Swim to Me
by Betsy Carter
- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Bantam Discovery; Reprint edition (August 26, 2008)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0385339771
- ISBN-13: 978-0385339773
Dolores Walker flees her home in the Bronx to make a life for herself as a mermaid in a beach side show near the newly built Walt Disney Resort. The child of a missing father and a tired, hard-working mother, Dolores is determined to be a star, even if it means starting at the bottom. Weeki Wachee Springs has fallen on tough times and desperately needs a gimmic to get back in the game. The owner, Thelma Foote, is tough on her girls, but her exacting standards spark their creativity and soon the girls have devised an entirely new show they call “Merefather”, an underwater ballet styled after The Godfather. Though not the prettiest, Dolores has natural grace in the water and soon becomes the star of the show. Will this be the break the Springs need?
The magic of the meremaid shows is fascinating, and Dolores is a likable way into the world of underwater ballet. While none of the characters break new ground, Carter does a good job of creating a fun world and an interesting story. In addition, the author throws in a touch of carnie lore that gives the story a little bit of spice. In the end, the relationships and families impacted in the story are touching and most readers will find the novel imperfect but satisfying.
Leave a Comment
No comments yet.
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
