The Essex Serpent
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry.
Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Custom House;(April 24, 2018)
ISBN-10: 006266638X
Amazon Review:
An exquisitely talented young British author makes her American debut with this rapturously acclaimed historical novel, set in late nineteenth-century England, about an intellectually minded young widow, a pious vicar, and a rumored mythical serpent that explores questions about science and religion, skepticism, and faith, independence and love.
When Cora Seaborne’s brilliant, domineering husband dies, she steps into her new life as a widow with as much relief as sadness: her marriage was not a happy one. Wed at nineteen, this woman of exceptional intelligence and curiosity was ill-suited for the role of society wife. Seeking refuge in fresh air and open space in the wake of the funeral, Cora leaves London for a visit to coastal Essex, accompanied by her inquisitive and obsessive eleven-year old son, Francis, and the boy’s nanny, Martha, her fiercely protective friend.
While admiring the sites, Cora learns of an intriguing rumor that has arisen further up the estuary, of a fearsome creature said to roam the marshes claiming human lives. After nearly 300 years, the mythical Essex Serpent is said to have returned, taking the life of a young man on New Year’s Eve. A keen amateur naturalist with no patience for religion or superstition, Cora is immediately enthralled, and certain that what the local people think is a magical sea beast may be a previously undiscovered species. Eager to investigate, she is introduced to local vicar William Ransome. Will, too, is suspicious of the rumors. But unlike Cora, this man of faith is convinced the rumors are caused by moral panic, a flight from true belief.
These seeming opposites who agree on nothing soon find themselves inexorably drawn together and torn apart—an intense relationship that will change both of their lives in ways entirely unexpected.
In the beginning I became confused with so many characters and it seemed to jump from one to the other...(since I have always had a problem remembering names I get lost easily lol) but eventually it cleared up!
I did get a feeling that there were things I read before (but knew I didn't read this book before.) In the beginning it reminded me somewhat of a book I read long ago called Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier.
It was a good study of a Victorian woman finally living the life she wanted rather than what was expected.
The book wasn't what I thought it would be, but I enjoyed it anyway.
Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Custom House;(April 24, 2018)
ISBN-10: 006266638X
Amazon Review:
An exquisitely talented young British author makes her American debut with this rapturously acclaimed historical novel, set in late nineteenth-century England, about an intellectually minded young widow, a pious vicar, and a rumored mythical serpent that explores questions about science and religion, skepticism, and faith, independence and love.
When Cora Seaborne’s brilliant, domineering husband dies, she steps into her new life as a widow with as much relief as sadness: her marriage was not a happy one. Wed at nineteen, this woman of exceptional intelligence and curiosity was ill-suited for the role of society wife. Seeking refuge in fresh air and open space in the wake of the funeral, Cora leaves London for a visit to coastal Essex, accompanied by her inquisitive and obsessive eleven-year old son, Francis, and the boy’s nanny, Martha, her fiercely protective friend.
While admiring the sites, Cora learns of an intriguing rumor that has arisen further up the estuary, of a fearsome creature said to roam the marshes claiming human lives. After nearly 300 years, the mythical Essex Serpent is said to have returned, taking the life of a young man on New Year’s Eve. A keen amateur naturalist with no patience for religion or superstition, Cora is immediately enthralled, and certain that what the local people think is a magical sea beast may be a previously undiscovered species. Eager to investigate, she is introduced to local vicar William Ransome. Will, too, is suspicious of the rumors. But unlike Cora, this man of faith is convinced the rumors are caused by moral panic, a flight from true belief.
These seeming opposites who agree on nothing soon find themselves inexorably drawn together and torn apart—an intense relationship that will change both of their lives in ways entirely unexpected.
In the beginning I became confused with so many characters and it seemed to jump from one to the other...(since I have always had a problem remembering names I get lost easily lol) but eventually it cleared up!
I did get a feeling that there were things I read before (but knew I didn't read this book before.) In the beginning it reminded me somewhat of a book I read long ago called Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier.
It was a good study of a Victorian woman finally living the life she wanted rather than what was expected.
The book wasn't what I thought it would be, but I enjoyed it anyway.
posted by DesLily | 8:00 AM
1 Comments:
I thought it was a bit different, I wish there was more supernatural stuff but in the end liked it for what it was. I'll see if the library has Remarkable Creatures as it sounds like I might like that too.
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