an engaging and mostly well written novel which makes me want to read the others in the series.
1910- Donora, Pennsylvania is a town built on steel and the hard work of the immigrant workforce. Mines, mills, nails and clouds of smoke that obscure the sun mean prosperity and a chance at the American Dream. For the Lancos family, this means that everyone works in order to pay the mortgage and the taxes. Mary Lancos often suffers the brunt of the children's labor without complaint, rowing her father to work, doing chores at home and working for the Dunn's-one of the mill managers. Mary longs for a lemon-scented, soot free home like Mrs. Dunn keeps and a man that can provide that for her. However, when Mary's family finds a match for her, Mary would rather wait for love. In Myscowa, Poland Lucasz Musial knows a better life awaits him in America-if he could only win the one remaining ticket. When the stars align to bring him to Donora, he thanks the mermaid that's been haunting his dreams. Lucasz finds more luck as he proves himself a strong worker at the factory and his sponsor family finds him a match. Lucasz believes that his American dream is coming true, until it all comes crashing down on him. It's possible that the mermaid from his dreams is still out there waiting for him.
The Strongman and the Mermaid is a sweeping historical romance that ties together the immigrant experience, many traditions and a touch magic. From the beginning, when a cantankerous Patryk is found clutching the book that detailed the story of his ancestor's romance, I knew I would be hooked. From there, the story alternates between Mary and Lucasz' point of view. The poetic writing shone through as the bleak and sooty world of Donora was made beautiful through Lucasz and Mary's eyes. I loved reading about all of the different Polish and Czech traditions that families were able to bring and recreate in America. The work in the factory and mines as well of the conditions the workers kept up were realistic and a good reminder of how our country was built. The suspense in the story was kept up by wondering when Mary and Lucasz would ever figure out that they were meant for one another. Their romance is natural and sweet, gradually building with friendship over time. I can't wait to read more of their story in the next book.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Strongman and the Mermaid is a sweeping historical romance that ties together the immigrant experience, many traditions and a touch magic. From the beginning, when a cantankerous Patryk is found clutching the book that detailed the story of his ancestor's romance, I knew I would be hooked. From there, the story alternates between Mary and Lucasz' point of view. The poetic writing shone through as the bleak and sooty world of Donora was made beautiful through Lucasz and Mary's eyes. I loved reading about all of the different Polish and Czech traditions that families were able to bring and recreate in America. The work in the factory and mines as well of the conditions the workers kept up were realistic and a good reminder of how our country was built. The suspense in the story was kept up by wondering when Mary and Lucasz would ever figure out that they were meant for one another. Their romance is natural and sweet, gradually building with friendship over time. I can't wait to read more of their story in the next book.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Uma linda história de amor de dois jovens imigrantes do leste europeu que buscam construir suas vidas nos Estados Unidos no início do século XX. Uma história de muita luta, e muito preconceito. Amei este livro.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Enjoyable read making me more aware of my Ukrainian heritage.
Well written for my liking with more than enough detail of the living conditions in 1912 Washington State. It is a love story about two youngsters, her 15 and him about 18 years old. Unfortunately, Mary is just too perfect for a 14 year old, and he is not far behind. Such perfection is not believable and does not when very well. Still, it was a worthwhile investment of my time.
Well written for my liking with more than enough detail of the living conditions in 1912 Washington State. It is a love story about two youngsters, her 15 and him about 18 years old. Unfortunately, Mary is just too perfect for a 14 year old, and he is not far behind. Such perfection is not believable and does not when very well. Still, it was a worthwhile investment of my time.