"Hey, stop it!
You were just a kid.
A selfish person wouldn't
have helped me.
A coward wouldn't have
gone as far as you have ...
Just to save someone who I'm
pretty sure doesn't deserve it.
But that's selfish too. No one
else would marry me.
I mean, look at me."
Poor Jane! After being treated poorly by her parents throughout her life, the sudden death of the two only adds to her many difficulties. She is being threatened with eviction from the family home. The law says marriage is her only option if she wants to stay. To that end, she suggests a plan to an unhappy young fisherman that they should be married; she would get the family fortune, he would get the money needs to live the life of his dreams.
It seems to be working until Peter is captured by a mermaid and put in an underwater prison. With magical help, Jane makes her way to the mermaid village far below the surface. It is a dangerous mission, requiring the assistance of cantankerous (while also engaging) seal who helps her learn about the dangers inherent in life under the sea.
The mermaid (and her sisters) who has taken Peter is vainer that Jane can imagine and uses her beauty to further victimize Jane. Luckily, Jane is learning that she has much to offer. She is persistent in her quest to save Peter and proves she has great worth while doing so.
Ms. Brosgol creates an expressive and charming character in Jane. She manages to hold her own in a story that looks closely at beauty, daring to do the right thing, and friendship. Middle graders who have a penchant for graphic novels will find much to appreciate in Jane's story. The story moves along quickly, with many twists and turns ... just what many readers are wanting to read. The ending is very satisfying for all.
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