Amelia has always been a curious mermaid. This leads to her being caught in a net. Jack realizes she is extraordinary, but needs to be free, so he lets her go. Amelia sees loneliness in his eyes and is intrigued. She eventually comes ashore having fallen in love with him. They remain together until his death. She ages very slowly. After a visit from Levi, PT Barnum's assistant, she realizes there is more to see than her little world and she wants to see it. So, she goes to NYC and agrees to take part in Barnum's "Feegee" mermaid exhibit.
I liked that this was based on real-life characters and recognize this is a work of fiction. I did like the reimagination of something that did happen (Barnum did have a "Feegee" mermaid exhibit). However this was slow, IMO. Very easy to pick up and put down after a chapter. I did like Amelia and her ability to learn from her mistakes. Charity (Barnum's wife) also finds her voice. Pleasantly surprised by the ending.
I liked that this was based on real-life characters and recognize this is a work of fiction. I did like the reimagination of something that did happen (Barnum did have a "Feegee" mermaid exhibit). However this was slow, IMO. Very easy to pick up and put down after a chapter. I did like Amelia and her ability to learn from her mistakes. Charity (Barnum's wife) also finds her voice. Pleasantly surprised by the ending.
I have read and loved many of Henry's books. I loved her Madeline Black UF series and have really been enjoying all the fairy tale retellings she's been doing as well (Alice, Red Queen, and Hook). This book was very well done and is a retelling of The Little Mermaid with some alternate history blended in.
In this book Amelia seeks to learn more about humans and the land. Originally she falls in love with a sailor and spends a long life with him but after he passes away she remains alone for many years. That is until she is invited to join P.T. Barnum's Museum and be one of his exhibits. As you can imagine what at first looks like an amazing adventure ends up being much more perilous for Amelia.
This book wasn't as dark as Henry's previous fairy tale retellings and as a result I didn't like it quite as much. I found the story a bit predictable and could have probably told you how events would play out right from the moment Amelia stepped foot in Barnum's Museum.
This is definitely not in the same tone as the recently released âThe Greatest Showmanâ movie. In this book Barnum is a money grubbing jerk and he thinks of nothing but how to make another dime. His wife and daughter are by far the more interesting characters. Aside from Amelia, Levi is the other main character...he works for Barnum and is also an interesting character to read about.
The book is beautifully written and was very engaging. I had a hard time putting it down and whipped right through it. The story is tied up nicely if a bit bittersweet.
Overall I enjoyed this book a lot. I would recommend to those who like dark fairytale reimaginings set in historical settings. While this isn't as dark as Henry's previous books, it is not the happy go lucky feel story that The Greatest Showman is. I can't wait to see what project Henry tackles next!
In this book Amelia seeks to learn more about humans and the land. Originally she falls in love with a sailor and spends a long life with him but after he passes away she remains alone for many years. That is until she is invited to join P.T. Barnum's Museum and be one of his exhibits. As you can imagine what at first looks like an amazing adventure ends up being much more perilous for Amelia.
This book wasn't as dark as Henry's previous fairy tale retellings and as a result I didn't like it quite as much. I found the story a bit predictable and could have probably told you how events would play out right from the moment Amelia stepped foot in Barnum's Museum.
This is definitely not in the same tone as the recently released âThe Greatest Showmanâ movie. In this book Barnum is a money grubbing jerk and he thinks of nothing but how to make another dime. His wife and daughter are by far the more interesting characters. Aside from Amelia, Levi is the other main character...he works for Barnum and is also an interesting character to read about.
The book is beautifully written and was very engaging. I had a hard time putting it down and whipped right through it. The story is tied up nicely if a bit bittersweet.
Overall I enjoyed this book a lot. I would recommend to those who like dark fairytale reimaginings set in historical settings. While this isn't as dark as Henry's previous books, it is not the happy go lucky feel story that The Greatest Showman is. I can't wait to see what project Henry tackles next!
The start of The Mermaid by Christina Henry is a magical fairy tale. The remainder of the book changes into a conversation about human beliefs and actions in the names of those beliefs. It also introduces a new love story which I find to not really developed and not necessary. I have greater appreciation for Amelia finding her own way in the world. An interesting premise, a magical beginning, and a story that for me does not find its way back to that magic.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/08/the-mermaid.html
Reviewed for Penguin First to Read program.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/08/the-mermaid.html
Reviewed for Penguin First to Read program.
