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snailey95 's review for:
The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey
by Kathleen Kaufman
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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:
Yes
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of 'The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey' by Kathleen Kaufman.
This was such a unique and emotive read! I didn't really know what I was going into and wondered where the story was going at first, but I was quickly reeled in.
'She would find out what it took to harness this talent and turn it into a life, free herself from the men who sought to twist and manipulate her talent for their own'
Nairna (or Nora as she is later known) is a card reader/seer who travels across Scotland with her dad - she is a gifted card reader but they often resort to fraud to earn money so that they can access shelter and food. However, Nairna encounters a woman who notices her talents and offers her a place to stay, as well as training to hone her talents. This leads to her being able to interact with a 'spirit guide' and showing her gifts at various shows. The book also follows the story of a woman named Lottie in Wales, and as the plot enfolds, we see how their stories intertwine and affect one another.
"I want to see you are never beholden to anyone again. To see you never suffer and starve. And to see you leave your tricks behind because you are greater than anyone's imagining."
The Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey (shortened as it is quite a long name!) is such a poignant exploration of women trying to navigate the society of their time (albeit with some magical goings on), and the varying obstacles they face - as well as seemingly inescapable circumstances at times. As noted, without providing any spoilers, the way that Nora and Lottie's stories intertwine is so bittersweet and interesting. Overall, the interactions and relationships between the various women in this story were written so well, and showed many forms of solidarity and support for one another (albeit some being slightly more strained than others).
'She lost part and particle of time; she was connected to nothing and everything.'
I had barely any criticisms about this book - it is probably one of the strongest 5 star ratings I have given a book in a long time. The only thing that slightly rubbed me the wrong way was a small amount of fatphobia towards some of the more villainous characters, which felt unnecessary.
This was such a unique and emotive read! I didn't really know what I was going into and wondered where the story was going at first, but I was quickly reeled in.
'She would find out what it took to harness this talent and turn it into a life, free herself from the men who sought to twist and manipulate her talent for their own'
Nairna (or Nora as she is later known) is a card reader/seer who travels across Scotland with her dad - she is a gifted card reader but they often resort to fraud to earn money so that they can access shelter and food. However, Nairna encounters a woman who notices her talents and offers her a place to stay, as well as training to hone her talents. This leads to her being able to interact with a 'spirit guide' and showing her gifts at various shows. The book also follows the story of a woman named Lottie in Wales, and as the plot enfolds, we see how their stories intertwine and affect one another.
"I want to see you are never beholden to anyone again. To see you never suffer and starve. And to see you leave your tricks behind because you are greater than anyone's imagining."
The Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey (shortened as it is quite a long name!) is such a poignant exploration of women trying to navigate the society of their time (albeit with some magical goings on), and the varying obstacles they face - as well as seemingly inescapable circumstances at times. As noted, without providing any spoilers, the way that Nora and Lottie's stories intertwine is so bittersweet and interesting. Overall, the interactions and relationships between the various women in this story were written so well, and showed many forms of solidarity and support for one another (albeit some being slightly more strained than others).
'She lost part and particle of time; she was connected to nothing and everything.'
I had barely any criticisms about this book - it is probably one of the strongest 5 star ratings I have given a book in a long time. The only thing that slightly rubbed me the wrong way was a small amount of fatphobia towards some of the more villainous characters, which felt unnecessary.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Pregnancy