opal94's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This for sure was quite a bizarre read. Despite the story spanning a total of about 500 pages, I found that once I sat down to read it, I effectively breezed through the words. And yet, despite that, the plot of the novel is it's weakest point in my opinion. The language of the book is gorgeous, as is the setting. The characters aren't particularly lovable or relatable, but then again do they have to be? I did like the character of Angelica. Despite that though, her character development seemed to come sort of out of the blue. But still, it's an interesting read. The pace of the story is slow, but honestly, I found that it really seems to work for this story in particular. Well, I think it's one of those books that might not be everyone's cup of tea. I'm walking away from it with mixed feelings, but I do still think it's worth a read, even if for the setting and gorgeous language.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Rape, Child death, and Sexual content
darcyjanea's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage and Racism
Minor: Child death, Abortion, and Slavery
amberinbookland's review
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Pregnancy, Infertility, Grief, Death, and Child death
sofipitch's review
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book is enchanting and immersive. The historical setting is really well done, I enjoyed that it explored aspects of society such as race and prostitution which are under-explored in Brirish historical literature. However, I wouldn't put this under the fantasy category, it matched magical realism much better. The mermaid herself is never fully described and it feels like it's left to the reader to decide if she is real.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility and Miscarriage
Minor: Child death, Confinement, Blood, and Racism
nicoleh's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Child death
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