The Little Mermaid, iluustrated by Benjamin Lacombe

I am a sucker for The Little Mermaid, the story and the Disney movies. It's one of those books that I collect multiple copies of (like Little Women and Peter Pan) because I love how it has been illustrated in so many different ways. I don't remember how I stumbled onto this rendition, but as soon as I saw these vivid, glossy, rich pictures I knew I'd be buying it. 

With her bobbed hairstyle and the symetrical coral decorations, it reminded me of an art deco poster featuring a flapper:

The text is the original Hans Christian Andersen tale, whch already contains themes of mortality, and the picture of a mermaid (one of her sisters) embracing a skeleton (from a shipwreck) perfectly depicts them.

The illustrations bounce between classic  of illustration, that might be found in any fairytale book to highly stylized ones with almost neon-bright pops of color

There is also some back matter that contains information about Andersen, and his own tragic love stor; he had an unrequited love for a friend, Edvard Collin. Collin remained a friend even knowing of Andersen's feelings towards him, but he could not, and did not, reciprocate his affection.

When Collin married in 1836, it is widely believed that it inspired Andersen to pen The Little Mermaid, which was published the following year.

Irena's Vow

 One of the best reasons I keep my social media is because I am constantly discovering new movies to watch.

As I scroll on Instagram, I come across a clip that looks interesting, I screenshot it, and then when I have a chance at home, I look it up on the TV to find it streaming, or get a digital rental. I have discovered a number of great movies this way.

The one I watched last night is one that I will not soon forget.

 It takes place during the Holocaust in Poland, and Sophie Nelisse plays the protagonist Irena. I remember her from when she was little and she played Molly in the adaptation of my OG favorite horror book, Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn. Starring opposite her is the Scottish actor Dougray Scott, who played the Prince in Ever After. He plays a Nazi officer who employs her as a servant in his home.

When she witnesses a horrific incident (it was truly horrifying to watch, and I instinctively put my hand up in front of the screen) at the market, the reality of the Nazi regime hits her and she decides that she will help a group of Jewish 'tailors' who were also employed  by the Nazi officers.

*****Spoilers Ahead*****

She decides that the best place to hide them is actually IN the home of the Nazi officer she works for, because no one will ever suspect that a Nazi officer would have Jews hiding out in his house.

I have always been drawn to Holocaust stories; it's an important chapter of human history which should never be forgotten, in order to help us avoid repeating it. It's a tapestry of sadness and horror and violence and ongoing grief, but woven throughout it are threads of selflessness, kindness, resilience and hope. Many people are drawn to these stories for the emotions they bring out in us, and the motivation to grapple with questions like "What would I do in this situation?" "Would I be willing to put myself in danger to help another person?"  "How would I survive?" etc.

The movie genuinely had me on the edge of my seat at times because I became so invested in the story.

****More spoilers ahead****

I was shocked to find out that it is a TRUE story! 

Irena Gut kept her incredible story to herself for many years but when she was confronted by a Holocaust denier, she began to talk about her experiences, which led to speaking at schools, writing books and having a film based on her life.

I have not read her books yet, but I highly recommend the movie.