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aruarian_melody's review against another edition
Very cool concept but the book just didn't manage to pull me in. I'm nearly 50% in and I just don't feel like picking it up again. DNFing to move on to other books.
tdk's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
nickylizzy's review
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
toocuterunner's review
4.0
The story of Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot can bring a reader to tears and just as quickly to laughter. It is uplifting to read of women pushing the boundaries of religion to learn more of the world. Through many obstacles they find the true beauty of the world. A life full of mystery with something new to discover each day.
gilliske's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Ik heb genoten van dit boek. Sowieso heb ik een zwak voor historische fictie gebaseerd op waargebeurde feiten. En ik vind de schrijfstijl van Tracy Chevalier heel aangenaam en vooral rustgevend om te lezen.
Ze schrijft over realistisch aanvoelende personages, niet geïdealiseerd maar met hun kleine kantjes die hen net menselijk maken.
Ze slaagt er in om, met schijnbaar gemak en zonder overbodig gedetailleerde en langdradige beschrijvingen, de sfeer van weleer op te roepen...
Het resultaat is een boek dat vlot leest, en dat ook zonder grootse spannende verhaallijnen toch weet te boeien. Omwille van de personages, maar ook omdat het interessant is om te ontdekken hoe de vondst van deze fossiele 'monsters' een verandering teweeg bracht: enerzijds in de manier waarop men kijkt naar de schepping (waarom zou God bepaalde dieren geschapen hebben om ze vervolgens te laten uitsterven? Waren deze dieren minderwaardig? Wil dit zeggen dat God toch niet feilloos is? Of wil dit gewoon zeggen dat de wereld gecreëerd werd, maar continu verandert- zij het dan traag?), maar ook wat betreft respect voor de vrouw als wetenschapper.
Dit boek vertelt immers ook het verhaal van twee vrouwen die in een vooral door mannen gedomineerde wereld hun spreekwoordelijke mannetje weten te staan en erin slagen om erkenning te krijgen voor hun bijdrage aan de wetenschap.
Ze schrijft over realistisch aanvoelende personages, niet geïdealiseerd maar met hun kleine kantjes die hen net menselijk maken.
Ze slaagt er in om, met schijnbaar gemak en zonder overbodig gedetailleerde en langdradige beschrijvingen, de sfeer van weleer op te roepen...
Het resultaat is een boek dat vlot leest, en dat ook zonder grootse spannende verhaallijnen toch weet te boeien. Omwille van de personages, maar ook omdat het interessant is om te ontdekken hoe de vondst van deze fossiele 'monsters' een verandering teweeg bracht: enerzijds in de manier waarop men kijkt naar de schepping (waarom zou God bepaalde dieren geschapen hebben om ze vervolgens te laten uitsterven? Waren deze dieren minderwaardig? Wil dit zeggen dat God toch niet feilloos is? Of wil dit gewoon zeggen dat de wereld gecreëerd werd, maar continu verandert- zij het dan traag?), maar ook wat betreft respect voor de vrouw als wetenschapper.
Dit boek vertelt immers ook het verhaal van twee vrouwen die in een vooral door mannen gedomineerde wereld hun spreekwoordelijke mannetje weten te staan en erin slagen om erkenning te krijgen voor hun bijdrage aan de wetenschap.
tegmo's review against another edition
4.0
I was originally drawn to this book because I've studied paleontology which I both love and loath and there are not that many novels about women in early science.
I really enjoyed reading this story, which was made all the better when I found out that it is based on real people, Mary Anning is amazing. I loved the descriptions of life during the period and the somewhat precarious position of women, even of those from well to do backgrounds such as the Philpots, during the period. It's amazing to think that Mary did what she did and received the recognition she did with the disadvantages that being a woman and from the working class were at that time.
A few days after I finished this novel I actually visited the Museum of Natural History in Berlin and actually saw an ichthyosaur fossil that had come from Lyme Regis, it was incredibly exciting moment for me.
I really enjoyed reading this story, which was made all the better when I found out that it is based on real people, Mary Anning is amazing. I loved the descriptions of life during the period and the somewhat precarious position of women, even of those from well to do backgrounds such as the Philpots, during the period. It's amazing to think that Mary did what she did and received the recognition she did with the disadvantages that being a woman and from the working class were at that time.
A few days after I finished this novel I actually visited the Museum of Natural History in Berlin and actually saw an ichthyosaur fossil that had come from Lyme Regis, it was incredibly exciting moment for me.
book_concierge's review
4.0
Book on CD narrated by Charlotte Perry and Susan Lyons
4****
This is a work of historical fiction focusing on two remarkable women who advanced the understanding of natural history with their discoveries. It is based loosely on the lives of these two real women, though Chevalier has taken artistic license in writing the novel.
Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot had little in common, being separated by age, education level and social class, but they found friendship in their common interest in fossils. The setting is early 1800’s England – specifically the seaside village of Lyme Regis. The unmarried Philpot sisters have moved to this small community after their family fortunes have been reduced and their brother can no longer afford to support them in London. Elizabeth fills her time by combing the beach for fossils, and this is how she comes across the Mary Anning, a young girl from a working-class family that is frequently in debt. Mary has a keen eye for “curies” (i.e. curiosities) and helps support her family by selling the fossils she finds.
The reader easily sees that Mary’s life is limited by her social class and lack of education. Elizabeth’s prospects are also limited – maybe even more than Mary’s. She’s educated, but has no money or particular social standing, and she cannot rely on her plain looks to help her attract a suitable husband (which, after all, is the goal for women in this time period). I am interested in natural history, so naturally find the history of their scientific accomplishments fascinating. But I am also intrigued by the exploration of the role of women in this time.
I like the way Chevalier develops the unlikely friendship between these two women. Elizabeth does sometimes show a somewhat patronizing attitude toward Mary, and the jealousy caused when a fossil collector pays more attention to the young, uneducated Mary than to Elizabeth strains their relationship. Yet, ultimately their interest in the science and in receiving credit for their contributions is what binds them together. I have to admit that I was sometimes irritated with Elizabeth’s superior attitude, but I applauded her for championing Mary’s cause. As for Mary … I just loved her. She showed such intelligence and drive.
The two performers of the audio book do an excellent job of voicing these two very different women – Remarkable Creatures, indeed!
4****
This is a work of historical fiction focusing on two remarkable women who advanced the understanding of natural history with their discoveries. It is based loosely on the lives of these two real women, though Chevalier has taken artistic license in writing the novel.
Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot had little in common, being separated by age, education level and social class, but they found friendship in their common interest in fossils. The setting is early 1800’s England – specifically the seaside village of Lyme Regis. The unmarried Philpot sisters have moved to this small community after their family fortunes have been reduced and their brother can no longer afford to support them in London. Elizabeth fills her time by combing the beach for fossils, and this is how she comes across the Mary Anning, a young girl from a working-class family that is frequently in debt. Mary has a keen eye for “curies” (i.e. curiosities) and helps support her family by selling the fossils she finds.
The reader easily sees that Mary’s life is limited by her social class and lack of education. Elizabeth’s prospects are also limited – maybe even more than Mary’s. She’s educated, but has no money or particular social standing, and she cannot rely on her plain looks to help her attract a suitable husband (which, after all, is the goal for women in this time period). I am interested in natural history, so naturally find the history of their scientific accomplishments fascinating. But I am also intrigued by the exploration of the role of women in this time.
I like the way Chevalier develops the unlikely friendship between these two women. Elizabeth does sometimes show a somewhat patronizing attitude toward Mary, and the jealousy caused when a fossil collector pays more attention to the young, uneducated Mary than to Elizabeth strains their relationship. Yet, ultimately their interest in the science and in receiving credit for their contributions is what binds them together. I have to admit that I was sometimes irritated with Elizabeth’s superior attitude, but I applauded her for championing Mary’s cause. As for Mary … I just loved her. She showed such intelligence and drive.
The two performers of the audio book do an excellent job of voicing these two very different women – Remarkable Creatures, indeed!
rainynook's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
I loved this book so, so much. Wonderfully narrated by two female actors (Charlotte Parry, Susan Lyons), it tells the true story of Mary Anning, a child from a poor, uneducated family in Lyme Regis, England and her friendship with Elizabeth Philpott, considered to be from a more genteel class, who became friends and collaborators in finding some astounding fossils. Mary became known as "the mother of Paleontology" and despite the odds, found notoriety in her works. Her finds were ground-breaking and some can be seen at the Natural History Museum in London. Highly recommend.
avo_kadon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75