Mary Wollstonecraft was a British writer, philosopher and one of the very first to advocate openly for women’s rights in the late 1700’s. After leaving home and a violent alcoholic father Mary found trust in one London publisher who introduced Mary and her work to the literary world at large, a closed door to women at the time. Experiencing poverty, pregnancy out of wedlock and Paris’s Reign of Terror Mary Wollstonecraft, way ahead of her time, spent her short life championing education and equality for women. Mary Shelley, celebrated author of Frankenstein, never knew her mother but discovered a lifetime of guidance through her intelligent and often scandalous words. She grew up craving her father’s attention and fell in love with Percy Shelley, a poet who turned her world upside down. Mother and daughter express their philosophical thoughts and emotions through pen and paper at a time when women had virtually no voice or vote, when women were completely dependent on their male counterparts. Mary and Mary both led extremely uncommon and unconventional lives that were criticized and often dangerous but slowly forced change within their conformist society. Narrated through their personal loves and professional endeavors we travel back in time to understand and witness these trailblazing women whose shoulders we now stand on. Highly recommend this easy to read compelling work of historical fiction. Perfect for Women’s History Month!

Eh, time for my unpopular opinion hat again, as this didn't work for me. It was a combination of women's fiction and historical fiction, woven with a majority of historical accuracy, but no small amount of conjecture.

I'm a nerd for Mary Shelley, and therefore have ended up down many Wikipedia rabbit holes or watching biopics, such that a lot of this was old ground for me to tread. I've also read Wollstonecraft's work, which I was not as impressed with as I thought I'd be, and was already familiar with much of her circumstances too. And I find historical fiction that is written as if true very misleading; my personality wants to believe all of it or nothing, so ~imaginings of what could have been are really not my thing. I think I missed the bottom line of this being fiction when I took the ARC. I quit about a third of the way in.

Nevertheless, the writing is beautiful and reads as very true to the eras presented. There is clearly a lot of research put into this work, and I was even inspired by different bits of information, like the mentioning of Godwin's published work on Wollstonecraft, to look into reading other material.

I do also feel the book would benefit from content warnings, as it opens with Wollstonecraft taking refuge from paternal alcoholic violence and domestic abuse at home, and reference to violence against an animal. It hit too close to home for this reader.

A well done book, but not something I felt entertained or extremely interested to read. Three stars for its objective value as a lens to analyze the two Marys.

This book is told from two different points of view the first is Mary Shelly and the second is her mother Mary Walstonburg. The Young Mary is reading her mother‘s books trying to know her better while the older Mary is trying to know herself and creating a new definition for women’s roles in society. I found this book to be so good and now that I know Stephanie Marie Thorton has written other books in the same vein I am definitely going to get one after I post this review. I didn’t know Mary Shelley‘s mother was also a writer and not just a writer but I provocative one who not only said the daring things but also did daring things like going to France during the revolution. We find out the older Mary was running from an abusive father and this is how she found herself in London looking for a publicist. She would find one in Mr. Joseph Johnson, he would tnot only be her friend but her advocate and her ticket to other like-minded people. Her daughter would take a very different course because she had a loving father and the abuse would come from her in the form of a scandal. She also figured she would die young like her mother did during childbirth. Although their laws were very different in ways there are quite similar and it all makes for a very interesting story. As I said I didn’t know merry Walstonburg was an author but I will definitely look to read her books especially her first one about women’s roles in the 1800s but having said that ased for this book you should definitely read it I absolutely loved it! If you love historical fiction especially about real historical characters that keep close to the true facts you need to read Her Lost Words by Stephanie Marie Thorton. Finding this author in her catalog was like having Christmas in March. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I was drawn to this book by the subjects: Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Two such fascinating women who left lasting marks on writing, feminism and literature. The book goes between the two and traces their journeys through life and writing. The characters come to life and I enjoyed seeing the parallels between the women but also the differences. An excellent read.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review, All opinions are my own.
Her Lost Words is a great fictional companion to the double biography, Romantic Outlaws, from a few years back, which also appears in the recommended reading at the end of this book. Both books follow Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley in alternating chapters, highlighting the myriad parallels in their lives, in spite of the fact that it was Shelley’s birth that was the catalyst for Wollstonecraft’s death. While taking some liberties, Stephanie Marie Thornton examines the lives of her two subjects and how both were impacted by tragedy and loss.
I loved the exploration of young Mary Godwin/Shelley’s childhood growing up in the shadow of her mother’s legacy, not having known her, yet still being impacted by the belief she couldn’t surpass her (even believing they would die at the same age). Her father, William Godwin, being so devastated by the loss of his wife, had shut the door on his past and didn’t share much of that with her, and she has a somewhat strained relationship with her stepmother, Jane, and her relationship with her stepsister, Claire is complex, especially as both Percy Shelley and Lord Byron enter the picture.
But while I knew the basics, I loved seeing how things developed from Mary’s perspective. While Percy isn’t the perfect man by any means, especially as he left his pregnant wife for Mary, he ended up sticking by her until the end, even as they faced numerous other setbacks and tragedies. And to have her having a heart-to-heart with her father after losing Percy?! That was beautiful!
Jane was definitely a surprise by the end. Her marriage to William was one for convenience and security, and I always got the impression she and Mary didn’t get along, and it was like Cinderella and her stepmother to an extent. But the latter part of the novel really fleshed her out, with Mary also really getting to know Jane and how she felt about marrying William and living with the giant legacy that was Mary Wollstonecraft, and it’s only now that the two really get along.
As for Mary Wollstonecraft’s storyline, she’s an interesting study in contradictions, as she is both working within the Enlightenment movement, but also governed by deep emotions which cause many of her troubles. A lot of the art of her narrative is seeing the parallels with her daughter’s story, like how her ill-fated love affair and child out of wedlock with Gilbert Imlay are echoed by her daughter’s affair with Percy while he is still married, or Claire’s affair with the philandering Lord Byron. The subsequent losses, including Mary W’s death paralleling Percy’s, also echo each other.
But one of the bright spots of the Wollstonecraft timeline, even if it does end tragically, is the beautiful slow-burn romance between her and William Godwin. To see how they go from not liking each other on first meeting to becoming reacquainted after Mary has been abandoned by Imlay, and seeing how things have changed so they’re now well suited for each other, is super sweet. And while both of them are idealistically against the institution of marriage, I love the moment where he brings it up to her; it’s such a modest, yet romantic proposal. And then, there’s the inclusion of their real letters to each other when they were briefly parted! Chef’s freaking kiss!
On the whole, this book highlights the lives of a mother and daughter whose contributions to literature and claims to fame couldn’t be more different on the surface, but had surprisingly similar inner lives. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of the works of either woman, or to anyone who enjoys women-centric historical fiction.

A mother before her time forging a path for women and a daughter who only knew her mother through her writings. ''Her Lost Words" is a riveting historical novel bringing to life legendary feminist author Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Shelley. Page-turning, heartwarming and heartbreaking, A read not to be missed.

Thank you #NetGalley #HerLostWords

At this time, Her Lost Words is in my DNF pile. I am struggling to read and enjoy it. I cannot connect with the characters. In a while, I will pick it up again and try to read it again. If I get better results I will update my review. In the meantime, I am not going to post my review to booksites.

I am a HUGE fan of Stephanie's and hate that I could not get into this book at this time.

"From A Vindication of the Rights of Woman to Frankenstein, a tale of two literary legends - a mother and daughter - discovering each other and finding themselves along the way, from USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Marie Thornton.

1792. As a child, Mary Wollstonecraft longed to disappear during her father's violent rages. Instead, she transforms herself into the radical author of the landmark volume A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, in which she dares to propose that women are equal to men. From conservative England to the blood-drenched streets of revolutionary France, Mary refuses to bow to society's conventions and instead supports herself with her pen until an illicit love affair challenges her every belief about romance and marriage. When she gives birth to a daughter and is stricken with childbed fever, Mary fears it will be her many critics who recount her life's extraordinary odyssey...

1818. The daughter of infamous political philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft, passionate Mary Shelley learned to read by tracing the letters of her mother's tombstone. As a young woman, she desperately misses her mother's guidance, especially following her scandalous elopement with dashing poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Mary struggles to balance an ever-complicated marriage with motherhood while nursing twin hopes that she might write something of her own one day and also discover the truth of her mother's unconventional life. Mary's journey will unlock her mother's secrets, all while leading to her own destiny as the groundbreaking author of Frankenstein.

A riveting and inspiring novel about a firebrand feminist, her visionary daughter, and the many ways their words transformed our world."

Two women who transformed the world, they just happened to be mother and daughter.

Told from the alternating points of view of feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter, Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, this novel recounts the lives of these two remarkable women, who sought education and equality at a time when that was not the norm for women. The ways in which women are mistreated is hard to read about, but it was fascinating reading about these two formidable figures.

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. As a long time fan of Stephanie Marie Thornton I was very excited to get my hands on her latest volume of historical fiction. This novel did not disappoint!

As brilliant as "American Princess," and vividly rendered for the page. Normally I don't care for historical fiction that swaps back and forth between two different characters in two different time periods, but in this case I was spellbound. I could easily follow the storyline, and empathized with both characters equally. This is such an incredible achievement, which is so often beyond the skill level of most authors that attempt this duality storyline.

I was mesmerized and enjoyed myself immensely in learning about these two women, they are truly giants in history who deserve far more credit than they receive from modern historians and feminists. Although I was fairly knowledgeable of the life & works of both women before I read this novel, I still learned a great deal. I feel that this stunning novel only brings greater light to the achievements that these women both made in such a difficult era.

Definitely make sure to read this novel as soon as you can!

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of this book!

I really enjoyed this book. I feel like it is a wonderful juxtaposition of the relationships between mothers and daughters as well as relationships in general. I found this to be a really unique historical fiction book, and I personally enjoyed the aspects that focused on the paths the women at the center of the story trailblazed for me!

This book tells the story of mother and daughter, and the journeys they both took to become the women that stood out in history. I found the writing engaging, and it pulled me into the story from the beginning. It made the story go by so fast! I did not want to put his book down because I was 100% hooked.

I also thoroughly enjoy stories about historical women and the steps they took that made a space for me in today's world, and I truly feel that this story pays a wonderful homage to these two women.

Overall, this is a nicely done historical fiction that packs a powerful punch. I highly recommend it!

Thank you for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4⭐️

Is there a point in time you would like to visit?

I honestly don’t think I would. I’ve read so much history and historical fiction that I am find leaving the past in the past. HA

This book is a tale of two literary legends – Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter, Mary Shelley. Mary Wollstonecraft escaped her father’s abusive household and set off on a life of her own while becoming a political philosopher. She didn’t bow to society’s expectations and supported herself. Unfortunately, she dies during childbirth. Her daughter, years later, Mary desperately misses the mother she never had. She ends up falling and making a life with a married Poet. As Mary struggles with motherhood she starts writing a groundbreaking novel, Frankenstein.

There was something about this writing that drew me in and held my attention. However, it was very confusing to have both characters names Mary. While I understand that in real life they were both named Mary, the author points out in the back of the novel that she has taken liberties with some of the names to make it less confusing! I did find the story interesting and well thought out. The writing was beautiful and well done.

It’s always wonderful reading about strong women throughout history – without them we would not have the liberties we do today. So for that I am thankful I read this book. This was a solid read, and I would recommend it.

This one is out March 28th!

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent story about Mary Wollstonecraft - feminist author and her daughter Mary Shelley author of Frankenstein - fascinating and a page turner - as Mary S. Learns what an amazing woman her mother was - in the thick of the French Revolution, an outcast and a free thinker! Highly recommend

This was really well done, I enjoyed going on this journey with the famous mother and daughter. Stephanie Marie Thornton wrote this in a way that worked with the real people and the time-period. I enjoyed every part of the story that was going on. It had what I was hoping for in a historical novel. I look forward to reading more from Stephanie Marie Thornton.

"Mary reread her most recent sentences. Instead of having her inventor regard his completed work with pride—as she was sure Shelley and Byron would have done—she planned to have him abandon his creation of human petrification in horror. Mary understood all too well Frankenstein’s creation, his anger and abject sadness at being abandoned. Her own life informed his deepest fears and loneliness. No father to watch my infant days, no mother to bless me with smiles or caresses . . ."

This is a wonderful historical novel about literary legends, mother and daughter who changed their worlds and ultimately us. I found it intriguing and so interesting. Kudos to the author for bringing their lives to life for modern day readers.

I began reading this book with little to no knowledge of Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollstonecraft. Now, on the other side of the novel, I am humbled and amazed by the lives these trailblazing women led.
So much heartache,struggle,pain and love.
What a monumental task Stephanie Marie Thornton undertook writing this novel; condensing two monumental lives into one readable book. Considering all of the Marys,Janes,Clara's and Harriet's of the time Thornton does a remarkable keeping characters, thoughts and timeliness well written and clear to the reader.
For those with prior knowledge of the lives of these two Marys this book may simply be a refresher and you may pick up on a bit of creative license by the author; which is explained in the "Author's Note" section .
However, if like myself, you are fairly unaware of the back stories for these two trailblazers, this book is a must read!
Very eye opening and inspiring.
Thank you Stephanie Marie Thornton for this peek into the world of the Wollcraftstone/Shelley world.

What a feast for the mind! Stephanie Marie Thornton has previously brought real-life heroines as different as Alice Roosevelt and Jacqueline Kennedy to life in her novels. In Her Lost Words, she does perfect credit to the worlds of seminal feminist Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter, science fiction novelist Mary Godwin-Shelley.

We learn immediately about what a rough life Mary Wollstonecraft had – the horrors of child abuse marked her early, and the sight of her mother being abused by her father helped shape her own beliefs about free love and open marriages. She believes in political revolution, and literally sneaks into France to watch a rebellion in progress. But she still yearns for romance.

Her daughter, meanwhile, is filled with passionate longing for the brooding but dramatic Percy Bysshe Shelley. She becomes caught up in his dramatic world, running away with her half-sister only to fall into the arms of Byronic debauchery. Amid creditors, horrible disasters and the loss of many children, she begins to carve out a literary history for herself, and finds herself reckoning with her mother’s ghost.

The narrative perfectly balances the story of mother and daughter, with Mary learning about the mother she never knew through autobiographical entries and her published works. Mary forges her own happiness through sheer determination, and has to battle everything from Percy’s impracticality to the morality of the world around them. Ultimately, she finds solace in art, and in her surviving child.

There’s a lot of beauty to be had here, as well as many dark times, and in terms of the prose, here isn’t a single misstep. While I found Thornton’s take on Alice Roosevelt inferior to other fictional versions of her, this is a flawless novel, and astonishingly good. Each heartbreak is dealt with minus melodrama, and each dramatic moment handled with intelligent sincerity.

The ouroboros of love - and of sadness – that links Mary to her mother is one anyone with a connection to their mother can relate to. This is an excellent take on both women’s lives. Pick up Her Lost Words. You will not regret it.

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Mary Wollstonecraft, author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman along with a number of additional life=changing works, was a woman so ahead of her time that her life was fraught with danger and suffering. Through it all, she never gave in to her solid belief that women were so much more than wives and mothers. Her daughter, Mary Godwin Shelley, author of Frankenstein and additional works, never knew her firebrand mother; yet she continued in the vain of writing as a lasting record of what could be through her loving marriage to Percy Bysshe Shelley.
These characters are unforgettable and include writer and poet Lord Byron, all with such strong personalities that the triumphs and tragedies of their lives are constantly pondered and evaluated. The settings are varied and are woven seamlessly into this continuing saga.
Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Godwin Shelley come alive in alternating chapters as the reader focuses on the intertwining of these two women who never had the privilege to know each other yet at times appear as one.
Also included are quotes from the works of Wollstonecraft, Mary Shelley, William Godwin, Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, adding such authenticity to this remarkable examination of amazing lives filled with ideals.

Really enjoyed reading this novelization o these two barrier-breaking females figures that I’ve long admired/been intrigued by. I didn’t know much more than what I’d read about these two on Wikipedia before, so dipping into this novel felt like an immersive adventure. That said, the story moved slower in some parts, and I found them certain sections less engaging than others (but such is real life too!)