“Imogen Hermes Gowar is a soon-to-be literary star.”—Sunday Times (UK)“Historical fiction at its finest, combining myth and legend with the brutal realities of the past. . . . Comparisons will be drawn to the works of contemporary authors Sarah Waters and Michael Faber . . . but The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock has more in common with the novels of Dickens and Austen.”—Irish TimesIn 1780s London, a … Dickens and Austen.”—Irish Times
In 1780s London, a prosperous merchant finds his quiet life upended when he unexpectedly receives a most unusual creature—and meets a most extraordinary woman—in this much-lauded, atmospheric debut that examines our capacity for wonder, obsession, and desire with all the magnetism, originality, and literary magic of The Essex Serpent.
One September evening in 1785, Jonah Hancock hears an urgent knocking on his front door near the docks of London. The captain of one of Jonah’s trading vessels is waiting eagerly on the front step, bearing shocking news. On a voyage to the Far East, he sold the Jonah’s ship for something rare and far more precious: a mermaid. Jonah is stunned—the object the captain presents him is brown and wizened, as small as an infant, with vicious teeth and claws, and a torso that ends in the tail of a fish. It is also dead.
As gossip spreads through the docks, coffee shops, parlors and brothels, all of London is curious to see this marvel in Jonah Hancock’s possession. Thrust from his ordinary existence, somber Jonah finds himself moving from the city’s seedy underbelly to the finest drawing rooms of high society. At an opulent party, he makes the acquaintance of the coquettish Angelica Neal, the most desirable woman he has ever laid eyes on—and a shrewd courtesan of great accomplishment. This meeting sparks a perilous liaison that steers both their lives onto a dangerous new course as they come to realize that priceless things often come at the greatest cost.
Imogen Hermes Gowar, Britain’s most-heralded new literary talent, makes her debut with this spellbinding novel of a merchant, a mermaid, and a madam—an unforgettable confection that explores obsession, wonder, and the deepest desires of the heart with bawdy wit, intrigue, and a touch of magic.
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Impressive first novel by this author, different and absorbing!
Although it took a chapter or two to get used to the archaic language, the author employs it effectively to evoke another time. I almost stopped reading the book about a third of the way through because I don’t enjoy reading graphic descriptions of lewd behavior. After putting the book down for several days, my curiosity about how the story would develop got the better of me – I’m so glad I gave it a second chance. The story ripples and twists in a way I could not have predicted and the nightly transport to 18th century London is most satisfying. A bonus for anyone who studies or works with historical costume (I was an historical costume designer for 20 years); this author has done her research and describes costumes, accessories and fabrics with knowledgeable and evocative detail.
This was a most original novel. I was sorry when I came to the end.
This had a slow start but as it progressed it came to life and I enjoyed reading this to the end. This takes you back to a time when there was no middle class and the desperation of those trying to rise above. Seedy and sad but very real portraits of self serving people. What it takes to build a life worth living amidst all the grubbing around you.
This is one of the strangest books I have ever read. I loved it!
This book was SO GOOD! I loved it and everything about it. Highly recommend. Everything about it was good – the story, the character, the writing.
I thought I would like this and I did read about half, but then I got bored.
Well-written, great vocabulary, descriptions. Realistic, yet some fantasy;although unusual, all believeable. Characters developed with thoughts, emotions, and their responses to difficulties. Quite interesting historical details…. and long enough to worth buying. I wished it had continued further, spread some parts again.
Richly detailed and immersive. I look forward to more from this author.
The richness and rhythm of the writing is irresistible.