Another one of Tracy Chevalier's novels which I really loved is Burning Bright -set in the late 18th century in London where a rural family from Dorset are forced to move to London to make their way in the world and end up living next to William Blake - again she is a master at bringing a city and a time alive on the page. And it is a bonus if you are interested in William Blake but there is enough to engage you if you are not a fan of his writing or know much about his life. Remarkable Creatures is just a wonderful novel which explores the constraints, isolation and difficulties that women of different social classes experienced during the early 19th century England. It certainly cured me of any romantic notions of wishing to live in that era. I think I would have got myself in to enormous amounts of trouble!
Isn't Tracy Chevalier just the best at creating the atmosphere of the past! I just loved this novel - the manner in which she was able to allow the modern reader to understand the constraints that women in this period, regardless of their class, were dealing with. And the ridiculous rules which dictated every area of there lives. I fell in love with Dorset and Lyme Regis - wistfully wandered along the cobb and pretended I was some Jane Austen character. I was thrilled to realise that two women were at the forefront of fossil collecting and opening up the realm to the rest of the world. If you loved this and you are interested in her recreation of 18th century London or are a fan of William Blake - then tackle Burning Bright - another absorbing tale although I liked Remarkable Creatures more.
Thanks for the recommendation Katie, I will add Burning Bright to the list. Don't know if I'm a fan of William Blake or not - sounds like reading the book will be a good way to find out. Loved the book, I dug the boys fossils out at home to have a look at them and gave the book to Mum who is from Yorkshire. Certainly highlighted the restrictions for women and also the attitudes women face when they dare to step outside a conventional role.
Another one of Tracy Chevalier's novels which I really loved is Burning Bright -set in the late 18th century in London where a rural family from Dorset are forced to move to London to make their way in the world and end up living next to William Blake - again she is a master at bringing a city and a time alive on the page. And it is a bonus if you are interested in William Blake but there is enough to engage you if you are not a fan of his writing or know much about his life.
ReplyDeleteRemarkable Creatures is just a wonderful novel which explores the constraints, isolation and difficulties that women of different social classes experienced during the early 19th century England. It certainly cured me of any romantic notions of wishing to live in that era. I think I would have got myself in to enormous amounts of trouble!
Isn't Tracy Chevalier just the best at creating the atmosphere of the past! I just loved this novel - the manner in which she was able to allow the modern reader to understand the constraints that women in this period, regardless of their class, were dealing with. And the ridiculous rules which dictated every area of there lives.
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with Dorset and Lyme Regis - wistfully wandered along the cobb and pretended I was some Jane Austen character. I was thrilled to realise that two women were at the forefront of fossil collecting and opening up the realm to the rest of the world.
If you loved this and you are interested in her recreation of 18th century London or are a fan of William Blake - then tackle Burning Bright - another absorbing tale although I liked Remarkable Creatures more.
Can you believe that I used the wrong "there" - that will teach me not to proofread my comments before posting them!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation Katie, I will add Burning Bright to the list. Don't know if I'm a fan of William Blake or not - sounds like reading the book will be a good way to find out.
ReplyDeleteLoved the book, I dug the boys fossils out at home to have a look at them and gave the book to Mum who is from Yorkshire. Certainly highlighted the restrictions for women and also the attitudes women face when they dare to step outside a conventional role.