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Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon*


Book type: Novel Author: Carolyn Turgeon Pages: 240 Summary(goodreads.com): Princess Margrethe has been hidden away while her kingdom is at war. One gloomy, windswept morning, as she stands in a convent garden overlooking the icy sea, she witnesses a miracle: a glittering mermaid emerging from the waves, a nearly drowned man in her arms. By the time Margrethe reaches the shore, the mermaid has disappeared into the sea. As Margrethe nurses the handsome stranger back to health, she learns that not only is he a prince, he is also the son of her father's greatest rival. Sure that the mermaid brought this man to her for a reason, Margrethe devises a plan to bring peace to her kingdom. Meanwhile, the mermaid princess Lenia longs to return to the human man she carried to safety. She is willing to trade her home, her voice, and even her health for legs and the chance to win his heart... A surprising take on the classic tale, Mermaid is the story of two women with everything to lose. It will make you think twice about the fairy tale you heard as a child, keeping you in suspense until the very last page. My Review: This was definitely a twist on the classic tale of The Little Mermaid. For those of you who haven't read the version of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson (the original), I really recommend you read it before reading this. It will help you understand the characters better and where their place is in the story. Don't worry, the original version isn't long at all. In fact, it's a rather short yet beautiful story. Although I really enjoyed this book, I found it depressing at some parts, especially the love that tears the two main female characters apart; Lenia and Margarethe. Like the summary above says, this is definitely a story that will keep you in suspense. I couldn't put this book down because at the end of each chapter, something new and exciting happens. The ending to this book was really beautiful as well, and will make you close the book with a smile on your face. I give this book (*****) 5 stars.

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