The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock
The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Brief
496
Novel • Fiction
London • 1780s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar, set in 1785 London, follows Jonah Hancock, a merchant who acquires a mermaid corpse and exhibits it for profit, intertwining his fate with Angelica Neal, a courtesan seeking a new patron after losing her previous one. As chaos ensues from the mermaid's presence, the characters' lives are significantly altered, blending historical fiction with magical realism. The book contains descriptions of depression, substance use, and racial discrimination.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
25,027 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Imogen Hermes Gowar's The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock combines rich historical detail with a touch of magical realism. Reviewers praise the vivid period atmosphere and well-crafted characters, particularly Mrs. Hancock. The novel's pacing can be erratic, and some find the plot meandering. Overall, it's a whimsical and engaging historical fiction that captures the imagination.
Who Should Read The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock?
Readers who relish historical fiction with a touch of the fantastical will adore The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar. Fans of Sarah Waters' Fingersmith and Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist will appreciate its rich 18th-century London setting and intricate character dynamics. The novel intertwines whimsical elements with social commentary.
25,027 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
496
Novel • Fiction
London • 1780s
2018
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!