Monstrous Beauty
Author: Elizabeth Fama
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication Date: Sept. 4th, 2012
Pages: 295
Source: Purchased book and audio
Read By: Katherine Kellgren
Audiobook Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Audiobook Length: 8 hours, 1 min.
About the Book: Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.
Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago. (goodreads)
My Thoughts: I loved the way this book was divided into the past and present. There’s something about a story that takes place over decades that just works for me. I loved seeing how Syrenka and Hester’s stories were connected. The consequences of the actions of generations past being passed down through the years… why is that appealing to me?!? I just found the connections so beautiful.
I also really appreciated the subtlety of the fantastical element in Hester’s story. Since the reader knows Syrenka’s half we have a better idea of what is happening. Hester has no idea and works to piece everything together. Also, I loved seeing Syrenka adapt to a life we take for granted (human life on land.) Basically, both stories had many aspects that appealed to me.
Monstrous Beauty is perfect for readers looking for something a little different. It’s historical yet contemporary, dark yet light, all kinds of contradictions that work together to weave a complicated and interesting tale.
Audiobook Notes: I adore Katherine Kellgren as a narrator. Her voice and style were particularly suited to Syrenka’s story. However, I almost wish there would have been a second narrator for Hester’s more contemporary part. I can’t put my finger on why that didn’t work as well for me. Perhaps it’s because I’m so used to Kellgren for historical and fantasy reads! Still, a good audio for audiobook fans.
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