The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock
The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock
Book Brief
496
Novel • Fiction
London • 1780s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar, set in 1785 London, follows Jonah Hancock, a merchant who acquires a mermaid corpse and exhibits it for profit, intertwining his fate with Angelica Neal, a courtesan seeking a new patron after losing her previous one. As chaos ensues from the mermaid's presence, the characters' lives are significantly altered, blending historical fiction with magical realism. The book contains descriptions of depression, substance use, and racial discrimination.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
25,027 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Imogen Hermes Gowar's The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock combines rich historical detail with a touch of magical realism. Reviewers praise the vivid period atmosphere and well-crafted characters, particularly Mrs. Hancock. The novel's pacing can be erratic, and some find the plot meandering. Overall, it's a whimsical and engaging historical fiction that captures the imagination.
Who Should Read The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock?
Readers who relish historical fiction with a touch of the fantastical will adore The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar. Fans of Sarah Waters' Fingersmith and Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist will appreciate its rich 18th-century London setting and intricate character dynamics. The novel intertwines whimsical elements with social commentary.
25,027 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock was shortlisted for the 2018 Women's Prize for Fiction, highlighting its recognition as an exemplary work by a debut novelist.
Imogen Hermes Gowar wrote the novel after being inspired by her studies in archaeology, anthropology, and art history, infusing her storytelling with rich historical detail and examination of 18th-century society.
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The novel incorporates elements of magical realism, blending historical fiction with fantastical elements, which challenges readers to explore the boundary between reality and myth.
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496
Novel • Fiction
London • 1780s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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