
A parent might reach for this book when their middle or high schooler feels disconnected, perhaps after a move or during a time of family transition. It speaks directly to the need to find your roots and understand where you belong. This graphic novel tells the story of Asa, a teen who moves with her mom to a small Canadian town and feels utterly alone. Her discovery of a 150-year-old locket launches her into an investigation of her own family history, revealing a parallel story of love, secrets, and tragedy from the 19th century. Through themes of curiosity, family connection, and identity, the book gently explores how the past shapes our present. It's an excellent choice for a teen who enjoys historical mysteries and character-driven stories about finding one's place in the world.
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Sign in to write a reviewFeatures a chaste, budding romance in the present and a more dramatic love triangle in the past.
The book deals with character death from the past. The central historical conflict involves a love triangle that leads to a duel or murder, though this is not depicted graphically. The approach is historical and mysterious rather than frightening. The story also features a ghostly presence, which can be interpreted as either a literal ghost or a metaphor for the haunting nature of unresolved history. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, as understanding the past allows the protagonist to find peace and belonging.
A thoughtful 12-14 year old who enjoys historical fiction, quiet mysteries, and stories with a touch of gothic romance. This reader is likely introspective and may be grappling with their own sense of identity or feeling disconnected from their family or surroundings. They appreciate character-driven stories that are more about emotional discovery than high-octane action.
No special preparation is required; the book can be read cold. The historical context and themes are woven directly into the narrative. A parent might want to know that the story involves a historical love triangle and an off-page death, but it is handled with subtlety appropriate for the age range. It could be a good opportunity to talk about genealogy or how we learn about our ancestors. A parent notices their teen seems withdrawn or lonely after a family move. The child might express feeling like they don't fit in or voice a curiosity about their extended family history, asking questions like "What were my great-grandparents like?"
A younger reader (12-13) will likely be captivated by the mystery plot, the ghost story elements, and Asa's budding friendship. An older reader (14-16) will more deeply appreciate the thematic parallels between the past and present, the symbolism of the title "Mercury" (related to both photography and poison), and the bittersweet nature of unearthing a family tragedy to find personal peace.
Its primary differentiator is the masterful use of the graphic novel format to tell a dual-timeline story. The visual shifts between past and present are seamless and powerful, allowing the reader to see the echoes of history in the present day in a way that prose alone cannot. It blends historical fiction, mystery, and a contemporary coming-of-age story with a unique visual elegance.
The story follows two timelines. In the present, teenager Asa moves with her mother to a small, sleepy town in Nova Scotia. Feeling isolated, she explores her new home and discovers an antique locket containing a daguerreotype of a mysterious man. This discovery begins a historical investigation into her own family. The narrative flashes back to the 1850s, telling the story of Asa's ancestor, Josey, a young woman caught in a tragic love triangle involving the man in the locket. Asa uncovers the truth about what happened to Josey, connecting with her family's past and finding her own place in the present.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.