Poetry/Narrative: River Mermaid by Christy Goerzen

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To Think About:

1. How does Mercedes change from the beginning to the end of the novel?

2. Identify three major themes that run like rivers through the text.

3. What does Mercedes learn about love through her three most important relationships: that with her mother Patrice, that with her BFF Sandra, and that with her love interest Ellis?

4. How does art help one express one’s emotions?

5. If art is a reflection of the human experience, how does experiencing art help one grow?

6. On the final page of the novel, author Christy Goerzen concludes with Mercedes Stowell’s bio in a prestigious art magazine. Is her bio fantasy or part of Mercedes’ future?

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