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Donora Story Collection #2
The Strongman And The Mermaid
Myscowa, Poland—1910
Once upon a time in tiny, rural Myscowa, Lukasz Musial competes in feats of strength against his lifelong nemesis to win passage to America. He leaves behind grinding poverty and despair, to seek the clear blue skies, and better life he sees on a postcard. Settled in Donora’s Polish community, Lukasz secures a coveted job in the wire mill, and is matched to marry Donora’s very own Polish princess. Life is set on course. The American Dream is nearly his.
Donora, Pennsylvania—1910
Mary Lancos is no princess. A tall, athletic girl who loves the water, she spends her days keeping house for families in town, digging coal out of a backyard seam and rowing her father across the Monongahela River for work. Mary is dependable, tenacious, and always ready to help when someone needs her. She dreams of a gas-heated home, a bedroom for each of her future children, and good meals on the table each night. To help make that happen Mary attends local dances, waiting for the few men who are taller than her to ask her to dance, hoping one of them is right for her.
An unexpected Christmas Eve visitor brings bad luck, and Lukasz’s world crumbles. Meanwhile, tension grows at the Lancos home when money is short and Mary’s dreams clash with her parents’ old world expectations. Just when Mary and Lukasz are at their lowest, they find themselves under an odd pink moonlit sky and Lukasz rescues Mary from a fall into frigid river water. The attraction between them is sudden and consuming, turning the pair onto an unexpected path. With mounting disapproval from Mary’s parents, and increased pressure on Lukasz, they must decide if love is enough to risk losing everything else that matters.
Once upon a time in tiny, rural Myscowa, Lukasz Musial competes in feats of strength against his lifelong nemesis to win passage to America. He leaves behind grinding poverty and despair, to seek the clear blue skies, and better life he sees on a postcard. Settled in Donora’s Polish community, Lukasz secures a coveted job in the wire mill, and is matched to marry Donora’s very own Polish princess. Life is set on course. The American Dream is nearly his.
Donora, Pennsylvania—1910
Mary Lancos is no princess. A tall, athletic girl who loves the water, she spends her days keeping house for families in town, digging coal out of a backyard seam and rowing her father across the Monongahela River for work. Mary is dependable, tenacious, and always ready to help when someone needs her. She dreams of a gas-heated home, a bedroom for each of her future children, and good meals on the table each night. To help make that happen Mary attends local dances, waiting for the few men who are taller than her to ask her to dance, hoping one of them is right for her.
An unexpected Christmas Eve visitor brings bad luck, and Lukasz’s world crumbles. Meanwhile, tension grows at the Lancos home when money is short and Mary’s dreams clash with her parents’ old world expectations. Just when Mary and Lukasz are at their lowest, they find themselves under an odd pink moonlit sky and Lukasz rescues Mary from a fall into frigid river water. The attraction between them is sudden and consuming, turning the pair onto an unexpected path. With mounting disapproval from Mary’s parents, and increased pressure on Lukasz, they must decide if love is enough to risk losing everything else that matters.
555 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2019
1482 people are currently reading
2100 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Shoop
49 books1,126 followersBestselling author, Kathleen Shoop, holds a PhD in reading education and has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. She writes historical fiction, women’s fiction and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered various awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards, Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the San Francisco Book Festival. Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. She lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 25, 2019
I am not really one to read historical fiction but after reading Shoop’s The Kitchen Mistress she has opened my eyes to a whole new (or rather old world) and I was lucky enough to have read the first book in this series After The Fog, I don’t think you really need to have read it first before reading this one though, it was quite ok as a stand alone. The title made me think it may have something to do with a Circus or Freak Show, even though I knew it wasn’t, but it was a very fitting title for this book and characters.
We start the story meeting a cantankerous old man called Patryk clutching for dear life to a book whilst his granddaughter and her son try to coax him to leave the house. The book he hold is the story of Mary and Lukasz – two very different people who are unknowingly destined for each other but yet find themselves on very different paths until they cross and the connection between them leads them down an very unexpected path!
I loved hearing the story from both Mary and Lulasz point of view, we journeyed with Lukasz as he tried to get to American and what happens to him when he arrives and Mary who is sure she is going to be with Sebastian but discovers that life has a different plan for her. Kathleen Shoop really has a knack of transporting you back in time to Donora with sights, sounds and smells, I could vividly imagine life in this era perfectly whilst reading.
We start the story meeting a cantankerous old man called Patryk clutching for dear life to a book whilst his granddaughter and her son try to coax him to leave the house. The book he hold is the story of Mary and Lukasz – two very different people who are unknowingly destined for each other but yet find themselves on very different paths until they cross and the connection between them leads them down an very unexpected path!
I loved hearing the story from both Mary and Lulasz point of view, we journeyed with Lukasz as he tried to get to American and what happens to him when he arrives and Mary who is sure she is going to be with Sebastian but discovers that life has a different plan for her. Kathleen Shoop really has a knack of transporting you back in time to Donora with sights, sounds and smells, I could vividly imagine life in this era perfectly whilst reading.
April 29, 2019
This story was written in a book which was hidden in the attic of a relative. His grandchildren were trying to get him some where safe but he was having none of it. The story had them so interested that they forgot about taking him--smart great grandpa!!
Donora, Pennsylvania where the hopes and dreams of the European immigrants worked and slaved to find the American Dream for themselves. If not for themselves then for their children-that they might have a better life. This was the town steel was made--and where the mills polluted the air night and day, eventually leading to the killing smog referred to in Book 1 of this series.
Life was extremely hard for those like Mary Lancos-the oldest in a family that was forever looking to pay the mortgage and pay taxes. Mary had been forced to work since a very young age but in her head she was going to find and marry someone rich enough to have a home that smelled of lemons and not grime and soot. Her mother and father matched her with a storekeeper who she did not want to marry!
Lukasz Musial who lived in Poland wanted so badly to get to America where he could be free--build a house, marry and build a family. He was a very strong man and with luck managed to somehow win a ticket to Donora from his arch enemy. There was a sponsor family waiting for him--well not exactly him--but it all worked out! He was matched with a Polish woman --but that did not work out!
Mary and Lukasz kept bumping into each other but never did anything about it.
Lukasz had always dreamed of a mermaid and as strong as he was was also able to form many items with his hands using thin wire. He got a job the first try tossing bails of wire up onto a platform. At age 14 Mary got a job at the same factory as a "nail girl".
This was almost a Romeo and Juliet tale--but love conquers all--including a disapproving Papa!
Fair warning-this book starts out as a slow read--but keep going--it will suddenly catch you unaware as you find yourself unable to stop reading!
Donora, Pennsylvania where the hopes and dreams of the European immigrants worked and slaved to find the American Dream for themselves. If not for themselves then for their children-that they might have a better life. This was the town steel was made--and where the mills polluted the air night and day, eventually leading to the killing smog referred to in Book 1 of this series.
Life was extremely hard for those like Mary Lancos-the oldest in a family that was forever looking to pay the mortgage and pay taxes. Mary had been forced to work since a very young age but in her head she was going to find and marry someone rich enough to have a home that smelled of lemons and not grime and soot. Her mother and father matched her with a storekeeper who she did not want to marry!
Lukasz Musial who lived in Poland wanted so badly to get to America where he could be free--build a house, marry and build a family. He was a very strong man and with luck managed to somehow win a ticket to Donora from his arch enemy. There was a sponsor family waiting for him--well not exactly him--but it all worked out! He was matched with a Polish woman --but that did not work out!
Mary and Lukasz kept bumping into each other but never did anything about it.
Lukasz had always dreamed of a mermaid and as strong as he was was also able to form many items with his hands using thin wire. He got a job the first try tossing bails of wire up onto a platform. At age 14 Mary got a job at the same factory as a "nail girl".
This was almost a Romeo and Juliet tale--but love conquers all--including a disapproving Papa!
Fair warning-this book starts out as a slow read--but keep going--it will suddenly catch you unaware as you find yourself unable to stop reading!
April 26, 2019
Let's start by saying I never read book one in this series and will be going back to do so. I was so taken by the characters and the story lines in book two I want to read the beginning. I am also waiting with baited breath for the next installment. That all being said, you can read this book as a standalone and not read any of the others in the series.
The steel mills of Pennsylvania have long held a place in the history of the US and in my heart. I remember cities like Pittsburgh when the mills were active and how dirty they were. Nowadays, Pittsburgh - just in case you want to visit - has turned itself around and is a beautiful destination.
While I have no knowledge of a town called Donora in Pennsylvania, I lived on the shores of the Monongahela River for three years. When I read about it, I feel like I know what the author is writing about even though I may not have been at that particular location.
Add to my love of the Mon and of historical fiction the love story in this book and I couldn't put The Strongman and the Mermaid down. I read through it in no time at all, placing different customs and happenings to what I know of history of the area. I love that Mary had enough strength, maybe she should be the strongman, to go against what her parents wanted her to do in a time when women had little say in their lives.
I also love the Catholic traditions that were present in the community and the book.
You should pick up a copy of Kathleen Shoop's The Strongman and the Mermaid and give it a read. I guarantee you'll enjoy it. I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
The steel mills of Pennsylvania have long held a place in the history of the US and in my heart. I remember cities like Pittsburgh when the mills were active and how dirty they were. Nowadays, Pittsburgh - just in case you want to visit - has turned itself around and is a beautiful destination.
While I have no knowledge of a town called Donora in Pennsylvania, I lived on the shores of the Monongahela River for three years. When I read about it, I feel like I know what the author is writing about even though I may not have been at that particular location.
Add to my love of the Mon and of historical fiction the love story in this book and I couldn't put The Strongman and the Mermaid down. I read through it in no time at all, placing different customs and happenings to what I know of history of the area. I love that Mary had enough strength, maybe she should be the strongman, to go against what her parents wanted her to do in a time when women had little say in their lives.
I also love the Catholic traditions that were present in the community and the book.
You should pick up a copy of Kathleen Shoop's The Strongman and the Mermaid and give it a read. I guarantee you'll enjoy it. I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
December 21, 2021
Don’t move, don’t blink, don’t even breathe. It was maddening what they did, raiding like winter mice, scampering up steps, burrowing, consuming his things, demanding he leave the only home he’d ever known. Liars. As if it was for his own good.
In this first book of the Donora series, which can be read as a stand-alone, but of which I recommend everyone reading both books, we are introduced to Patryck Rusek as he hides in his attic as his family search for him. He is ninety-one and the family thinks it is time for him to stay in a safer environment, but when they find him he is clutching a keepsake book about the history of Donora Pennsylvania, beginning in 1910. As his daughter and great-grandson urge him to come out of the attic, they find themselves lured into the stories in the book, stories of real-life legends and old world fairy tales.
Falling back in time, the story envelopes the early days of Donora at the cusp of the industrial days of the steel mills. But going even further back, this is a story about immigrants and the desire to seize hold of the American dream, beginning with Mary Lancos who lives near the Monongahela River in a house full of her siblings and boarders seeking a better life. This is a book depicting the harsh realities of the American poor right before the Great War, and stands side by side with similar depictions such as The Grapes of Wrath while an easier read along the lines of Water for Elephants. While Steinbeck is not everyone’s cup of tea, he is among one of my favourite American writers and I am not amiss to say that I’ve added Ms Shoop among the list.
In the story, Mary Lancos wants a future, a ‘lemon-scented life and a white-shirted husband’, so when Polish immigrant, Lukasz Musial, arrives in Donora with ambition in his eyes and a secure job at one of the wire mills, fate steps in and brings them together in quite the romantic fairy tale way.
She stayed like that, the pink moon illuminating her. An angel on earth.... He shook his head, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. His Wisloka Mermaid came to mind, the night she had seduced him from a frozen river....
…. The dress she wore was the color of ice, and the wetness caused it to drape each curve. She looked every bit a mermaid, ascending out of the river.
Through countless missteps, failed matchmaking traditions, and passing casual meetings, Mary and Lukasz find each other and defy the odds and her family’s disapproval in a match made by the ‘pink moon’ - the strong man with his American dreams, and his beautiful mermaid rising from the Monongahela River on a cold night. And you will love the threads of baseball woven throughout the narrative, a link to the next book!
As a historical fiction lover and author, myself, I am humbled by the perfection of this book. Ms Shoop’s ability to take the immense amount of research she did on baseball, Polish traditions, language, religion, heritage, Donora history, immigration, American industrial history involving the steel mills, the reality of poverty, and the ambition of so many who came to these shores is astounding and is delivered in a phenomenal tale worthy of ten stars.
The unforgettable characters are as real as you can get for a novel, graphic and vivid during an era when the forging of America was on the backs of immigrants who wanted nothing more than to live a better life than what they came from – and yet, their passion and dreams often burned out under the strenuous circumstances of poverty, the threat of sickness, and the abuse of alcohol used to dull the endless and mindless working conditions and hours with meagre pay.
These are the conditions under which Mary and Lukasz find themselves, and during these desperate times they fall in love – unexpected and pure. There are so many moments you will find yourself smiling or your heart thumping hard as you engage with the characters on a deep level. Both this book, The Strongman and the Mermaid, and The Magician are books to treasure, and to read again and again.
There were so many details he couldn’t name about Mary, yet their souls understood, their hearts knew everything. They were meant for each other. Ridiculous, but that knowing kept returning like the moon returned each night.
So much more for Patryck to tell his great-grandson, Owen, and so much more story for you to enjoy in the next book. I loved every moment of this one and the next, and you can read my review on The Magician on the blog as well.
*****
The Strongman and the Mermaid receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award badge from The Historical Fiction Company
In this first book of the Donora series, which can be read as a stand-alone, but of which I recommend everyone reading both books, we are introduced to Patryck Rusek as he hides in his attic as his family search for him. He is ninety-one and the family thinks it is time for him to stay in a safer environment, but when they find him he is clutching a keepsake book about the history of Donora Pennsylvania, beginning in 1910. As his daughter and great-grandson urge him to come out of the attic, they find themselves lured into the stories in the book, stories of real-life legends and old world fairy tales.
Falling back in time, the story envelopes the early days of Donora at the cusp of the industrial days of the steel mills. But going even further back, this is a story about immigrants and the desire to seize hold of the American dream, beginning with Mary Lancos who lives near the Monongahela River in a house full of her siblings and boarders seeking a better life. This is a book depicting the harsh realities of the American poor right before the Great War, and stands side by side with similar depictions such as The Grapes of Wrath while an easier read along the lines of Water for Elephants. While Steinbeck is not everyone’s cup of tea, he is among one of my favourite American writers and I am not amiss to say that I’ve added Ms Shoop among the list.
In the story, Mary Lancos wants a future, a ‘lemon-scented life and a white-shirted husband’, so when Polish immigrant, Lukasz Musial, arrives in Donora with ambition in his eyes and a secure job at one of the wire mills, fate steps in and brings them together in quite the romantic fairy tale way.
She stayed like that, the pink moon illuminating her. An angel on earth.... He shook his head, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. His Wisloka Mermaid came to mind, the night she had seduced him from a frozen river....
…. The dress she wore was the color of ice, and the wetness caused it to drape each curve. She looked every bit a mermaid, ascending out of the river.
Through countless missteps, failed matchmaking traditions, and passing casual meetings, Mary and Lukasz find each other and defy the odds and her family’s disapproval in a match made by the ‘pink moon’ - the strong man with his American dreams, and his beautiful mermaid rising from the Monongahela River on a cold night. And you will love the threads of baseball woven throughout the narrative, a link to the next book!
As a historical fiction lover and author, myself, I am humbled by the perfection of this book. Ms Shoop’s ability to take the immense amount of research she did on baseball, Polish traditions, language, religion, heritage, Donora history, immigration, American industrial history involving the steel mills, the reality of poverty, and the ambition of so many who came to these shores is astounding and is delivered in a phenomenal tale worthy of ten stars.
The unforgettable characters are as real as you can get for a novel, graphic and vivid during an era when the forging of America was on the backs of immigrants who wanted nothing more than to live a better life than what they came from – and yet, their passion and dreams often burned out under the strenuous circumstances of poverty, the threat of sickness, and the abuse of alcohol used to dull the endless and mindless working conditions and hours with meagre pay.
These are the conditions under which Mary and Lukasz find themselves, and during these desperate times they fall in love – unexpected and pure. There are so many moments you will find yourself smiling or your heart thumping hard as you engage with the characters on a deep level. Both this book, The Strongman and the Mermaid, and The Magician are books to treasure, and to read again and again.
There were so many details he couldn’t name about Mary, yet their souls understood, their hearts knew everything. They were meant for each other. Ridiculous, but that knowing kept returning like the moon returned each night.
So much more for Patryck to tell his great-grandson, Owen, and so much more story for you to enjoy in the next book. I loved every moment of this one and the next, and you can read my review on The Magician on the blog as well.
*****
The Strongman and the Mermaid receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award badge from The Historical Fiction Company
April 22, 2019
‘Strongman And The Mermaid’ is the first book I have read by Kathleen Shoop, and I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review, so here it goes...
Firstly, the book title made me think this was going to a story about something entirely different to what it actually was about, but when I found it was an historical romance I was absolutely thrilled. I absolutely love reading this type of book, and it was exactly the type of story I look for.
Secondly, it was incredibly well-written, a clever concept and felt unique to me as a story.
You learn the story through the narration/perspective of Patryk, an elderly man who is discovered hiding in his attic protecting a book. When he is discovered by his granddaughter Lucy and her son Owen, they notice the book which enables you to learn the plot as Patryk reiterates the story to them. He tells them the story of Donora, and the main characters Mary and Lucasz.
The book makes a compelling read and has me hooked. I love that it was a story within a story for me and it had a very ‘old fairytale’/ ‘tale as old as time’ for me.
I personally have not read a book set in this era, or like this story, so it felt very unique and refreshing which I cannot praise enough as sometimes romances can feel very generic.
I love that Lucasz is a Polish man who has travelled to Denora in the hopes of forging a successful career and to ‘live out the dream’, and I was rooting for the characters to obtain their happily ever after.
The book is believable, beautifully written and poses the question as to whether ‘love is enough?’. Mary and Lucasz meeting is fate and their romance is utterly swoon worthy and sweet.
After reading this book, I am very much looking forward to reading more of Shoop’s work, and would happily recommend this book to other fellow historical romance lovers, or romance readers. It makes for a good read and you will not be disappointed.
Firstly, the book title made me think this was going to a story about something entirely different to what it actually was about, but when I found it was an historical romance I was absolutely thrilled. I absolutely love reading this type of book, and it was exactly the type of story I look for.
Secondly, it was incredibly well-written, a clever concept and felt unique to me as a story.
You learn the story through the narration/perspective of Patryk, an elderly man who is discovered hiding in his attic protecting a book. When he is discovered by his granddaughter Lucy and her son Owen, they notice the book which enables you to learn the plot as Patryk reiterates the story to them. He tells them the story of Donora, and the main characters Mary and Lucasz.
The book makes a compelling read and has me hooked. I love that it was a story within a story for me and it had a very ‘old fairytale’/ ‘tale as old as time’ for me.
I personally have not read a book set in this era, or like this story, so it felt very unique and refreshing which I cannot praise enough as sometimes romances can feel very generic.
I love that Lucasz is a Polish man who has travelled to Denora in the hopes of forging a successful career and to ‘live out the dream’, and I was rooting for the characters to obtain their happily ever after.
The book is believable, beautifully written and poses the question as to whether ‘love is enough?’. Mary and Lucasz meeting is fate and their romance is utterly swoon worthy and sweet.
After reading this book, I am very much looking forward to reading more of Shoop’s work, and would happily recommend this book to other fellow historical romance lovers, or romance readers. It makes for a good read and you will not be disappointed.
March 16, 2019
not sure what book 1 was about but I didn't read it before book 2 and found it was fine. However you will need to read this one before reading book 3 when it comes out.
Patryk is in his 90's and his granddaughter and great grandson have come to take him from his home to an assisted living facility. He doesn't want to go so hides in the attic hoping they won't find him. However they do and take him downstairs to the kitchen while he is holding a scrapbook put together by HIS grandmother, which tells the story of their family and life in Donora Pennsylvania. If they won't take him to the facility until the next day he promises to tell them the story of their family, dating back to the early 1900's....how they came from Poland and how they are connected to Stan Musial, the baseball player.
An easy read and a very good story.
Patryk is in his 90's and his granddaughter and great grandson have come to take him from his home to an assisted living facility. He doesn't want to go so hides in the attic hoping they won't find him. However they do and take him downstairs to the kitchen while he is holding a scrapbook put together by HIS grandmother, which tells the story of their family and life in Donora Pennsylvania. If they won't take him to the facility until the next day he promises to tell them the story of their family, dating back to the early 1900's....how they came from Poland and how they are connected to Stan Musial, the baseball player.
An easy read and a very good story.
July 25, 2020
A good book. I found it interesting but a little slow. I would still like to read the next book in the series to see how things turn out.
August 15, 2021
I read this for book club. The writer is skillful and the central characters (two of whom are supposed to be Stan Musial’s parents) are well drawn. But the pretense of this being a story within a story (Grandpa Patryk looking back 110 years to share his family history) didn’t work for me. And a story about Slavic immigrants and steel mills that didn’t include the terrible price extracted from laborers and their families felt flat. Not every writer can be Zola, but I regretted the lack of labor consciousness in the story. I did enjoy the fact that the class villains in the book were the Irish and the Scots.
Want to read
May 20, 2020Available FREE today (5/20/2020) Reviewers say can be read as a stand-alone
April 11, 2019
“U.S. Historical Fiction”? “Saga Fiction”? “Family Saga Fiction”?
How often do you see that genre in my book reviews!? I can promise you – almost never.
There isn’t anything wrong with the genre; it just isn’t my typical cup of tea. It’s not a genre that I typically enjoy.
BUT The Strongman and The Mermaid was amazing!
The story has three aspects and I loved each and every one of them – Patryk, who is telling the story that we are reading to his granddaughter and great-grandson; Mary who we follow through her life as a teenager; and Lukasz who comes to American and again, we follow his journey after his arrival.
I felt this was a suspenseful romance!!
I am so used to a romance where they meet, fall in love, the end; but in this story, we follow Mary and Lukasz on their separate life journeys – the ups and downs; their work; trying to find love; trying to fit into a family.
We are told from the very beginning there is a child from Mary and Lukasz, but the story to get that child – I have no words on how much I loved reading the story.
I think I have to admit that The Strongman and the Mermaid is a top favorite read. I cannot express how much I enjoyed reading this story; the journey each player took; the emotions that were evoked (everything from embarrassment to anger to protection and love); the struggles that occurred.
This will definitely be a book that I will be telling all of my friends to read!
How often do you see that genre in my book reviews!? I can promise you – almost never.
There isn’t anything wrong with the genre; it just isn’t my typical cup of tea. It’s not a genre that I typically enjoy.
BUT The Strongman and The Mermaid was amazing!
The story has three aspects and I loved each and every one of them – Patryk, who is telling the story that we are reading to his granddaughter and great-grandson; Mary who we follow through her life as a teenager; and Lukasz who comes to American and again, we follow his journey after his arrival.
I felt this was a suspenseful romance!!
I am so used to a romance where they meet, fall in love, the end; but in this story, we follow Mary and Lukasz on their separate life journeys – the ups and downs; their work; trying to find love; trying to fit into a family.
We are told from the very beginning there is a child from Mary and Lukasz, but the story to get that child – I have no words on how much I loved reading the story.
I think I have to admit that The Strongman and the Mermaid is a top favorite read. I cannot express how much I enjoyed reading this story; the journey each player took; the emotions that were evoked (everything from embarrassment to anger to protection and love); the struggles that occurred.
This will definitely be a book that I will be telling all of my friends to read!
May 1, 2019
From the onset of this book, Kathleen Shoop sets the stage for a magical tale that weaves you in and out of each character’s story. I am a huge historical fiction fan and this book has everything I crave. Rich with history and honest characters, The Strong Man and the Mermaid: (The Donora Story Collection Book 2), is a delight and I highly recommend it.
The quickness in which the reader is enveloped and invested in each character’s story was surprising. Within just the first few chapters I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. With so many everyday normal twists and turns the main characters in each chapter draws you into their lives and in some way they each are so relatable. You want the main character, Luckasz and Mary to reach their dreams and are so much rooting for them. With each disappointment and win you are completely there with them.
Shoop pleasantly weaves through a bit of historic background as well as does a great job describing the scenery and their dwellings which I always hope a book will do. I find those small details really help get the reader to feel a deeper sense of what is actually going on during that time period and creates more of a connection with each character.
Shoop writes in such a way that you feel their emotions. Very beautifully written with so much heart and life. I am truly a fan and will definitely be reading her other books and cannot wait to see what she writes in the future.
The quickness in which the reader is enveloped and invested in each character’s story was surprising. Within just the first few chapters I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. With so many everyday normal twists and turns the main characters in each chapter draws you into their lives and in some way they each are so relatable. You want the main character, Luckasz and Mary to reach their dreams and are so much rooting for them. With each disappointment and win you are completely there with them.
Shoop pleasantly weaves through a bit of historic background as well as does a great job describing the scenery and their dwellings which I always hope a book will do. I find those small details really help get the reader to feel a deeper sense of what is actually going on during that time period and creates more of a connection with each character.
Shoop writes in such a way that you feel their emotions. Very beautifully written with so much heart and life. I am truly a fan and will definitely be reading her other books and cannot wait to see what she writes in the future.
April 30, 2019
Lucasz dreamt of the American way of living. He wanted a house, a wife and children, but he had no chance of achieving that dream in his own homeland. With hard work and a bit of luck, eventually Lucasz wins passage to America, the land of opportunity. When he arrives in Donora, Pennsylvania, it is not as he expected. But that’s not going to stop him from fulfilling his dream.
Mary also dreams of a beautiful home of her own, with a loving husband and children. The only difference between her and Lucasz is that Donora is all she has ever known. Being from a family that is so poor that they depend on her earnings, she has little opportunity of living the life she wants, especially since her parents are pushing her into an arranged marriage. By chance, Mary and Lucasz’ paths cross several times but only as friends.
In true Kathleen Shoop style, we are told the story of Mary and Lucasz through the memories of their descendant, Patryk. I love the way Shoop can draw you into her stories with no effort at all. You feel the characters pains, tribulations and joys, all the while living their lives as if they are your own. Her books are always extra-long, but oh so satisfying and true adventures.
Mary also dreams of a beautiful home of her own, with a loving husband and children. The only difference between her and Lucasz is that Donora is all she has ever known. Being from a family that is so poor that they depend on her earnings, she has little opportunity of living the life she wants, especially since her parents are pushing her into an arranged marriage. By chance, Mary and Lucasz’ paths cross several times but only as friends.
In true Kathleen Shoop style, we are told the story of Mary and Lucasz through the memories of their descendant, Patryk. I love the way Shoop can draw you into her stories with no effort at all. You feel the characters pains, tribulations and joys, all the while living their lives as if they are your own. Her books are always extra-long, but oh so satisfying and true adventures.
April 30, 2019
By day, I work for a steel fabrication shop. The steel mills history instantly pulled me in! I'm a total sap when it comes to romance -- especially one that goes against the grain, like in this case, Mary's parents. I felt completely wrapped up in this book within a few chapters, soaking up the visual clues within the characters and Donora, that transported me back to when people were still finding themselves in a new country. I can completely understand why the grandchildren were quickly became absorbed into the book. We get to see a time when people were looking for the greener grass on the other side and how they were still facing the expectations of the "old world" way of thinking. I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated by the size of this book, as I typically enjoy a shorter, quick read; however, don't let it scare you. It doesn't take long to get wrapped up and transported to a time that captivates all of your senses!I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
April 20, 2019
I must admit I struggle with the words to express how I feel about this book. It transports the reader back in time, through its pages to witness the lives of Mary and Lukasz, as written in the book held close by Patryk. The mixture of old and new woven together is seamless and holds you under its spell. More vivid than any movie, as the story unfolds you will find yourself laughing, crying, and cheering on Mary and Lukasz, as they navigate a world where the only certainty is a hard life.
April 23, 2019
The Strongman and the Mermaid is such a good read. I felt transported back in time. I really enjoyed the mix of historical fiction and romance and how the author intertwined the main characters to produce a story worth reading and one that will leave you believing in fate. This book is one to pass on for sure and recommend to all your girlfriends.
This book was received through a book tour and I have volunteered to share my review. All opinions are my own.
This book was received through a book tour and I have volunteered to share my review. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2024
Enjoyable read making me more aware of my Ukrainian heritage.
Well written for my liking with more than enough detail of the living conditions in 1912 Washington State. It is a love story about two youngsters, her 15 and him about 18 years old. Unfortunately, Mary is just too perfect for a 14 year old, and he is not far behind. Such perfection is not believable and does not work very well. Still, it was a worthwhile investment of my time.
Well written for my liking with more than enough detail of the living conditions in 1912 Washington State. It is a love story about two youngsters, her 15 and him about 18 years old. Unfortunately, Mary is just too perfect for a 14 year old, and he is not far behind. Such perfection is not believable and does not work very well. Still, it was a worthwhile investment of my time.
November 28, 2021
I was interested in this book because it was about Stan Musial's parents. My mom grew up in West Vurginia and said she dated Stan Musial once when she was in high school and he was playing baseball in Bluefield, W.Va. While the description of the poverty was compelling and the work ethic of Mary and Lukasz was admirable the book dragged on much too long. It was obvious where the story was going but it was like the longest Hallmark movie ever.
December 20, 2022
This book was mostly well-written and the characters engaging, but it felt very long. Some of the characters seemed to change personality more than a good three-dimensional character should. And the chapters with the grandpa and daughter and grandson were heart-warming but interrupted the story and didn’t really seem necessary. But the history was fascinating and the love story was quite beautiful. That’s what made me finish.
March 7, 2019
All I can say is I loved this book!
May 6, 2021
Ssssllooowww. I gave up
September 11, 2020
I am not sure what to say about this - it should have been boring, nothing much really happening on the surface for over 500 pages, but it definitely was NOT!! On the contrary.
It tells the story of Mary, daughter of Czech immigrants, and Lucacz, a Polish immigrant, and their daily lives and struggles, from 1910 onwards. Of how everyone has the American dream - anything is possible - but how very difficult it is to achieve, and how very few manage.
It tells the story of a hodgepot of immigrants in an American mill town, and how each nationality still keeps to themselves, and although they want their children to be "American" and have a better life, they also only deem marriage among their own nationality a proper one, and all others are foreigners.
The story of Mary and Lucacz is one of strength, obedience, rebellion and finding one's own way.
Their story is told by Patryk, and old gentleman, reading a book made by one of his family, with his younger family members Lucy and Owen.
As I said, could have been downright boring, but was not. And yes, I definitely want to know how the story continues, and will get the second book in this collection.
It tells the story of Mary, daughter of Czech immigrants, and Lucacz, a Polish immigrant, and their daily lives and struggles, from 1910 onwards. Of how everyone has the American dream - anything is possible - but how very difficult it is to achieve, and how very few manage.
It tells the story of a hodgepot of immigrants in an American mill town, and how each nationality still keeps to themselves, and although they want their children to be "American" and have a better life, they also only deem marriage among their own nationality a proper one, and all others are foreigners.
The story of Mary and Lucacz is one of strength, obedience, rebellion and finding one's own way.
Their story is told by Patryk, and old gentleman, reading a book made by one of his family, with his younger family members Lucy and Owen.
As I said, could have been downright boring, but was not. And yes, I definitely want to know how the story continues, and will get the second book in this collection.
May 20, 2024
Wonderful for me. Kathleen has either lived what she wrote in this book or she has done excellent research. I grew up in a steel town and this is the story of my life. My mother was born during the time of this book and was one of 12 children. She was put out to work at 10 and quit school in 10th grade to help support the family. Just like this story. I remember as a child that the same things in this book were still happening. The smog, bad air, insecurity of working in the mill. Friends and family getting hurt in dangerous job. The churches making up most of the entertainment for the town. Living with the town being shut down every 3 years as the contracts with the union ran out. Struggling though months with no money coming in. I am a compulsive reader and have been since a very young age. Getting books was difficult and I read many westerns. I could not believe that smoke signals could be seen. As an adult when I moved west the clear skies were such a treat. 5 Stars plus for this book. I think it is a must read to show the manufacturing history of the country and the damage to the ecology and major cause of climatic change. Can we learn from it.
December 16, 2025
This novel completely swept me away. The Strongman and the Mermaid is rich with atmosphere, heart, and quiet emotional power. Kathleen Shoop brings early 20th-century immigrant life vividly to life the hopes, the hardships, and the fragile promise of the American Dream.
Lukasz and Mary are unforgettable characters. Lukasz’s longing for a better life and Mary’s strength, resilience, and quiet dreams made them feel incredibly real. Their meeting under that strange pink moon by the river is one of those moments that stays with you long after you close the book. It’s tender, symbolic, and deeply moving.
What I loved most is how this story doesn’t rush romance it earns it. The pressures of family, tradition, poverty, and expectation are woven seamlessly into their love story, making every choice feel heavy and meaningful. This is historical fiction at its finest: intimate, emotional, and grounded in real human struggle.
If you enjoy character-driven historical novels with strong female leads, immigrant stories, and romances that feel honest rather than idealized, this book is an absolute gem.
Lukasz and Mary are unforgettable characters. Lukasz’s longing for a better life and Mary’s strength, resilience, and quiet dreams made them feel incredibly real. Their meeting under that strange pink moon by the river is one of those moments that stays with you long after you close the book. It’s tender, symbolic, and deeply moving.
What I loved most is how this story doesn’t rush romance it earns it. The pressures of family, tradition, poverty, and expectation are woven seamlessly into their love story, making every choice feel heavy and meaningful. This is historical fiction at its finest: intimate, emotional, and grounded in real human struggle.
If you enjoy character-driven historical novels with strong female leads, immigrant stories, and romances that feel honest rather than idealized, this book is an absolute gem.
May 28, 2021
A beautiful romantic tale of love and poverty.
This story chronicles the time in our nation's history when immigrants were coming from many different European countries, seeking a new life in a new world. Their struggles are so real that they jump off the page and into your heart. A steel city such as Donors is painted so realistically, with its clouds of soot obscuring the sun.
When the beautiful Mary meets strong and stocky Lukasc,, the struggles begin in earnest. As love blooms between them, they encounter obstacles all around them. Financial problems added to class differences threaten their happiness and futures.
This timeless saga will warm your heart and make you appreciate the difficulty our forefathers faced in settling this wonderful country we call home.
This story chronicles the time in our nation's history when immigrants were coming from many different European countries, seeking a new life in a new world. Their struggles are so real that they jump off the page and into your heart. A steel city such as Donors is painted so realistically, with its clouds of soot obscuring the sun.
When the beautiful Mary meets strong and stocky Lukasc,, the struggles begin in earnest. As love blooms between them, they encounter obstacles all around them. Financial problems added to class differences threaten their happiness and futures.
This timeless saga will warm your heart and make you appreciate the difficulty our forefathers faced in settling this wonderful country we call home.
January 26, 2022
I grew up not too far from Donora, PA around a lot of people of Polish and Czech descent. This was a well-researched and well-written piece of historical fiction set in the early 20th century. Other than a good story . . . it was delightfully packed full of great cultural and ethnic references and immigrant experiences as people aspired to the American Dream. I read #1 in the trilogy, "After the Fog" before this, but it's not chronological and could be a stand-alone . . . but then you crave #3, as I am.
Audiobook: The narrator almost made me stop listening. Slow (had to set the speed to 1.3x to bear it), often monotonous (though she pulled off the eastern European/English adequately enough to make me think that English is not her first language), and the mispronunciations were agonizing ("coax" as CO-axe.).
Audiobook: The narrator almost made me stop listening. Slow (had to set the speed to 1.3x to bear it), often monotonous (though she pulled off the eastern European/English adequately enough to make me think that English is not her first language), and the mispronunciations were agonizing ("coax" as CO-axe.).
July 21, 2023
I wish I was better at remembering how I heard about the books I end up reading. I don't know how this got in my path, but because of my love of all things magical, I probably thought it was going to be about a real mermaid. It isn't, well it kind of is, but not in the way I imagined. It didn't matter.
It is the story of baseball player Stan Musial. Well the series is. Book 2 is about his parent's immigration stories, how they met, and ends with Stan being born. Book 3 (which I'm heading to soon, is about Stan growing up). I don't know what Book 1 was about, but I don't feel like I missed anything important by not reading it. Maybe I did. We'll see.
The multigenerational aspect of this is great. I'm sorry that rating this a 4, lowers its overall rating. It is a very good book. I hardly ever give out 5's.
It is the story of baseball player Stan Musial. Well the series is. Book 2 is about his parent's immigration stories, how they met, and ends with Stan being born. Book 3 (which I'm heading to soon, is about Stan growing up). I don't know what Book 1 was about, but I don't feel like I missed anything important by not reading it. Maybe I did. We'll see.
The multigenerational aspect of this is great. I'm sorry that rating this a 4, lowers its overall rating. It is a very good book. I hardly ever give out 5's.
May 25, 2020
It drew me in
At first I thought there was too much use of the word "yunz" but as I kept reading, I had to agree that it helped to set the scene near Pittsburgh, Pa in a town named Donora. I've been there many times, but now I see it and appreciate the strength and bravery of its founding citizens so much more. This story rings so similar to personal recollections of my family in the Mon Valley in the early 1900s that I would say the research behind this book is extensive and true. Above that, the stories of Mary and Lucasz were captivating. I felt as if I was there in the book with them and intensely feeling, seeing, experiencing life in Donora. This is a gem that I'm privileged to have read and feel it has profound significance in our understanding of local history.
At first I thought there was too much use of the word "yunz" but as I kept reading, I had to agree that it helped to set the scene near Pittsburgh, Pa in a town named Donora. I've been there many times, but now I see it and appreciate the strength and bravery of its founding citizens so much more. This story rings so similar to personal recollections of my family in the Mon Valley in the early 1900s that I would say the research behind this book is extensive and true. Above that, the stories of Mary and Lucasz were captivating. I felt as if I was there in the book with them and intensely feeling, seeing, experiencing life in Donora. This is a gem that I'm privileged to have read and feel it has profound significance in our understanding of local history.
June 15, 2020
A very unusual piece of historical fiction in that the lead characters were the parents of Stan Musial. Not intended as biographical, but as a way to dramatize the experiences of Slovak immigrants in the Pennsylvania steel mills. I was very drawn in to their struggles and rooting for them all the way. Stan's mother, Mary, was Czech (the father was Polish and her parents didn't think he was good enough for her. Besides being Polish he was about 5 inches shorter than she was). I may be a Czech descendant myself, but I was not familiar with the traditions and rituals celebrated by the Donora community. The next book in the series is supposed to be about Stan's childhood, so I'll be sure to look for that one.
August 8, 2023
This is interesting book. Lukasz won his ticket to America from Poland. The first day he arrived he got a job at the mill. The family he was living with told him he had to get married and they arranged for him to marry Aneta. He got used to the idea and felt they would have a good life, but she never wanted that. She ended up marrying someone else. He crossed paths with Mary, who was American, and whenever she needed help he was there to protect her. Her family had arranged a marriage with Ralph, who Mary didn't like. She had a very strict family where money was always tight. When Lukas asked to court her he was told no. This is a story about two people from different backgrounds and how they came together. Its a good book, but long, over 500 pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2023
Book two of three
Part love story. Part his story. Part her story. Part immigration story. Part survival story. Part America’s story.
Turn of the century Donora, Pennsylvania…so hard to imagine having to quit school to help support her growing family. What about her dreams of a lemon scented home? Even harder to imagine growing up in a town where seeing the sun is a novelty. Immigrants competing for jobs. Favors. Lies. Hidden treasure. A pecking order of society. There was no guidebook to learn how to get ahead. Struggles. Traditions. Hope. Love.
Can one find happiness in a hard scrabble life? How will they know if they’ve achieved all they can? What will they leave for their children? Is their love enough?
More thoughts on books and stuff at mytossiecup.blogspot.com
Part love story. Part his story. Part her story. Part immigration story. Part survival story. Part America’s story.
Turn of the century Donora, Pennsylvania…so hard to imagine having to quit school to help support her growing family. What about her dreams of a lemon scented home? Even harder to imagine growing up in a town where seeing the sun is a novelty. Immigrants competing for jobs. Favors. Lies. Hidden treasure. A pecking order of society. There was no guidebook to learn how to get ahead. Struggles. Traditions. Hope. Love.
Can one find happiness in a hard scrabble life? How will they know if they’ve achieved all they can? What will they leave for their children? Is their love enough?
More thoughts on books and stuff at mytossiecup.blogspot.com
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