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Gulliver's Wife

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( 1,098 ratings, 178 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
Gulliver's Wife by Lauren Chater is a captivating historical fiction novel that reimagines the life of Mary Gulliver, the wife of Lemuel Gulliver from Jonathan Swift's classic tale. Set in early 18th-century London, it explores Mary's struggles and resilience in the face of societal expectations, personal betrayals, and her quest for independence while raising her children alone. As she navigates a world filled with challenges, Mary's strength and determination shine through in a deeply immersive narrative.
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by historical fiction that brings to life the rich and textured world of 18th-century London. The narrative offers a captivating exploration of a woman's journey, highlighting the challenges and resilience faced when her husband returns home unexpectedly. If you appreciate stories with strong female protagonists and a blend of historical detail and emotional depth, this could be a compelling read for you.

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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
Birth. Death. Wonder … One woman’s journey to the edge of love and loyalty from the bestselling author of The Lace Weaver

London, 1702. When her husband is lost at sea, Mary Burton Gulliver, midwife and herbalist, is forced to rebuild her life without him. But three years later when Lemuel Gulliver is brought home, fevered and communicating only in riddles, her ordered world is turned upside down.

In a climate of desperate poverty and violence, Mary is caught in a crossfire of suspicion and fear driven by her husband’s outlandish claims, and it is up to her to navigate a passage to safety for herself and her daughter, and the vulnerable women in her care.

When a fellow sailor, a dangerous man with nothing to lose, appears to hold sway over her husband, Mary’s world descends deeper into chaos, and she must set out on her own journey to discover the truth of Gulliver’s travels... and the landscape of her own heart.

Praise for Gulliver’s Wife

'An absolutely gripping read, with a powerful and ultimately hopeful story to tell' Booktopia

Gulliver’s Wife is utterly spellbinding. Lauren Chater is a master of story-weaving and exquisite detail. I adored this book.’ Melissa Ashley, bestselling author of The Birdman’s Wife

‘Lauren Chater’s Mary Gulliver is an extraordinary character – a performer of everyday miracles, a woman of quiet strength and compassion in a world where nothing can be relied on, least of all her flamboyant fantasist of a husband. Set in a fictional past, this superbly written story of love, loss, motherhood, and letting go is highly relevant to the issues we face today. Do not miss it.’ Meg Keneally, author of Fled

‘Bold, evocative and brave – Gulliver’s Wife is a revelation in story-telling. I am in awe of Lauren Chater’s talent. Gulliver’s Wife had my heart from the opening line and didn’t let go until long after I finished the final page. An exquisitely told tale of love, loss and the magic of life.’ Tess Woods, author of Love and Other Battles

‘An imaginative tour-de-force!’ Bestselling author Kate Forsyth

‘The most impressive aspect of this novel is the finely tuned and nuanced treatment of the relationship between a mother and her rebellious teenage daughter.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘A heartfelt tale of female solidarity.’ Daily Telegraph

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?

Gulliver's Wife by Lauren Chater has been praised for its evocative prose and the depth of its characters. Set in 18th-century London, the book explores themes of female empowerment and survival in a male-dominated world, focusing on the often-overlooked perspective of Mary Gulliver. Readers appreciate its vivid historical details and emotional resonance, with many highlighting the seamless way it combines fact with fiction.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925596403

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 September 2021

Country: Australia

Imprint: Simon & Schuster Australia

DIMENSIONS

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 432

About the Author

Lauren Chater is the author of the historical novels The Lace Weaver, Gulliver's Wife, The Winter Dress and The Beauties. In 2018 she was awarded a grant by the Neilma Sidney Literary Fund, and The Winter Dress was longlisted for the 2022 ARA Historical Novel Prize. IG: @lauren_chater_author and visit laurenchater.com.

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    The bestselling, breathtaking debut about love and war, and the battle to save a precious legacy. Each lace shawl begins and ends the same way – with a circle. Everything is connected with a thread as fine as gossamer, each life affected by what has come before it and what will come after. 1941, Estonia. As Stalin’s brutal Red Army...
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  • The Winter Dress
    Longlisted for the 2022 ARA Historical Novel Prize. ‘From a few shimmering strands of truth, Lauren Chater has spun an intriguing story of love, loss and fulfilment.’ Pip Williams, bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words Two women separated by centuries but connected by one beautiful silk dress. A captivating novel based on a real-life shipwreck discovered off Texel...
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  • The Beauties
    An incomparable beauty. A promise to a king. A portrait that can never be completed. The Beauties has been longlisted for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize. When Emilia Lennox loses everything after her husband’s lands and title are confiscated, her beauty is her best bargaining chip with the only man who can restore their fortunes: King Charles II himself....
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