3 hours ago, I was scrolling through my folder of ebooks and decided to read Beth Mayall's Mermaid Park.
I must admit, when I downloaded the book, I thought there would be mermaids involved. Given the title and a mystery-plot hint in the blurb, I don't think I'm wrong in thinking thus. But maybe I should have read the reviews for it, even if only the ones on amazon.
It's a good book. I didn't get the Mum staying with the stepfather - how she could remain with him even when he treats her daughters the way he does. Was I frustrated/annoyed that there were no real mermaids in the novel? Initially yes, I felt mislead, but by the end? No, I wasn't. There were so many phrases/sentences that resonated within me which were littered throughout the book, I can't find it in myself to detest picking up this book believing there would be mermaids in it when there wasn't any.
But beyond that, it was the protagonist's family situation and her reactions that struck a chord within me. Whether reading this book has caused mermaids to have a deeper (pun not intended) meaning than just pure fantasy, remains to be seen. This was a book I definitely enjoyed, regardless.
(writing a book review at 6.53am is really draining. shakes head at self)
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What really spurred me to write this post was looking up The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan while searching for more mermaid books to devour.
I read this review by Bonnie - I'll be following her blog from now on. And have been buffeted, blown away by the review. It was balanced and well-written, and wasn't simply THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME, GO READ IT NOW! There was even a mini analysis on the book covers. Whatever else others may say, book covers are important - they're not more paramount than the book itself, that would be blasphemy, but it does help with marketing and representing the idea/gist of the book. A good cover will do more than just paint a pretty picture (in the literal sense).
While reading the review, I learnt of the author's death, and it saddened me greatly. (Especially when Madigan's husband posted on Bonnie's blog saying Madigan had plans for 2 sequels).
For one, I do NOT like reading incomplete series. It was an unconscious rule of browsing for books when I was younger; and now I generally stay away from unfinished works. I guess, it's because I'm afraid of becoming too attached to the characters. Not knowing how they end be it good or bad is something I'm not comfortable with. But it looks like I'll be making an exception for this book. For the author, for that particular review, for mermaids.
For unfinished stories.
I hopped over to Madigan's LJ. And what she said... Made me think of those suffering from terminal illness and their respective loved ones and friends.
I’m just sad. Why does my husband have to go through this again?
And devastated. I would step in front of my son to take a bullet for him. But now I feel like the one pulling the trigger.
- L.K. Madigan
I'm running out of thoughts to organise how I feel and words to say.
For a writer to render someone speechless. That is something special.
