About the Book and Author
History and myth entwine in this atmospheric tale of freedom and friendship from bestselling author Lucy Strange and acclaimed illustrator Pam Smy.
Bess has left the London workhouse behind for a job at a rural cotton mill. But life at the mill is hard and cruel – a far cry from the fresh start Bess hoped for. The only way to survive is to escape, but the mill is like a prison with no way out.
Meanwhile, rumours are spreading about a vicious creature that lurks in the millpond. Bess is sure it’s all nonsense, until one night she sees something stir in the murky water.
But is it really a monster that lives in the depths of the pond? Or a creature trapped and alone, just like Bess, desperate to escape …
Lucy Strange worked as an English teacher for fifteen years before she became a full-time writer. Having also trained and worked as an actor, Lucy narrates her own audiobooks. You can find out more about her other books by visiting her website.
Book Review
I normally like nice creatures but weirdly I quite enjoyed the fact the mermaid wasn’t nice
The Mermaid in the Millpond is a very good and interesting book. It is not the type of book I would usually read as it seemed a bit creepy but I am really glad I read it.
The story is set in the Victorian era which is actually one of my favourite periods in history. You follow Bess from London, where she was happy, to the horrible mill in the middle of nowhere. I like the way the story slowly lets you know about the death of Bess’s mother. It is clever how the author doesn’t tell you much at the beginning and you slowly work it out and then what you think is clarified at the end of the story.
My favourite character is definitely Dot. At the start Dot is just a random girl but slowly turns into Bess’s best friend, a friend that she never knew she needed. I think the message behind the book is really good. Sometimes people find themselves isolated and they think they have to do it all on their own, but having someone there with you to help you and guide you is the most important thing of all.
In this book as you can probably tell by the title there is a mermaid! Now the mermaid is not like Ariel or any other nice mermaid you would think of, she is a more mythical mermaid (this is not Disney).
Obviously, I normally like nice creatures but weirdly I quite enjoyed the fact the mermaid wasn’t nice. I find mermaids that are more like fish and less like perfect humans are more realistic. In the end the mermaid doesn’t turn out to be what people expect. All she wanted to be was free.
This is great book and I have already recommended it to my friend who likes mermaids and more unusual mythical stories.
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Reviewer Profile
- Name: Tilly
- Age: 11 years
- Likes: swimming, dogs and hot chocolate
- Dislikes: mashed potatoes and tests
- Favourite Book: The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
- Favourite Song: Counting Stars by One Republic
- Favourite Film: Instant Family
