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The Undrowned Child #2
The Mourning Emporium
Venice is in peril. Bajamonte Tiepolo is back, and his baddened magic has spread across the globe, from the island of Hooroo in the South Pacific, all the way to London, where Queen Victoria lies dying.
Now two cities need saving by Teo, the Undrowned Child, and Renzo, the Studious Son of a Venetian prophecy. Time is running out as they try to unravel the mysteries threatening London and Venice. They meet mermaids and mourning children, giant squid, a talking bulldog, and the delectable, deceptive Miss Uish. But who is a friend, and who an enemy?
Now two cities need saving by Teo, the Undrowned Child, and Renzo, the Studious Son of a Venetian prophecy. Time is running out as they try to unravel the mysteries threatening London and Venice. They meet mermaids and mourning children, giant squid, a talking bulldog, and the delectable, deceptive Miss Uish. But who is a friend, and who an enemy?
385 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Michelle Lovric
109 books162 followersMichelle Lovric is a novelist, writer and anthologist.
Her third novel, The Remedy, was long-listed for the 2005 Orange Prize for Fiction. The Remedy is a literary murder-mystery set against the background of the quack medicine industry in the eighteenth century.
Her first novel, Carnevale, is the story of the painter Cecilia Cornaro, described by The Times as the possessor of ‘the most covetable life’ in fiction in 2001.
In Lovric’s second novel, The Floating Book, a chorus of characters relates the perilous beginning of the print industry in Venice. The book explores the translation of raw emotion into saleable merchandise from the points of view of poets, editors, publishers – and their lovers. The Floating Book, a London Arts award winner, was also selected as a WH Smith ‘Read of the Week’.
Her first novel for young adult readers, The Undrowned Child, is published by Orion. The sequel is due in summer 2010.
Her fourth adult novel, The Book of Human Skin, is published by Bloomsbury in Spring 2010.
Lovric reviews for publications including The Times and writes travel articles about Venice. She has featured in several BBC radio documentaries about Venice.
She combines her fiction work with editing, designing and producing literary anthologies including her own translations of Latin and Italian poetry. Her book Love Letters was a New York Times best-seller.
Lovric divides her time between London and Venice. She holds a workshop in her home in London with published writers of poetry and prose, fiction and memoir.
Her third novel, The Remedy, was long-listed for the 2005 Orange Prize for Fiction. The Remedy is a literary murder-mystery set against the background of the quack medicine industry in the eighteenth century.
Her first novel, Carnevale, is the story of the painter Cecilia Cornaro, described by The Times as the possessor of ‘the most covetable life’ in fiction in 2001.
In Lovric’s second novel, The Floating Book, a chorus of characters relates the perilous beginning of the print industry in Venice. The book explores the translation of raw emotion into saleable merchandise from the points of view of poets, editors, publishers – and their lovers. The Floating Book, a London Arts award winner, was also selected as a WH Smith ‘Read of the Week’.
Her first novel for young adult readers, The Undrowned Child, is published by Orion. The sequel is due in summer 2010.
Her fourth adult novel, The Book of Human Skin, is published by Bloomsbury in Spring 2010.
Lovric reviews for publications including The Times and writes travel articles about Venice. She has featured in several BBC radio documentaries about Venice.
She combines her fiction work with editing, designing and producing literary anthologies including her own translations of Latin and Italian poetry. Her book Love Letters was a New York Times best-seller.
Lovric divides her time between London and Venice. She holds a workshop in her home in London with published writers of poetry and prose, fiction and memoir.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 30, 2012
The Mourning Emporium will draw you into the world of Queen Victoria's London just as The Undrowned Child introduced us to Venice
The Mourning Emporium is the second installment of the Undrowned Child series by Michelle Lovic. Teo and Renzo also known in Venice as the Undrowned Child and the Studious Son are once again running from the monster Bajamonte Tiepolo as he tries to do in London what he successfully did in Venice. Renzo's parents have perished in Venice and Teo's parents have disappeared as well and now the kids have been forced to work upon a slave ship run by a cruel women who is forcing the new orphans of Venice to man her pirate ship. When the kids arrive in London they discover that Queen Victoria is dying and the city is under attack by Bajamonte's horrible creatures. We meet a new group of wonderful characters in the mourning emporium, where people pay children to mourn at the funerals of their loved ones. One of the treasures of this series is the historical references to actual people and places that existed. In 1901 London was indeed in deep mourning over the death of Queen Victoria and the delightful language, colorful characters and fantastic creatures invented by the author create a wonderful world that older kids will love. It does take a bit of time for the reader to get used to the Victorian London slang, colorful sailor talk of the mermaids and the gruesome descriptions of the despicable monsters but it is well worth it -this story is terrific and unlike anything out there. I read this as an advance and this novel will be published in August 2012.
The Mourning Emporium is the second installment of the Undrowned Child series by Michelle Lovic. Teo and Renzo also known in Venice as the Undrowned Child and the Studious Son are once again running from the monster Bajamonte Tiepolo as he tries to do in London what he successfully did in Venice. Renzo's parents have perished in Venice and Teo's parents have disappeared as well and now the kids have been forced to work upon a slave ship run by a cruel women who is forcing the new orphans of Venice to man her pirate ship. When the kids arrive in London they discover that Queen Victoria is dying and the city is under attack by Bajamonte's horrible creatures. We meet a new group of wonderful characters in the mourning emporium, where people pay children to mourn at the funerals of their loved ones. One of the treasures of this series is the historical references to actual people and places that existed. In 1901 London was indeed in deep mourning over the death of Queen Victoria and the delightful language, colorful characters and fantastic creatures invented by the author create a wonderful world that older kids will love. It does take a bit of time for the reader to get used to the Victorian London slang, colorful sailor talk of the mermaids and the gruesome descriptions of the despicable monsters but it is well worth it -this story is terrific and unlike anything out there. I read this as an advance and this novel will be published in August 2012.
October 28, 2010
Back in June, you may remember, I read and reviewed the first book in Michelle Lovric's whimsical and wholly engrossing series, The Undrowned Child. Well I'm sure you can imagine my absolute delight when part two, The Mourning Emporium was sent to me last Wednesday by the wonderful Ms Douglas at Orion books.
Just as pretty as the first book, with stunning cover art, gorgeous end pages, and beautiful scrolled headings at the start of each chapter, The Mourning Emporium and the The Undrowned Child are the two prettiest books I own, but their contents are just as enchanting!
Part two is set in Venice and London two years after the first book, between Christmas Day and mid-February. It follows Teodora (The Undrowned Child) and Renzo (The Studious Son) on their latest harrowing adventures as Venice is very nearly destroyed by flooding and Ice on Christmas Day, and quickly find themselves aboard the Scilla, a floating boys Orphanage under the "care" of a beautiful yet deadly woman, Miss Uish. Their nemesis Bajamonte Tiepolo is back, planning the destruction of London with a whole host of new evil cohorts, and it's up to the children to come to the cities rescue.
Without reading the stories it's hard to convey just how whimsical and wonderful they are. Historically imbued with so many interesting true tidbits, filled with unique and charming characters, and told in the most enjoyably unusual language, these books are like nothing I've ever read before. They are at once the quintessential children's adventure story while being told in such an intelligent way that I can easily see them becoming great classics.
The Mourning Emporium has a great new cast. While holding on to the beloved Venetian Mermaids, Ms Lovric has also added London's own, less rough and tumble, mermaids, as well as a fantastic gang of street children cared for by an english bulldog by the name of Turtledove, not to mention the wonderful cat of the Scilla Sofonisba and her entourage of orphaned Venetian boys. But not to worry! She hasn't neglected to add a new host of evil doers as well. Ms Uish, the Pretender to the British throne, sheep obsessed convicts from Australia and some vampire squids make for some deliciously awful villains for our children to come up against.
Told in such a way to be engrossing for both children and adults alike these books are so packed full of intriguingly true history and wonderful vocabulary I'm guessing virtually every kind of reader also comes away having learned something too. Though you pick it up in such an enjoyable way it hardly seems like you could have learned something, isn't learning supposed to be endlessly boring??
Finally both books are supplemented by the most amazing websites, filled with pictures, links to youtube videos and packed full of information about Ms. Lovric as well as the actual history she has written about. And not a spoiler to be found! So read away! The Undrowned Child site, and The Mourning Emporium site will keep the story going hours after you've regretfully turned the last page to book two, and alas will have to hold us all until the as yet unnamed book three comes out. Already I can hardly wait!
The Mourning Emporium releases today, and The Undrowned Child is now in paperback (there were at least a half dozen copies at my small Chapter last time I was up there), so don't waste any time jumping into these books because in the very near future Michelle Lovric herself will be joining us to answer some of my burning questions! And you don't want to miss out on all the greatness one way or another, trust me!
Just as pretty as the first book, with stunning cover art, gorgeous end pages, and beautiful scrolled headings at the start of each chapter, The Mourning Emporium and the The Undrowned Child are the two prettiest books I own, but their contents are just as enchanting!
Part two is set in Venice and London two years after the first book, between Christmas Day and mid-February. It follows Teodora (The Undrowned Child) and Renzo (The Studious Son) on their latest harrowing adventures as Venice is very nearly destroyed by flooding and Ice on Christmas Day, and quickly find themselves aboard the Scilla, a floating boys Orphanage under the "care" of a beautiful yet deadly woman, Miss Uish. Their nemesis Bajamonte Tiepolo is back, planning the destruction of London with a whole host of new evil cohorts, and it's up to the children to come to the cities rescue.
Without reading the stories it's hard to convey just how whimsical and wonderful they are. Historically imbued with so many interesting true tidbits, filled with unique and charming characters, and told in the most enjoyably unusual language, these books are like nothing I've ever read before. They are at once the quintessential children's adventure story while being told in such an intelligent way that I can easily see them becoming great classics.
The Mourning Emporium has a great new cast. While holding on to the beloved Venetian Mermaids, Ms Lovric has also added London's own, less rough and tumble, mermaids, as well as a fantastic gang of street children cared for by an english bulldog by the name of Turtledove, not to mention the wonderful cat of the Scilla Sofonisba and her entourage of orphaned Venetian boys. But not to worry! She hasn't neglected to add a new host of evil doers as well. Ms Uish, the Pretender to the British throne, sheep obsessed convicts from Australia and some vampire squids make for some deliciously awful villains for our children to come up against.
Told in such a way to be engrossing for both children and adults alike these books are so packed full of intriguingly true history and wonderful vocabulary I'm guessing virtually every kind of reader also comes away having learned something too. Though you pick it up in such an enjoyable way it hardly seems like you could have learned something, isn't learning supposed to be endlessly boring??
Finally both books are supplemented by the most amazing websites, filled with pictures, links to youtube videos and packed full of information about Ms. Lovric as well as the actual history she has written about. And not a spoiler to be found! So read away! The Undrowned Child site, and The Mourning Emporium site will keep the story going hours after you've regretfully turned the last page to book two, and alas will have to hold us all until the as yet unnamed book three comes out. Already I can hardly wait!
The Mourning Emporium releases today, and The Undrowned Child is now in paperback (there were at least a half dozen copies at my small Chapter last time I was up there), so don't waste any time jumping into these books because in the very near future Michelle Lovric herself will be joining us to answer some of my burning questions! And you don't want to miss out on all the greatness one way or another, trust me!
May 23, 2011
This is the sequel to one of my favs – if not favourite – children’s books last year. These books have all the makings of classics – they are so imaginative and intelligent and immersive, and at their hearts is such a celebration of story-telling. They are certainly literary. I do not think they are easy books to read, but advanced readers will be rewarded. That said, The Mourning Emporium did not quite reach the dizzying heights of The Undrowned Child. I think maybe the formula was a bit off. All the elements were there but sometimes just didn’t gel, or were a little forced. But overall, The Mourning Emporium is a winner. Best read if you’re familiar with what’s gone before. One of the best written series out there at the moment.The detail, the intelligence, the ambition – I am quite jealous of Lovric’s creative talent.
Full review at:
https://bookgrotto.blogspot.com/2011/0...
December 7, 2011
Wonderful! Enter a magical realm of pure fantasy that transports you from a devastated Venice to a London reeling from the death of Queen Victoria.
A sequel to The Undrowned Child and aimed at the teen market. It is best read in order I think as this book does refer back a few times to the previous events. Once again Teodora (the undrowned child) and Renzo (the studious boy) are in a desperate battle to save Venice from their arch nemesis Bajamonte Tiepolo and those that will follow him. Who can be trusted?
Along the way we meet a multitude of distinct and bizarre characters - curry guzzling mermaids, talking animals, vampire creatures and street urchins who mourn for a living and sleep in coffins - no one is quite whom they seem. The scene is beautifully set with such colourful characters, comic dialogue and a wholly believable setting to fantasical events.
Recommended for all those of an impressionable age (or a need for nonsensical escapism).
A sequel to The Undrowned Child and aimed at the teen market. It is best read in order I think as this book does refer back a few times to the previous events. Once again Teodora (the undrowned child) and Renzo (the studious boy) are in a desperate battle to save Venice from their arch nemesis Bajamonte Tiepolo and those that will follow him. Who can be trusted?
Along the way we meet a multitude of distinct and bizarre characters - curry guzzling mermaids, talking animals, vampire creatures and street urchins who mourn for a living and sleep in coffins - no one is quite whom they seem. The scene is beautifully set with such colourful characters, comic dialogue and a wholly believable setting to fantasical events.
Recommended for all those of an impressionable age (or a need for nonsensical escapism).
July 7, 2012
I loved this book! Not as good as the first one, but still excellent. I love the mermaids more than ever! now that you've read the word mermaid you're probably going to think that this is a really fairy tale-esque type book but it really isn't. It's a great adventure/mystery book which is definetly worth a read!
November 10, 2010
I got this book on the 28th or the 29th of October.
It was a excellent book, every bit as good as the first, but in a different way.
I really liked the descriptions and the new settings.
It was a excellent book, every bit as good as the first, but in a different way.
I really liked the descriptions and the new settings.
March 15, 2012
I loved this. I think it was a bit better than the first book and I liked that one very much too. A very magical children's book that reminded me why I wanted to be a mermaid when I was little.
:D
:D
July 4, 2020
It took me forever to learn that this sequel even existed and I’m so glad that I did. These books are so beautifully written and I love them both.
July 20, 2019
While this book was a good sequel if didn’t quite grab me like the Undrowned Child - largely due I think to the conflict between Renzo and Teo caused by Sibella. I hadn’t realised how much their relationship meant to me and as such I found it hard to read pages where Renzo wasn’t being there for Teo. In addition the ending felt a bit rushed to me. That being said this book was still very enjoyable with a cast of amazing characters and glorious descriptions of the new settings - just didn’t quite live up to the first book for me.
July 29, 2017
I love the ideas that Lovric presents in this alternate and magical Earth. It is a richly created world, yet the writing style seems sparse, more like a recount of events than the telling of a story.
I will read more of her tales set in this world, as the adventure remains entertaining however it is told.
I will read more of her tales set in this world, as the adventure remains entertaining however it is told.
May 21, 2024
Really enjoyed this. Not quite as much as the first, The Undrowned Child, but very much still enjoyable.
The story was finished off in a way that it is fully closed but also does leave it open for a sequel.... Which I am hoping for...... PLEASE!
Very good read for all ages.
The story was finished off in a way that it is fully closed but also does leave it open for a sequel.... Which I am hoping for...... PLEASE!
Very good read for all ages.
July 7, 2012
This book opens not long after the first book in the series, The Undrowned Child, leaves off. Which works very well to keep the momentum from the first book going. Without the fast pace of action, this story would be very slow. Still, I forced my way through and found that in the end I was pleased.
While I liked The Undrowned Child, I just couldn't get into this sequel. The action moves along at the same movie-action-scene way that it did in the first book, which pulled me through the chapters at an accelerated pace. It was fun to be aboard a ship tough, with the atmosphere being a little more cramped and claustrophobic. The budding romance between Teo and Renzo is cute, as they both grow older a little more each day.
And again, I totally loved the super cool power Teo has. Honestly, how cool would it be to see people's handwriting appear in the air above their heads? Seemingly useless info, but Teo manages to pull massive amounts of information about a person from their handwriting. I also like the way the mermaids speak. It's unique and funny and creative.
The ending of this book is pretty solid. I'm not sure if there will be another in the series, but I hope not. With such a sweet finale, I am content to stop right here.
While I liked The Undrowned Child, I just couldn't get into this sequel. The action moves along at the same movie-action-scene way that it did in the first book, which pulled me through the chapters at an accelerated pace. It was fun to be aboard a ship tough, with the atmosphere being a little more cramped and claustrophobic. The budding romance between Teo and Renzo is cute, as they both grow older a little more each day.
And again, I totally loved the super cool power Teo has. Honestly, how cool would it be to see people's handwriting appear in the air above their heads? Seemingly useless info, but Teo manages to pull massive amounts of information about a person from their handwriting. I also like the way the mermaids speak. It's unique and funny and creative.
The ending of this book is pretty solid. I'm not sure if there will be another in the series, but I hope not. With such a sweet finale, I am content to stop right here.
December 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, probably even more than the first one!
1) I adored the bulldog. I recently had to have my bulldog put down, and seeing/reading about one in all of it's glory really cheered me up because it reminded me so much of Bella.
2) I had stronger feelings for the side characters. In the first book, I only really liked Teo, Renzo and the mermaids, where as in this sequel there were more characters introduced and they were a lot more likeable than the few side characters in The Undrowned Child.
3) Miss Uish is Umbridge. I swear it: both are prissy and unlikeable, horrible people who are more like monsters than the actually monsters in the book.
4) Teo and Renzo's relationship was carried on and strained in this book, which I loved. However, I don't really like the fact that Renzo's role as the Studious Son wasn't really elaborated on in this novel, nor the first. I just feel like he could have been a lot more than a scapegoat and the one that always got captured, cause that's what it felt like was always happening in the books.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and I'd definitely recommend both The Undrowned Child and The Mourning Emporium for any lover of history, Venice, or looking for a really good read! 4.5/5 stars for these books!
1) I adored the bulldog. I recently had to have my bulldog put down, and seeing/reading about one in all of it's glory really cheered me up because it reminded me so much of Bella.
2) I had stronger feelings for the side characters. In the first book, I only really liked Teo, Renzo and the mermaids, where as in this sequel there were more characters introduced and they were a lot more likeable than the few side characters in The Undrowned Child.
3) Miss Uish is Umbridge. I swear it: both are prissy and unlikeable, horrible people who are more like monsters than the actually monsters in the book.
4) Teo and Renzo's relationship was carried on and strained in this book, which I loved. However, I don't really like the fact that Renzo's role as the Studious Son wasn't really elaborated on in this novel, nor the first. I just feel like he could have been a lot more than a scapegoat and the one that always got captured, cause that's what it felt like was always happening in the books.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and I'd definitely recommend both The Undrowned Child and The Mourning Emporium for any lover of history, Venice, or looking for a really good read! 4.5/5 stars for these books!
November 20, 2013
I love how Michelle Lovric goes to the end of the world and back to gather research about what she wants to put in her book. It gives some very good ironic parts and she hasn't failed to entertain me with those in The Mourning Emporium, the toy teddy bear for example.
However, I have got to say, I didn't enjoy this as much as The Undrowned Child, but I guess that's the usual response to a sequel or a series. The first book is usually, in my opinion, the best. I feel like although a lot was packed into it, the voyage from Venice to London was a bit too slow and the final battle was a bit too quick with unlikely events. Sure, I'd be sad if some of the good characters died, but that would have given me more an impact and stronger emotions for the book as a whole. Anyway, it ends the story tidily, but hopefully Lovric doesn't make a third novel for this because I think this is good as a little duo already.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy!
Gén
However, I have got to say, I didn't enjoy this as much as The Undrowned Child, but I guess that's the usual response to a sequel or a series. The first book is usually, in my opinion, the best. I feel like although a lot was packed into it, the voyage from Venice to London was a bit too slow and the final battle was a bit too quick with unlikely events. Sure, I'd be sad if some of the good characters died, but that would have given me more an impact and stronger emotions for the book as a whole. Anyway, it ends the story tidily, but hopefully Lovric doesn't make a third novel for this because I think this is good as a little duo already.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy!
Gén
January 26, 2014
As with The Undrowned Child, this sequel is elegantly written. Great historic thread, new setting and new characters. I found the first half of the book quite despairing in tone, with all that befell our lead heroes but with new baddie, the cruel and callous Miss Uish moved from center stage, a more uplifting tone was the result. As with the first book I enjoyed the shortened chapters, the art at chapter headings and the great relationship between Teo & Lorenzo. My rating of three reflects my impression on how easy it seemed to stitch up the villains, in the end.
August 16, 2014
Michelle Lovric writes a jolly good yarn and sweeps you along. She's not squeamish about making 'the worst' happen on occasion. Nobody is safe. She might have tidied up the end a bit to swiftly and simply for me this time, but nevertheless, a good story. Book One may have been a little better.
I am very fond of Venice too, so the author's fondness for the city strikes a chord with me and any history and detail is interesting for me. I liked the end section again where she explains what is true and what is made up. I could use a section like this in a lot of books!
I am very fond of Venice too, so the author's fondness for the city strikes a chord with me and any history and detail is interesting for me. I liked the end section again where she explains what is true and what is made up. I could use a section like this in a lot of books!
September 5, 2012
Not as flowing as the undrowned child, and I disliked the swiftness of the disposal of the baddie! Every time I read the supposed cockney kids, I kept getting "Cor blimey guvner" dick van dyke in my head. However still a great little story, just needed to be thought out more.
October 22, 2012
I loved this one. I found it stronger and more entertaining than The Undrowned Child, but readers should definitely read the books in order or they may be quite lost. It is a great story for strong independent readers or for sharing with a child.
August 11, 2013
I think it's a teenage-Harry Potter style book but I really enjoyed reading it even I was 34 then. It was a very special present from a very special person. It felt more realistic while reading it on a cruise, I would recommend everyone to read it on a cruise or a ferry :)
Read
July 6, 2012I think because I have NOT read the first book in the series I am finding the book to be VERY confusing!
April 17, 2014
First book was incredible !! This one was good but could never compare xk
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews