jcapati's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Death, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Murder, Pregnancy, Racial slurs, and Racism
booksandboos's review
4.0
I savored this and read a story hear and there since April. It was super interesting to learn about mermaid and water spirit folklore from around the world. I enjoyed this a lot and want to get more of these collections.
morgonwashere's review
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kweziferguson's review
2.0
While I found this book interesting from a research perspective it was not very entertaining. If you want an understanding of what mermaids symbolise in folklore (which is the reason I read this book) then you will definitely find what you are looking for. However a lot of the stories are repetitive and other don’t read well. It’s great as a resource but if you are looking to be entertained with mermaid stories than look elsewhere. That said the book was insightful and I enjoyed learning about mermaid folklore from across the world.
musubi_mumma's review
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
2.5
slimikin's review
3.0
I love the variety of mermaid stories and the breadth of cultures this collection draws upon, but I wish it had been a less overtly scholarly work. That is, I appreciated the efforts to contextualize these tales within their communities of origin; I didn't appreciate when the editors attempted to assert a specific meaning for a tale. Perhaps scholars of folklore do indeed abide by a rigid lexicon of symbolic interpretation—alas for that dismal reality, if so—but I find most of my enjoyment in stories like these arises from discovering my own interpretations, lessons, and truths.
karleah_may's review
4.0
I loved this collection of mermaid tales across different cultures, and enjoyed all the discussion about their origins and transformations over the years. This text has been invaluable to my studies, but it's also just a well written collection of stories. Definitely recommend for anyone who loves mermaids and mythology.