She tries to figure out why all the mothers in her family die after giving birth.

She follows clues from the library to the graveyard to the bottom of the ocean. The main point of the story is really the mystery aspect-Hester trying to learn about her lineage. Obviously, the story itself was fueled by romance, but it doesn't dominate the story at all. I was actually surprised how little romance is in the book. They earn a very bad reputation amongst the sailor and fishermen's myths, and for the most part, it is well deserved. ) The mermaids are brutal, harsh, and violent. The truth that finally emerges is really devastating. Monstrous Beauty is riddled with a lot of death and sadness. We read about Syrenka's tragedy, and then switch to Hester trying to figure out her lineage, and what may be a curse that follows her family. It allows us to follow Hester's life as she tries to piece together her history, and follow Syrenka's life as she lives the very history that Hester is trying to uncover.

We have mermaids, ghosts, history, lineage, love, heartbreak, and a fascinating story with multiple characters whose lives, deaths, and fates are all intertwined.I love how Monstrous Beauty is told in two different time periods: modern day and the 1800s. BookNook - Young Adult book reviews I have read no other book like Monstrous Beauty.

Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama