It's the beginning of the 20th century; the age of scientific progress. But for Venice the future looks bleak. A conference of scientists assembles to address the problems, among whose delegates are the parents of twelve-year-old Teodora. Within days of her arrival, she is subsumed into the secret life of Venice: a world in which salty-tongued mermaids run subversive printing presses, ghosts good and bad patrol the streets and librarians turn fluidly into cats. A battle against forces determined to destroy the city once and for all quickly ensues. Only Teo, the undrowned child who survived a tragic accident as a baby, can go 'between the linings' to subvert evil and restore order.
The Undrowned Child
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"I would recommend this book to anyone that would like to have fun while finding out true stories about this world famous city... This brilliant adventure is full of fantasy and drama and there is always something going on" (Rachel (young reviewer) SCOTTISHBOOKTRUST.COM )
Book Description
A stunning debut in which Venice is dying - and a long-ago prophecy of an enchanted child has been awakened from the canal's poisoned waters.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Hector Lerbioz
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover
This book is a beautiful gem. It is clearly written for intelligent younger readers, but there is also much for adults to enjoy. On first acquaintance with it I was irresistably reminded of the HARRY POTTER books. However, like Venice itself, there is more to THE UNDROWNED CHILD than might at first be apparent.
Like Harry Potter, the heroine of this marvellous fantasy discovers a magical realm that is unseen by most of the ordinary world. Again, like Harry Potter she discovers that she is the enemy of an evil force seeking to restore his material form and wreak vengeance on those who previously defied him. Like J.K. Rowling's hero she meets a cornucopia of supernatural beings and is aided in her fight against the enemy by various magical devices.
But THE UNDROWNED CHILD is a far more subtle and evocative read than J.K. Rowling's creation. Part of its charm lies in the depiction of Venice - clearly born of an abiding passion for the architecture, culture, art and history of arguably the most beautiful city in the Western World. There is a dream-like beauty to this book which reminded me more of C.S.Lewis at his best than the stories of Hogwarts. The research and knowledge that has gone into this work shines through even during the phantasmagorical encounters with ghosts, werewolves, talking cats etc.
Author Michelle Lovric has mastered a compelling prose style that will captivate younger and older readers alike. Lovric, like her heroes, clearly loves books and learning. This is not to say that the book is in any way stuffy or humourless. The rough-talking, curry-eating mermaids are a comic highlight, and Lovric makes the 2 human heroes undergo a great deal of peril in the best traditions of fairy tales and fantasy adventure stories. Teo and Renzo are depicted as flawed and loveable protagonists and there is a warm vein of humour running through the narrative. Be warned though - due to some of the more horrific incidents in the book I would certainly not suggest it as suitable for smaller children.
The best recommendation I can give this book is that it made me want to go to Venice as soon as I'd finished it. There also seems to be room for a sequel or two. On the evidence of this book it appears that there may well be a lot more mileage in exploring this alternate and fantastical version of Venice.
Like Harry Potter, the heroine of this marvellous fantasy discovers a magical realm that is unseen by most of the ordinary world. Again, like Harry Potter she discovers that she is the enemy of an evil force seeking to restore his material form and wreak vengeance on those who previously defied him. Like J.K. Rowling's hero she meets a cornucopia of supernatural beings and is aided in her fight against the enemy by various magical devices.
But THE UNDROWNED CHILD is a far more subtle and evocative read than J.K. Rowling's creation. Part of its charm lies in the depiction of Venice - clearly born of an abiding passion for the architecture, culture, art and history of arguably the most beautiful city in the Western World. There is a dream-like beauty to this book which reminded me more of C.S.Lewis at his best than the stories of Hogwarts. The research and knowledge that has gone into this work shines through even during the phantasmagorical encounters with ghosts, werewolves, talking cats etc.
Author Michelle Lovric has mastered a compelling prose style that will captivate younger and older readers alike. Lovric, like her heroes, clearly loves books and learning. This is not to say that the book is in any way stuffy or humourless. The rough-talking, curry-eating mermaids are a comic highlight, and Lovric makes the 2 human heroes undergo a great deal of peril in the best traditions of fairy tales and fantasy adventure stories. Teo and Renzo are depicted as flawed and loveable protagonists and there is a warm vein of humour running through the narrative. Be warned though - due to some of the more horrific incidents in the book I would certainly not suggest it as suitable for smaller children.
The best recommendation I can give this book is that it made me want to go to Venice as soon as I'd finished it. There also seems to be room for a sequel or two. On the evidence of this book it appears that there may well be a lot more mileage in exploring this alternate and fantastical version of Venice.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Rubbah
Format:Hardcover
A headless handless ghost that eats children. A librarian that tuns into a cat. Mermaids that run a printing press. A kraken-like creature that gives childen bubonic plague. All these and more can be found within this book.
Initially I thought this would be a typical '2 children fufill ancient prophecy in saving....', which it is to some extent. But it is also much more than that. the lines between foe and friend is constantly confused, and the characters are portrayed in wholly unique ways. For example,the mermaids; who talk like sailors and love a good curry. There is also genuine fear, for example the terrifying Brustolon statues that are appearing all over Venice. Finally, themes such as bullying, outcasts and friendship run throughout.
Overall an amazing urban fantasy for children.
Initially I thought this would be a typical '2 children fufill ancient prophecy in saving....', which it is to some extent. But it is also much more than that. the lines between foe and friend is constantly confused, and the characters are portrayed in wholly unique ways. For example,the mermaids; who talk like sailors and love a good curry. There is also genuine fear, for example the terrifying Brustolon statues that are appearing all over Venice. Finally, themes such as bullying, outcasts and friendship run throughout.
Overall an amazing urban fantasy for children.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By C. W. Morley
Format:Hardcover
Rich in enchanting imagery and fantasy, as usual with Michelle Lovric, this is also an exciting adventure with the requisite 'goodies' and 'baddies' who battle for the survival of the way of life of Venice.
Written for an intelligent reader of any age,it presents quite a complicated plot . The protagonists' dashing around Venice would be better appreciated by those who have an acquaintance with the city, but this does not detract from enjoyment of the unfolding tale.
The author conveys the unique atmosphere of Venice and enhances it with an imaginative exploitation of some of the myths and characters which emerge from its history, animating it with a few more of her own.
Written for an intelligent reader of any age,it presents quite a complicated plot . The protagonists' dashing around Venice would be better appreciated by those who have an acquaintance with the city, but this does not detract from enjoyment of the unfolding tale.
The author conveys the unique atmosphere of Venice and enhances it with an imaginative exploitation of some of the myths and characters which emerge from its history, animating it with a few more of her own.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
...wow
This book is the poster child for 'a page turner'! I literally could not put it down! This is the third time i have read it and each time the surprises, twists and cliff hanger... Read more
Published 1 month ago by A. Twiddy
4.0 out of 5 stars
the child bit was the clue
I bought this book for myself not realising it was a childrens book, but I am glued to it and I want my next holiday to be in Venice, preferably in 1899.
Published 23 months ago by Stevem84
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabuphantasmagorulous
I have never read a book quite like "The Undrowned Child" and have to say straight away that I was bowled over by the writer's imagination and ideas, combining the familiar and the... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Secret Spi
3.0 out of 5 stars
Would benefit from a good editing
I am an adult, and therefore not the target audience for this book, but I read and enjoy a lot of children's and YA fantasy. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Ms
5.0 out of 5 stars
An enchanting tale
I so enjoyed this book. It is an intelligent, atmospheric rollercoaster ride of adventure. I don't know Venice, but the book brought the streets and waterways alive both by day and... Read more
Published on 19 May 2011 by ML Jensen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sheer magic
I just utterly adored this book, and was spellbound by it. It was an enthralling story, and I loved the characters. Read more
Published on 6 May 2011 by Leslie Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Key to the Secret City
The Undrowned Child was a truly amazing book and it really razed a love of Venice in me. I can't wait till the sequel comes out. Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2010 by Pantaloni
5.0 out of 5 stars
A magical fairy story
Having read Michell Lovric's first three adult novels and thoroughly enjoyed each of them, especially Carnivale, I was eager to read her first "children's" book. Read more
Published on 24 Sep 2009 by Mrs. Barbara Stokes
4.0 out of 5 stars
Absolute Cracker
If I was asked to sum up this novel in a short sentence it would be: "Perhaps the quirkiest young adult novel I've ever read." That is by no means a bad thing. Read more
Published on 16 Aug 2009 by Gareth Wilson - Falcata Times Blog
4.0 out of 5 stars
Venice becomes a character in her own right
Reading THE UNDROWNED CHILD, it is clear how much Lovric adores Venice. As another reviewer has said, the amount of research that has gone into this novel for children is fantastic... Read more
Published on 1 Aug 2009 by Brida
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