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More copies of this ISBNThis title in other editionseBook editionsRemarkable Creaturesby Tracy Chevalier
Staff Pick
Set on the Dorset Coast, this novel tells the story of prickly spinster Elizabeth Philpot and young, brash Mary Anning, both avid fossil collectors. When Mary discovers two never-before-seen species, ripples of fear, confusion, and disbelief rock not only the scientific community, but the religious community, as well. This is a superb story about two amazing women and the changes they brought to the world. Fantastic! Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:A voyage of discoveries, a meeting of two remarkable women, and extraordinary time and place enrich bestselling author Tracy Chevalier's enthralling new novel From the moment she's struck by lightening as a baby, it is clear that Mary Anning is marked for greatness. On the windswept, fossil-strewn beaches of the English coast, she learns that she has "the eye"-and finds what no one else can see. When Mary uncovers an unusual fossilized skeleton in the cliffs near her home, she sets the religious fathers on edge, the townspeople to vicious gossip, and the scientific world alight. In an arena dominated by men, however, Mary is barred from the academic community; as a young woman with unusual interests she is suspected of sinful behavior. Nature is a threat, throwing bitter, cold storms and landslips at her. And when she falls in love, it is with an impossible man. Luckily, Mary finds an unlikely champion in prickly Elizabeth Philpot, a recent exile from London, who also loves scouring the beaches. Their relationship strikes a delicate balance between fierce loyalty, mutual appreciation, and barely suppressed envy. Ultimately, in the struggle to be recognized in the wider world, Mary and Elizabeth discover that friendship is their greatest ally. Remarkable Creatures is a stunning novel of how one woman's gift transcends class and social prejudice to lead to some of the most important discoveries of the nineteenth century. Above all, is it a revealing portrait of the intricate and resilient nature of female friendship. Review:"Chevalier's newest is a flat historical whose familiar themes of gender inequality, class warfare and social power often overwhelm the story. Tart-tongued spinster Elizabeth Philpot meets young Mary Anning after moving from London to the coastal town of Lyme Regis. The two quickly form an unlikely friendship based on their mutual interest in finding fossils, which provides the central narrative as working-class Mary emerges from childhood to become a famous fossil hunter, with her friend and protector Elizabeth to defend her against the men who try to take credit for Mary's finds. Their friendship, however, is tested when Colonel Birch comes to Lyme to ask for Mary's help in hunting fossils and the two spinsters compete for his attention. While Chevalier's exploration of the plight of Victorian-era women is admirable, Elizabeth's fixation on her status as an unmarried woman living in a gossipy small town becomes monotonous, and Chevalier slows the story by dryly explaining the relative importance of different fossils. Chevalier's attempt to imagine the lives of these real historical figures makes them seem less remarkable than they are." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Synopsis:From the "New York Times"-bestselling author of "Girl With a Pearl Earring" comes this stunning novel of how one woman's gift transcends class and social prejudice to lead to some of the most important discovers of the 19th century. About the AuthorTracy Chevalier is the New York Times bestselling author of five previous novels, including Girl With the Pearl Earring and Burning Bright. What Our Readers Are SayingAdd a comment for a chance to win!Average customer rating based on 2 comments: 
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