Sharp and intricate, this story will sweep you away on a magically mysterious adventure of risk, romance and intrigue. What a joy it was reading this novel! Mr Hancock, a respectable merchant, unexpectedly becomes the owner of a mermaid. The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock is a treat of a read with clever, immersive dialog and enough twists and turns to make you wish the word count was even more generous (it's 496 pages). This mermaid is the key to Hancock climbing into high society, and that he does, with speed. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Loved this book. Would love a sequel! The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock is a debut novel by Imogen Hermes Gowar, and extremely good. I wish I did DNF this book because There was nothing I liked about the book it at the end of finishing it. What a wonderful, whimsical book! Review: The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock, by Imogen Hermes Gowar (2018) Feb 17, 2018 anne-marie.reads. I was exceptionally surprised. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Jonah Hancock, a widowed merchant, lives a lonely life in a dark Deptford house, with only his young niece Sukie for company. So easy to read. Superlative immersive historical fiction! Refresh and try again. The novel is truly amazing regarding the plot and the language. Viewed from one perspective it's primary theme is the disempowerment of women in Georgian society. What a discovery! 3 Comments on “ Review: The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar ” Lory @ Emerald City Book Review October 21, 2018 It’s important to remember where we’ve come from, and how precious the right of self-determination is. What a surprise! Viewed from one perspective it's primary theme is the disempowerment of women in Georgian society. It’s a delightful read. I started this book full of excitement: I was reading this as my first buddy read with two friends on instagram, I love mermaids, and the description sounded like something I’d enjoy. His is a world of solid middle class respectability. Hancock puts this specimen on show and becomes the talk of London, making a tidy sum of money in the process. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. Published early this year in England, it was not yet being offered in the United States. What a struggle it will be to summarise this book. 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. March 31, ... It’s 1785 in Georgian London and shipping merchant Jonah Hancock is disturbed by a violent knocking at his door. The Clergyman's Wife: A Pride & Prejudice Novel (Pride & Prejudice: P.S. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2018. It is also dead. Imogen Hermes Gowar studied Archaeology, Anthropology and Art History at UEA’s Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts before going on to work in museums. He’s plodding his way through life following the death of his wife and infant son, living in the same house he was born in with his young niece, Sukie. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published We work hard to protect your security and privacy. If you ever happen to catch a mermaid, beware of her powers. One September evening in 1785, the merchant Jonah Hancock hears urgent knocking on his front door. The plot meanders at times, there are subplots that aren't necessarily relevant to the main story of the mermaid or Mrs. Hancock, but each does bring something to the reading experience. It is 1785, and John Hancock, merchant, frets over the possible loss of one of his ships. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. Bib Id 2219099. Well written in a 'different' style that lends itself well to the unfolding of the story. There’s an element of magical realism but it is not the focus of the plot.The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock Hancock is immediately smitten, Angelica less so, but their encounter sets in motion a sequence of events that neither of them could have expected. Set in London of 1785, Mr. Hancock is a middle-aged merchant widowered many years prior. Forty five, portly, and shabbily dressed, his existence is stable and unremarkable. ☛ Booktrading.bg За повече информация и въпроси ☎0882 907 212 His world is flipped upside down when one of his ship's captains returns from a voyage with a "mermaid" in tow (really a monkey's torso with a fishtail attached, but nobody seems the wiser). The parallels between the mermaid of yore and the plucky female characters in The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock are many. To see what your friends thought of this book. A witty, detailed, beautifully written piece of historical fiction. I must admit the exquisite cover and a recommendation from Madeline Miller played no small part in my spontaneous choice of this read and I am not disappointed. This is a fascinating, original and well written novel set in 18th century London. On a voyage to the Far East, he sold the JonahÕs ship for something rare and far more precious: a mermaid. Prepare to be swept away, Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2018, Overall: a beautifully written historical fiction/fantasy novel featuring a whore/courtesan, a merchant, and a mermaid set in London in the 1700s. She won the Curtis Brown Prize for her dissertation, which grew into a novel titled The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock. Mr Hancock's mermaid transformed his life in every possible way, and this glimmering, sea water smelling, green, gold and turquoise jewellery box of a novel put my life on hold too, in between all the easter family obligations. So when The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar arrived on my doorstep, well, I hoped the writing was as pretty as the cover. I kept wanting to come back to the book even despite the lack of a quick pace or big developments. I must admit the exquisite cover and a recommendation from Madel. I need say no more. ⭐️Stars from Goodreads: 3.77 ⭐️Stars from me: 5. -- Alex Preston * Observer Best Fiction 2018 * ... Goodreads is the world's largest site for readers with over 50 million reviews. The writing steers firmly away from romanticizing Georgian London; it does not shy from describing the more sordid elements of life, especially when told from the … Thrust from his ordinary existence, somber Jonah finds himself moving from the city’s seedy underbelly to the finest drawing rooms of high society. 3.81 avg rating • (84 ratings by Goodreads) Hardcover ISBN 10: 1911215728 ISBN 13: 9781911215721. Anjelica Neal is a courtesan with a tenuous position but a lot of confidence. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. An early draft was a finalist in the MsLexia First Novel Competition 2015, and it was also one of three entries shortlisted for the inaugural Deborah Rogers Foundation Writers’ Award. It should be made clear the fantasy element suggested by the mermaid in the title stays in the background until the latter stages of the story. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock is probably best described as a bit of a mess. For that reason, I was hesitant to pick it up, and I let it stay put on my bookshelves for several weeks. A captain of one of his ship's informs him excitedly that he has sold his ship to purchase a 'mermaid', a dead thing with the tail of a fish and the body of a monkey. I thought the charactisation was really superb too. I'm not going to lie, the first thing I noticed about this book was the fact 'mermaid' is in the title. Please try again. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock is probably best described as a bit of a mess. But then what intrigued me more was the hint of the different sides of 18th century London Imogen Hermes Gowar was planning to explore. by Harper. I could not get into this book, and I almost DNF this book many times. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock. The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock, a historical novel set in 1780s London, follows Jonah Hancock, a merchant who finds himself in possession of a mermaid, and Angelica Neal, a courtesan whose protector has recently died. I really thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is 1785, and John Hancock, merchant, frets over the possible loss of one o. He has sold Jonah’s ship for what appears to be a mermaid. There's a problem loading this menu right now. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock is probably best described as a bit of a mess. The writing was evocative with details of sights, sounds, behaviours and vocabulary of the age. So I dived into this novel fearlessly and was enormously rewarded by it. “The stories are of men who, walking on the shore, hear sweet voices far away, see a soft white back turned to them, and - heedless of looming clouds and creaking winds - forget their children's hands and the click of their wives' needles, all for the sake of the half-seen face behind a tumble of gale-tossed greenish hair.”, Desmond Elliott Prize Nominee for Longlist (2018), See all 9 questions about The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock…, 2019: What Women Born In The 1970s Read In 2019, review of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar, Please correct page count - The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock, Mermaid & Mrs Hancock (Discussion, spoilers allowed) (Apr 2019), Mermaid & Mrs Hancock - Background & General (No Spoilers) (Apr 2019), Why Fiction is Suddenly Swimming with Mermaids. The captain of one of JonahÕs trading vessels is waiting eagerly on the front step, bearing shocking news. Unable to add item to List. Something went wrong. Initially Hancock feels it is of precious little value only to find he is mistaken and off the mark. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. As gossip spreads through the docks, coffee shops, parlours and brothels, everyone wants to see Mr Hancock’s marvel. He’s about to discover one of his captains has sold his ship for what he claims is a mermaid. One of his captains is waiting eagerly on the step. Don’t let the “mermaid” in the title fool you: this book is not fantasy. One September evening in 1785, the merchant Jonah Hancock finds one of his captains waiting eagerly on his doorstep. (*), UPDATE: I said in my review that the book had a strong chance of success in the Women's Prize, it was subsequently longlisted and has now made the shortlist. 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. Their narratives intersect rather early on, and the novel mostly follows their relationship over a rather meandering 500 pages. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar Published by Random House on January 25th 2018 Genres: Fiction, Literary, Historical, General, Sea Stories, Magical Realism Pages: 496 Goodreads ISBN: 9781473548015 This post contains affiliate links which you can use to purchase the book. I recieved this via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. Once again, going into this blind really helped me. 7/10, Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2018. The depiction of the bordellos in Great Britain in the 1800s and The main characters were well drawn. Sold by Collectiblecounty and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Please try again. Publisher: Harvill Secker, 2018. He has sold Jonah's ship for what appears to be a mermaid. 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. Also a twist or two that I didn't see coming - always the sign of a good book for me. Afaik it just means the fruit. The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock is a big, larger-than-life, smart story. Mr Hancock's mermaid transformed his life in every possible way, and this glimmering, sea water smelling, green, gold and turquoise jewellery box of a novel put my life on hold too, in between all the easter family obligations. Viewed from one perspective it's primary theme is the disempowerment of women in Georgian society. The captain assures him that people will come… Start by marking “The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock” as Want to Read: Error rating book. But don’t imagine Ariel or enchanting sirens in the sea: this mermaid is monstrous – with pointy teeth and claws – and dead. Fresh and unusual with such good character development that I ended up hoping that the fate of those I originally disliked would work out well. Completely absorbing and could not put this one down! After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. While trying to find a way to make money of this, he crosses paths with Angelica Neal, a courtesan whose protector has unexpectedly died. I cannot decide how I feel about this unusual book! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2018. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock is the debut novel from Imogen Hermes Gower.It’s a historical fiction set in 18 th century England. But what really swept me off my feet (sofa) was incorporating a shell-grotto which reminds me of famous Pope's grotto at Twickenham. And as the story builds, it also becomes a tale of love, of revival and of fulfillment. e per queste sue caratteristiche è stato infatti accostato a Il Serpente dell'Essex di Sarah Perry. The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock depicts the story of a merchant, Jonah Hancock, who one day comes into possession of a tiny, terrifying mermaid. Please try again. In this historical novel, Jonah Hancock, a widowed merchant, comes into possession of a dead mermaid. I insist you all read Imogen Hermes Gowar’s fabulous debut The Mermaid & Mrs Hancock; a historical romp with wonderful characters, saucy shenanigans, dark glimmering corners of 1700’s society and possibly a mermaid or two. This novel is simply outstanding! It should be made clear the fantasy element suggested by the mermaid in the title stays in the background until the latter stages of the story. Jonah Hancock, a widowed merchant, lives a lonely life in a dark Deptford house, with only his young niece Sukie for company. The plot meanders at times, there are subplots that aren't necessarily relevant to the main story of the mermaid or Mrs. Hancock, but each does bring something to the reading experience. Thanks to Vintage, Harvill Secker and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Published 2018 by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, New York . She began to write small pieces of fiction inspired by the artefacts she worked with and around, and in 2013 won the Malcolm Bradbury Memorial Scholarship to study for an MA in Creative Writing at UEA. As gossip spreads through the docks, coffee shops, parlours and brothels, everyone wants to see Mr Hancock's marvel. An utter treat. Genre: historical fiction. ISBN 13: 9781911215721. ISBN 9780062859952. Widowed when both wife and baby died in childbirth, he lives in the house in which he was born, attended by his niece Sukie and maid Bridget. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock. The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock is enormous, nearly 500 pages long, and in part this is because Gowar takes her time. It is undoubtedly readable and entertaining, and there is plenty of convincing 18th century detail, but for me the central premise was just not credible enough to justify such a long book. General information about The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock is not a fantasy book. Thank goodness for world commerce on the internet. The book itself is exquisite and opening it up to find it looked authentically like a very old book sealed the fact that I was judging this book by it’s cover. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2018. This specific ISBN edition is currently not available. Insights, Interviews & More...), “Wonderful… completely transporting.”  (Madeline Miller, author of. And I'm so glad I purposely saved it as the last book to read from The Women's Prize longlist. The Mermaid And Mrs Hancock, the debut novel by Imogen Hermes Gowar is set in London in the year 1785. Deciding to make the most of it Hancock exhibits his mermaid to great acclaim and he is asked to loan it to notorious bawd Mrs Chappell to exhibit in her nunnery. Imogen studied Archaeology, Anthropology and Art History at UEA’s Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts before going on to work in museums. It made be laugh and cry. Imogen Hermes Gowar's debut novel The exhibition also causes him to cross paths with Angelica Neal, a fetch. It will change everything…. Loved it. But would it live up to my expectations? On a voyage to the Far East, he sold the Jonah’s ship for something rare and far more precious: a mermaid. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Welcome back. I think it also helped that I saw this book mainly categorized as historical fiction on Goodreads, so I had an idea of what to expect. The writing was fantastic, the historical detail wonderful, and the main plot genuinely lovely in many ways. She began to write small pieces of fiction inspired by the artefacts she worked with and around, and in 2013 won the Malcolm Bradbury Memorial Scholarship to study for an MA in Creative Writing at UEA. Jonah Hancock is a shipping merchant in late 18th century London. Some of these items ship sooner than the others. September 11th 2018 But it also slyly scrutinizes class, gender, and race divides—adding a layer of depth to a novel that is hopefully the first of many for Ms. Gowar. ★★★★☆ 4 stars Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. Edition First U.S. edition. Book Review: The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock November 05, 2018 The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar. Beautiful written story focused on a merchant, a whore, and a mermaid. I probably could have done with a little less of the 'mermaid' subplot, and there was one other subplot I would have liked to see more resolved, but overall this is such a strong novel and one I'd highly recommend. I listened to about 20% of this on audio, wonderfully narrated by Juliet Stevenson, so wonderfully that it took me that long to conclude I was listening to a well-written piece of fluff, the literary equivalent of a Disney movie. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar nails the 18th century as convincingly as Francis Spufford in Golden Hill, but with supernatural elements that bring to mind Susannah Clarke and Sarah Perry.'" In 18th century England pineapples, imported from far away, were very expensive luxuries and hence status symbols. One September evening in 1785, Jonah Hancock hears an urgent knocking on his front door near the docks of London. Jonah Hancock is a shipping merchant; staid, widowed, slightly shabby but just about managing; a middling, average, unremarkable man. The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock October 20, 2018 Adult Fiction , Book Review , Historical I do not usually buy books new or buy them soon after they are published, but this was an exception. The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock is an enchanting tale about a merchant, a prostitute, and mythical... One September evening in 1785, the merchant Jonah Hancock finds one of his captains waiting eagerly on his doorstep. I felt like I was reading a book written in the 18th century. Wasn't sure whether I'd like this book but decided to give it a go and so glad I did. The exhibition also causes him to cross paths with Angelica Neal, a fetching courtesan who is at something of a loose end. Title: The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock Author: Imogen Hermes Gowar Publication date: January 2018. The mermaid aspect is not the main focus to the novel. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 9, 2019. I can't recall where I first heard buzz about this book but all of a sudden it was talked about often and glowingly. I’m usually not a big fan of historical fiction, but it’s a genre I’ve begun experimenting with more and more, and I have to admit that Imogen Hermes Gower makes her reader feel fully immersed in the world she has created. She can lure you into the depths of the sea or make you believe that she can give you all happiness you desire or just as easily drive you insane. There was a problem loading your book clubs. The following story of these two mismatched people is entertaining, unexpected and a compelling read. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sold by Winter Park Distributions and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. Jonah Hancock, a lonely merchant widow, is surprised by … The captain of one of Jonah’s trading vessels is waiting eagerly on the front step, bearing shocking news. Displaying his strange curiosity for money catapults him into a new world of wealth, courtesans and high society. There are so many aspects that I loved, so many layers I want to discuss, that it’s hard to know where to begin. If you ever happen to catch a mermaid, beware of her powers. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock. Please try your request again later. The period details, tea bowls and coffee shops among others, are marvellous, which does not surprise as the Author has worked for several museums. His world is flipped upside down when one of his ship's captains returns from a voyage with a "mermaid" in tow (really a monkey's torso with a fishtail attached, but nobody seems the wiser). Hancock puts this specimen on show and becomes the talk of London, making a tidy sum of money in the process. Really enjoyed this. Although not my favourite mythical creature, I do have a soft spot for mermaids and their plight. 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. Genre: Historical Fiction, Magic Realism Format: Audio book read by Juliet Stevenson This voyage is special. Hardcover – Deckle Edge, September 11, 2018. Страхотен избор на книги The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock на цена от 27.00 лв. Already occupying that world - or at least clinging to the edges of it - is Angelica Neal, a courtesan fallen on hard 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. Two ambitious minds have now collided, and their futures are full of intrigue. I admit I found this novel very daunting because of its size and because of its plot which has to do with mermaids and is in addition historical fiction. He has sold Jonah’s ship for what appears to be a mermaid. One September evening in 1785, the merchant Jonah Hancock hears urgent knocking on his front door. Imagine his horror when his captain arrives at the door and confesses that he has sold the ship in exchange for a mermaid. One September evening in 1785, Jonah Hancock hears an urgent knocking on his front door near the docks of London. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2018. (based on Goodreads ratings) Genre Magic realist fiction. I’d call it “quirky historical fiction,” with well-drawn characters and a sense of whimsy throughout. Quite explicit in parts which perfectly illustrates the bawdiness of the Georgian era (and the double standards) Left me wanting to know more about what happened to everyone after the book ended. Gowar, Imogen Hermes. I had a hunch it'd be a pleasurable and immersive story and it was. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock opens in 1785 with merchant Jonah Hancock sitting in his London counting house waiting for his ship to return.