The Mermaid: A Love Tale! A Romance Classic By Lily Dougall! AAA+++

This is a beautifully crafted Victorian novel which I would never have found without Kindle. Published in 1895, it is set in the remote Canadian islands of Magdalene and Prince Edward's Island. The story relates how Caius, the son of a farmer, one day believes he sees a mermaid swimming in the bay. It then follows Caius's journey from farmer's son to medical doctor and how the mermaid affects his future. I don't want to tell too much of what happens because it will spoil the story for you, but this really is a well-written book which gently relates the story of a young man's growth in a lyrical manner. The real strength of the author lies in her ability to evoke the beautiful, desolate landscape which surrounds Caius's formative years, and also the strength of the characters which she has created. Caius is presented to us as a weak, vacillating young man. His actions (or lack of) are determined by his seeming inability to form a decision. However, this does not lead the reader to dislike him; rather one empathises with him (we've all had moments of wavering irresolution). Placed firmly beside him is the strong, spiritual character of the mermaid. It's an unusual tale; there's no doubt that Caius loves her, but only in his own, dithery way. I would certainly recommend this; it's a very different Victorian read.