A brilliant debut reminscient of Sally Gardner's award-winning 'I, Coriander' Vividly inventive rewriting of history that is both gripping and plausible. Epic storytelling of the highest calibre. Highly promotable author with a vast knowledge of quirky details of the locations she not only writes about, but lives in. Michelle Lovric has a proven track record as a well-reviewed novelist who gains places on literary award shortlists - 'The Undrowned Child' will be a candidate for prestigious prizes. Author is keen to do school events, festivals and to provide journalism based on her novels' themes and background. Sequel planned for 2010, set in London at the time of the death of Queen Victoria.

'Sumptuous Venetian adventure... a great romp for more literary readers' -- Fiona Noble THE BOOKSELLER 'a stunning debut novel by bestselling adult novelist Michelle Lovric. Part fairy-tale, part historical fiction, this is writing that is alight and alive. Two worlds are held in balance, Venice on the cusp of change, as science exerts an ever stronger stranglehold against a deeper, underwater world of myth and mermaids. A beautifully told allegory that captures the power of language, this has definite crossover appeal.' -- Jake Hope THE BOOKSELLER 'Atmospheric, beautifully written and about Venice - A superb volume of adventure encompassing all that makes a good solid read. Includes ghosts, retribution, death, mermaids, seahorses, bravery - Absolutely brilliant. Read it in Venice if you can, if not, then read it and visit as soon as you can...' -- Sue Chambers, Waterstone's Harrods WATERSTONES.COM 'A wonderful alternate world historical fantasy, pitting myth and legend against science. Underlying environmental themes and well-drawn characters, including curry-loving mermaids, add depth to a satisfying literary adventure.' THEBOOKBAG 'A captivating magical fantasy in a secret watery underworld, The Undrowned Child tells how eleven year old Teodora is swept into the storybook world of invisible children whose task is to save the dying city of Venice. Working alongside the mermaids Theodora's task is immense. Together can they save the city before the water destroys it? With lyrical writing and an unputdownable plot this is something very special.' -- Julia Eccleshare LOVEREADING4KIDS.COM 'A mysterious tale set in an alternate historical fantasy Venice - with mermaids - it is gripping, elegant and original' -- Daniel Hahn INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY "Michelle Lovric's first children's book reads like a harmonious cross between JK Rowling and Dan Brown - it's a carefully-conceived adventure set in 1800s Venice, where mermaids exist, children can see ghosts and librarians can change into cats... Lovric conjures up a delightfully mystical Venice and two sympathetic heroes in a fast-paced story, with a map and handy historical information, that will have children of all ages hooked." PA SYNDICATED NEWS "An amazing urban fantasy adventure" -- Customer review AMAZON "Scientists and subversive mermaids are just part of this unusual historical fantasy world" -- Lesley Agnew BOOKSELLER CHILDREN'S BUYERS GUIDE "Make sure you don't read this book until you're on holiday as you won't want to put it down once you have started! Reccommended for anybody over the age of ten with an interest in history, mystery or simply a gripping storyline!" -- Charlotte, age 12 FIRST NEWS

Michelle Lovric divides her time between a flat on the Thames, and Venice. She has published three novels for adults, of which 'The Remedy' was longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction. 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. She maintains large databases of text and visual material on memoirs, love poems and letters, female and male wit, slang/cursing/archaic words and esoteric medical matters.