Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock, a much talked about book now available from Harper! Look at that cover! Ahhh!
My Thoughts:
In 1780s London, Jonah Hancock is a merchant and owns a ship. A captain knocks on his door urgently with the news he’s sold Hancock’s ship in return for a mermaid.
Word of the mermaid spreads quickly like sensational things do, and everyone wants to lay eyes on the sight. This mermaid is the key to Hancock climbing into high society, and that he does, with speed.
It is at a most prestigious party that Hancock meets the alluring Angelica Neal. Two ambitious minds have now collided, and their futures are full of intrigue.
The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock is a big, larger-than-life, smart story. It spotlights those strange curiosities of the time and is full of atmosphere. The writing is lyrical and stunning setting up a vivid sense of time and place. I found it immersive and all-consuming.
You should know there is not as much true magic or fantasy in the story as one might think, given the title, and the fact that a mermaid is most definitely present (but in the background). The story goes far beyond the oddity, including how humans are always grappling for more: more stature and wealth, more attention. It ends on a magnificent note, and I was most satisfied with the story from start to finish!
Thanks to Harper for the electronic ARC. I also purchased a hard copy from Book of the Month. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
This voyage is special. It will change everything…
One September evening in 1785, the merchant Jonah Hancock hears urgent knocking on his front door. One of his captains is waiting eagerly on the step. He has sold Jonah’s ship for what appears to be a mermaid.
As gossip spreads through the docks, coffee shops, parlours and brothels, everyone wants to see Mr Hancock’s marvel. Its arrival spins him out of his ordinary existence and through the doors of high society. At an opulent party, he makes the acquaintance of Angelica Neal, the most desirable woman he has ever laid eyes on… and a courtesan of great accomplishment. This chance meeting will steer both their lives onto a dangerous new course, a journey on which they will learn that priceless things come at the greatest cost…
What will be the cost of their ambitions? And will they be able to escape the destructive power mermaids are said to possess?
In this spell-binding story of curiosity and obsession, Imogen Hermes Gowar has created an unforgettable jewel of a novel, filled to the brim with intelligence, heart and wit.
Have you read The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Beautiful review, Jennifer! I can’t wait to read this one!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Amalia! Oh, yay, I can’t wait for your thoughts on it, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book is one of my favourites, and I think it’s so under-hyped. Great review, I hope more people read it 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Umut! I agree- it needs more love and I hope everyone reads it! I can definitely understand how it would be one of your favorites.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was wondering whether this would be worth buying or not, I think I might now! I like the idea of lyrical prose + observing human greed (I kind of thought it might be more of a mermaid love story).
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, the mermaid is very much in the background, and it’s about so much more than her storyline, so for a minute, you almost forget about her. I’m pleased I bought it because I will re-visit it at some point, and I don’t often do that. Thanks, Lakshmi!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pretty picture and I love the bookmark. Awesome review, Jennifer. I have not read this one and added to my tbr list.
Happy Reading to you! 🍁🌻📚💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Virginia! I love that bookmark, too. Happy reading, and happy Wednesday! 💗 💕 xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like such a fascinating read!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I enjoyed it, Chrissi! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is an actual mermaid in this book? Sounds intriguing! Might be a little historical for me, I like 19th-century and forward, LOL🙃💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, but she’s in the background! 🧜♀️ At least this was the late 18th century! 😂 Thanks, Berit! ♥️
LikeLiked by 2 people
I sometimes think we share the same book brain wave, Jennifer! My library just got this book and I requested it. Wonderful review as always!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Marialyce! I think we do, too! We are diverse readers! I look forward to your thoughts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t feel the love for this one as much as you did, Jennifer. While I thought the writing excellent and the historical period very well depicted, there wasn’t anyone I particularly liked or cared about and also felt the final act was less satisfactory than the earlier sections. That said, the book is clearly well written and I’m interested to see what the author next produces.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I understand, Sarah, and that completely makes sense. I will be in line with you for her next book, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This seems like an awesome book, I’m intrigued. 😁 Great review, Jennifer!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Marie! I quite enjoyed it! 💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful review Jen and the picture is gorgeous too! Have an awesome day my friend!!🤗💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Sus! I’m going to miss those summer flowers (I hope I don’t end up saying that 100 times!). I also hope your Wednesday was wonderful! ♥️
LikeLiked by 2 people
This seems like an interesting book and I’m relieved to learn it isn’t a romance between the titular character and the mermaid haha. I love the exploration of greed and corruption and fiction so this might be something I like, despite the historical setting which isn’t something I’m usually drawn to.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s a great point, Carolina! Your comment made me think of the movie Splash which you are probably too young to remember, but it was exactly that type of scenario. Lol This book took some patience, but the overall pay-off was worth it for me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah I haven’t heard of that movie, but I looked up the synopsis and it’s pretty much what I was fearing the book would be haha.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Based on the title, I never would have expected the themes within. Wonderful review, Jennifer!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Jonetta! Yes, it’s a surprising novel! So much bigger than its title.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great review! I’ve always wanted to be a mermaid, but I fear it might confuse the cats… 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, FF! Why, yes, I think it would! Poor cats! Then they’d have a porpy and a mermaid to contend with! 🧜♀️ (I actually searched for a porcupine emoji! 😂)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great review, Jennifer. The minute you mentioned the mermaid, I thought this would lean more towards fantasy. I do like the fact that it ended up being such a deep read though with some great themes. I would be interested to find out how the MC was affected by his new status. You have convinced me to give this one a try, thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Diana! It was definitely so much more than I thought it would be, too, witht the themes. I hope it’s one you find worthwhile also if you end up reading it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic review, this was one of my favourite reads this year!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Ova! Yay! I love hearing that. It is a wonderful read! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never read a fantasy book, but if I ever tried one it might be this one. Thanks for reviewing, Jennifer. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Laurie! I enjoyed this one!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Look at that cover? Look at your PHOTO! 😍😍😍 So glad you enjoyed this one, it’s definitely on my TBR and I keep meaning to get to it but other books keep getting in the way!! Awesome review. 🤗
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Beth! That book is large, and that one flower was even bigger- I couldn’t believe it, but I had to use it for a pic! Grown right in my yard (but no blooms now- fall is officially here and my tropical plants are sad for it!). It took me a month to slowly read through this one. I hope you love it when you get to it. It’s a wonderful read! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooooh you grew that flower too?! Beautiful! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! It’s one of my babies. 😂 Thank you, Beth! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
… and a wild mermaid appears! 😃
Great review! Sound good, even tho not my type.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Norrie! Definitely not your bag! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Jennifer. As I read your review, I thought it was not what I leaned toward, but it sounds like it turned out to be more than it appears at first glance. Nice.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Carla! I had read a few reviews before I requested it about how the mermaid wasn’t in the forefront and thought I’d give it a chance. I’m really glad I did because it was a rewarding experience overall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm. Yes, I defintitely would have expected more fantasy and magic! I didn’t know that mermaid was more of a background character..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, she’s definitely there, but not the focus…but she plays a big role in how things in unravel for the MC.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this one – loved it! I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.
Lynn 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay, Lynn! I’m happy you loved it too! I need to come check out your review if I haven’t already. Happy weekend!
LikeLike
Checked it out from the library, but I don’t know if I’ll get to it before I have to take it back. Boo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe next time around, Myndi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh I still have to read this one! *Hang head in shame* I do actually like that the magic takes a backseat to the realism aspect. It makes the mermaid seem like something that could exist in real life. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It did exactly that, Kathy. It was so well-grounded in reality with that one exception that I definitely questioned the reality of mermaids! 🧜♀️ It took me forever to finish this one, much longer than any of my other books, so don’t feel badly. I just hope you enjoy it once you get to it. Also hope your week is going well. ♥️
LikeLike
I have this on my TBR because of my love for mermaid’s but I’ve read several reviews now (including yours!) that say it’s not about the mermaid per say… I’m still looking forward to it though and as I feel prepared that it’s not actually about the mermaid I don’t think I’ll feel let down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that’s the perfect way to go into it, Gerry. It’s a lovely read- just not too much about mermaids. ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person