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The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock

The spellbinding Sunday Times bestselling historical fiction phenomenon
By Imogen Hermes Gowar
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3.55 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 20,833 ratings, 2,939 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar is a captivating historical fiction set in 18th-century London. It follows the tale of a widowed merchant, Mr Hancock, who unexpectedly acquires a mermaid, changing his life forever. As his world intertwines with the vivacious courtesan Angelica Neal, the novel explores themes of ambition, love, and temptation amidst the fascination with the unusual creature.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy richly detailed historical fiction with a touch of magic and fantasy. Set in 18th century London, it beautifully weaves the lives of a merchant and a courtesan as they are drawn into an unusual adventure involving a mysterious mermaid. The novel is praised for its vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and its exploration of themes like ambition and societal expectations.

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'A cracking historical novel โ€“ with a twinge of the surreal โ€“ about passion and obsession' The Times

SHORLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2018

One September evening in 1785, the merchant Jonah Hancock finds one of his captains waiting eagerly on his doorstep.

A spellbinding story of curiosity, love and obsession from the phenomenal Sunday Times bestseller

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A spellbinding story of curiosity, love and obsession from the phenomenal Sunday Times bestseller.

'A cracking historical novel - with a twinge of the surreal - about passion and obsession' The Times

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2018

One September evening in 1785, the merchant Jonah Hancock finds one of his captains waiting eagerly on his doorstep. He has sold Jonah's ship for what appears to be a mermaid.

As gossip spreads through the docks, coffee shops, parlours and brothels, everyone wants to see Mr Hancock's marvel. Its arrival spins him out of his ordinary existence and through the doors of high society, where he meets Angelica Neal, the most desirable woman he has ever laid eyes on... and a courtesan of great accomplishment. This meeting will steer both their lives onto a dangerous new course.

What will be the cost of their ambitions? And will they be able to escape the legendary destructive power a mermaid is said to possess?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar is celebrated for its rich historical backdrop set in bustling 18th century London, with a twist of surrealism. Reviews highlight its engaging and multifaceted narrative, blending humour, emotion, and heartwarming elements, all driven by a cast of vividly depicted characters. The novel is praised for its sumptuous detail, clever humour, and especially for its strong female voices, with critics noting the author's impressive ability to create a captivating and immersive world.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784705992

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 January 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 344g

Pages: 496

Collections

Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction Imogen Hermes Gowar Literary Fiction Penguin Books Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Imogen Hermes Gowar studied Archaeology, Anthropology and Art History before going on to work in museums. She began to write fiction inspired by the artefacts she worked with, and in 2013 won the Malcolm Bradbury Memorial Scholarship to study for an MA in Creative Writing at UEA. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock was a finalist in the MsLexia First Novel Competition and shortlisted for the inaugural Deborah Rogers Foundation Writers' Award.

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