When thirty-five-year-old France’s father calls to say that her mother, Grendy, has run off, France suspects foul play and heads south to investigate. Recently reunited with fellow former “mermaids” from Mermaid Springs, FL—one of the Sunshine State’s premier, pre-Disney attractions—Grendy had successfully revived her career in kitschy underwater pageants. But if she doesn’t find herself or let herself be found soon, she’ll miss the big Labor Day show. While the other fin-toting “merhags” regale France with stories of old—particularly the night Elvis came to town—they’re suspiciously tight-lipped about Grendy’s disappearance. Increasingly convinced that Grendy is in trouble—and that a psychic cat might hold the clue—she makes a series of unexpected, extraordinary discoveries about Mermaid Springs, her mother, and, in turn, herself.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In this wonderfully quirky debut novel, 35-year-old France's mother, Grendy, inexplicably disappears from Mermaid City, Fla., where she has been performing with a small group of former "mermaids," leaving a note to her husband, a minister, claiming she has "to find herself." France leaves her home in Cedar Valley, Ind., and her charmingly offbeat, "downwardly mobile" boyfriend, Bruno, an artist who sculpts wooden dolls, to search for her mother. She remembers Grendy once saying, "Everything gets clear underwater. I'm happier underwater than I've ever been on land. It's my salvation." During France's journey, she, too, finds enlightenment underwater when she befriends her mother's mermaid performers and briefly becomes one herself. She also connects with her nephew, Theo (a young boy being raised by Grendy), who has singular emotional and behavioral problems. Stuckey-French, whose first collection of short stories, The First Paper Girl in Red Oak, Iowa, was praised for its refreshing originality, brings brio and charm to this delightful, unique tale of self-discovery. Her spot-on descriptions sparkle with creativity and humor. One of Grendy's friends has "eyes... rimmed with an unfortunate shade of blue eye shadow." At one point in her search, France is desperate enough to go to a town known for its community of psychics and observes, "There should be a rule against mediums wearing polyester." The author's talent for creating unconventional characters and her clear insight into human nature converge in this page-turning tale centered around a group of older women who become young again as they glide and cavort in a special underwater world where fantasy and reality rarely collide.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Library Journal
In this first novel by the author of the critically acclaimed The First Paper Girl in Red Oak, Iowa, and Other Stories, France searches for her missing mother, Grendy, who performs as a mermaid at a Florida synchronized swim theme park. Is Grendy a victim of foul play, or did she run off with a trucker? Accompanied by her winsome, autistic nephew, France investigates the disappearance. Convinced that she'll find Grendy by hanging out with her pals, she joins the show, only to learn from the mermaid sisterhood that her mother was man-crazy and suffered guilt after a long-ago accidental death of a fellow swimmer. The search leads France into the thickets of her own life as she is confronted by memories ugly and sweet of Grendy, who was happiest under water; her minister father, who is full of infidelities and ploys; and her troubled, deceased sister. Stuckey-French writes in a funny, whimsical style, reminiscent of Fannie Flagg, creating endearing, quirky characters. As refreshing, crisp, and tangy as a summer drink, this is a beguiling read. Recommended for all public libraries. Molly Gorman, San Marino, CA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!!,
By MSlife "avedadiva96" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Mermaids on the Moon: A Novel (Hardcover)
This book was so refreshing! I initially bought it because I have always had a fascination with the "mermaid city" my mom has always told me stories of that she used to visit as a child in Florida. I even decorated my room as a child from her vintage postcards from Weeki Wachi Springs, FL (I am assuming this novel is based on this place). I adored reading this book. The characters are so fun and you really get to know them, you want to be their friend, you want to be a "merhag". This is a perfect read for your day at the pool or on your next beach vacation! I can't wait for her next novel!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great descriptions!,
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This review is from: Mermaids on the Moon (Paperback)
I really enjoyed this book. If a place like Mermaid City doesn't already exist, it should! The only complaint I have, is Fran's relationship with Bruno wasn't really developed, but the rest of the characters make up for it. I also enjoyed Sisterwoman, and wish she had used that more, but the stories she told with her, really contributed to the story and character development. I highly recommend this book, especially since it is a very quick read!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!,
By
This review is from: Mermaids on the Moon: A Novel (Hardcover)
I really liked this book--I could especially relate to Theo, who is so much like my son (who has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism.) I'll recommend this one for my book club & also for the Asperger's group. Great read!
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