The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock cover art

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock

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The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock

By: Imogen Hermes Gowar
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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About this listen

Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar, read by Juliet Stevenson.

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 meeting will steer both their lives onto a dangerous new course - one 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 spellbinding 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.

©2018 Imogen Hermes Gowar (P)2018 Random House Audiobooks Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Magical Realism Sea Adventures Adventure Heartfelt Mind-bending Feel-Good

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Critic reviews

"A cracking historical novel... The story is by turns intriguing, touching, funny, sad and heartwarming. It will make you laugh and it may make you cry.... The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock is superb." ( The Times)
"A marvellous, high-energy, inventive romp through Georgian society. Rich in delicious period detail and written with a wickedly observant eye, the path of this unlikely romance leads down some unexpected byways to give a fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable reading treat." ( Daily Mail)
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Blown away by this. Or should that be swept away? What a heroine! Cannot recommend this highly enough.

Wonderful story, fantastic characters, great narration

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I often choose a book just because the title fascinates me, as I did with this one, and I'm so glad! You know that moment when the story finishes and you feel bereft? This is one of those.

Unexpectedly delughtful!

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A perplexing read....so brilliant in places, so irritating in others. It seems to have been written in well spaced instalments with very different moods behind them. Don’t be too alarmed by the pornographic chapter it doesn’t reoccur thank goodness.
I think this clever, gifted author is one to watch; she has created some wonderful personalities in this book.

Promising

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What did you like most about The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock?

The attention to historic detail and the beautiful use of language with Juliet Stevenson reading all the characters so well.

What other book might you compare The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock to, and why?

Its comparable to any great classic in English Literature. I can't wait for her next book. This is a truly great writer.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I enjoyed every scene. The descriptive detail and the storytelling is just superb.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I've finished the book but I keep returning to it to listen to chapters over again.

BRILLIANT! A GREAT STORY WELL READ

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I absolutely loved this book! The characters were charming and rounded and the storyline involving. The feeling of period was masterful, the reading superb - all in all the whole experience was a delight!

A complete delight!

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Very well written, it drew me in with its seductive descriptions of its characters. The narrators voice was like melted chocolate, loved her and loved the book.

Excellent

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I absolutely loved this debut novel, it is very well written with some wonderful description and humour. initially I had no idea where the story line was going, judging by the title but be patient, it's a fantastic read.

Georgian London - scandal, sailors and secrets

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I found it difficult to get into this book, however I persevered and enjoyed the second half much more.

Ok

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I really enjoyed this book, as always Juliet Stevenson's narration is spot on. The characterisation is wonderful and I really adored all of the characters. It had a bit of a lull two thirds in where I lost interest a little but overall I really enjoyed it!

Wonderfully Likeable Characters

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Just loved this, I picked it as it was narrated by Juliet Stevenson, it's brilliant!

A fabulous tale!

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