Fantasy Book Review: The Mermaid

The Mermaid by Christina Henry

Synopsis:
Once there was a mermaid called Amelia who could never be content in the sea, a mermaid who longed to know all the world and all its wonders, and so she came to live on land.

Once there was a man called P. T. Barnum, a man who longed to make his fortune by selling the wondrous and miraculous, and there is nothing more miraculous than a real mermaid.

Amelia agrees to play the mermaid for Barnum and walk among men in their world, believing she can leave anytime she likes. But Barnum has never given up a money-making scheme in his life, and he’s determined to hold on to his mermaid.

Review:
The Mermaid is a stunning, historical, fairy tale. Amelia is a mermaid with more humanity than the fictionalized PT Barnum. Henry doesn’t gloss over Barnum’s circus and exploitation of his exhibits. And despite working for Barnum, Amelia is a smart, and confident woman who doesn’t bow to his demands. This isn’t a retelling of the Little Mermaid, despite the feel of it at first. But this is a beautiful fairy tale with plenty of heart, suspense, and romance. Henry has created another impressive, strong, female character that readers will love. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced read that was over too soon.