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American Mermaid

By Julia Langbein
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Check link for latest rating. ( 4,445 ratings, 970 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
American Mermaid by Julia Langbein is a witty and unique tale that follows a burnt-out teacher who writes a bestselling novel about a mermaid. As her story is adapted for Hollywood, the protagonist finds herself entangled in a surreal adventure that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, filled with unexpected twists and whimsical humour. This engaging narrative explores themes of creativity and self-discovery.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this novel if you're drawn to stories that blend real-life struggles with elements of fantasy and satire. It offers a witty and imaginative take on academia and commercialism, exploring the unique journey of a protagonist navigating both worlds. The narrative brings a fresh perspective and a touch of magical realism, making it an intriguing read for those who appreciate innovative storytelling.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A brilliantly witty debut novel following a writer lured to LA to adapt her feminist mermaid story into a big-budget action film—only to find the mermaid has other ideas.

Broke English teacher Penelope Schleeman is as surprised as anyone when her feminist novel American Mermaid becomes a bestseller. Lured by the promise of a big payday, she quits teaching and moves to LA to turn the novel into an action flick with the help of some studio hacks.

But as she's pressured to change her main character from a fierce, androgynous eco-warrior to a teen sex object in a clamshell bra, strange things start to happen. Threats appear in the screenplay; siren calls lure Penelope's co-writers into danger. Is Penelope losing her mind, or has her mermaid come to life, enacting revenge for Hollywood's violations?

American Mermaid follows a young woman braving the casual slights and cruel calculations of a ruthless industry town, where she discovers a beating heart in her own fiction, a mermaid who will fight to move between worlds without giving up her voice. A hilarious story about deep things, American Mermaid asks how far we'll go to protect the parts of ourselves that are not for sale.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

American Mermaid by Julia Langbein has been praised for its sharp wit, humour, and creativity. It's described as a clever and deeply hilarious blend of satire, magical realism, and insightful commentary on identity and ambition, engaging readers with its unique storytelling and dynamic narrative. This debut novel has captivated critics with its inventive style and the protagonist's compelling voice, making it a recommended read for those interested in a modern, thought-provoking tale.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781922790163

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 March 2023

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 237.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 336

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Julia Langbein Literary Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

Julia Langbein, a sketch and stand-up comedian for many years, holds a doctorate in art history. She wrote the viral comedy blog The Bruni Digest (2003-7), which reviewed New York Times critic Frank Bruni's restaurant reviews every week, and has since written about food, art and travel for Gourmet, Eater, Salon, Frieze and other publications. A native of Chicago, she lives outside of Paris with her family.

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