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51 pages 1 hour read

Remarkable Creatures

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Tracy Chevalier

Remarkable Creatures

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lyme Regis, England • 19th Century

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier is a historical fiction novel set in 19th-century England. It follows the story of Mary Anning, a working-class woman passionate about fossil hunting, and Elizabeth Philpot, an unmarried middle-class woman. Their friendship defies societal norms as they uncover significant prehistoric fossils that challenge the religious beliefs of their village and advance the study of paleontology.

Informative

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.1

58,514 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Tracy Chevalier’s Remarkable Creatures is praised for its vivid historical setting and strong female protagonists, Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot. Readers appreciate the novel’s exploration of early 19th-century fossil hunting and gender roles. Criticisms include a slow pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it’s lauded for engaging storytelling and well-researched context.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Remarkable Creatures?

A reader who would enjoy Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier is likely a fan of historical fiction centered on groundbreaking women in science. Comparable to readers of The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert and The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, they appreciate richly detailed, character-driven narratives that highlight women's contributions against societal odds.

4.1

58,514 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Elizabeth Philpot

An intellectually curious middle-class woman who moves to Lyme Regis, where she develops a noteworthy friendship with Mary Anning over their shared passion for fossils.

A talented fossil hunter from a poor working-class background in Lyme Regis, whose discoveries challenge the scientific community and enrich the friendship she shares with Elizabeth Philpot.

Elizabeth’s youngest sister, who initially aspires to marry but later finds purpose and satisfaction in village life by creating a popular medicinal salve.

A handsome gentleman fossil collector whose interactions with Elizabeth and Mary introduce both romantic intrigue and financial support to the story.

Mary's resilient and resourceful mother, who navigates hardships while supporting her children's endeavors, especially Mary’s fossil hunting.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lyme Regis, England • 19th Century

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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