Cover Image: The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Having spied lots of excited anticipation for this debut novel on Twitter, and then having discovered that an early draft was a finalist in the MsLexia First Novel Competition, I was beyond eager to read The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock. As such, I am incredibly grateful to Vintage and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in return for an honest review.

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock opens in Deptford, South London, an area teaming with life and industry, and the backdrop to our immediate introduction to the character of widowed merchant Mr Hancock. Yet in contrast to his lively surroundings our introduction is a melancholic one as Mr Hancock is preoccupied with visions of his dead son Henry and wife Mary. This melancholic introduction sets the tone for much of the novel, with this sense of melancholia only amplified as themes of desire and obsession take ever more centre stage.

Mr Hancock is only the first of a myriad cast of characters to whom we are introduced over the course of the novel. These characters range from Mr Hancock’s faithful yet headstrong niece Suki to wily brothel madam Mrs Chappell, from the enchanting courtesan Angelica Neal to the titular Mermaid herself. I wish we could have spent more time with many of the novel's peripheral characters, especially brothel girl Polly and servant Simeon, whose personal narratives encompass the issues of emancipation and racial prejudices of the period, and which I would have liked to have been explored further.

From the very beginning we are fully immersed in Georgian London, with its harsh contrasts and stark contradictions. Gower’s prose is filled with sumptuous detail, encompassing everything from clothes and texture to scent and decor, making it incredibly easy to become lost in her Georgian world.

The novel is a wonderful combination of myth, allegory and social commentary and I would especially recommend The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock to readers who enjoy a dash of magical realism to their period novels, such as in The Night Brother by Rosie Garland (also a Mslexia Prize winning author) or novels which explore the role and restrictions placed upon women in period society, such as The Fair Fight by Anna Freeman, also set in Georgian London.

Based on The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock I for one can’t wait to read more from debut author Imogen Hermes Gower.

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock is set to be released in hardback on January 25th 2018.

Was this review helpful?

This has been one of my most anticipated reads for 2018. As a fan of historical fiction, I was excited that Imogen Hermes Gowar has chosen to set her tale in the 18th century London and her description of the town and its people is colourful, atmospheric and drew me right in.

The story is sold as a mix of historical fiction with magical realism and yes, there is some magical realism but that really only occurs at the end of the book (as in the last 15%) and is what ultimately brought this book down a little bit for me, as it felt slightly crammed in and rushed.

Overall, I have to say though, that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters have followed me around and when I was not reading the book I was thinking about it. I thought, the author did a good job in describing the diversity in 18th century London, especially with slaves from the former American colonies settling in London after the American Independence. However, it also felt that it was in there because it wanted to be diverse, but this did not matter to me, because it is important to demonstrate that history is not just white.

Some people may not like the very descriptive and explicit sex scenes at the beginning of the book, but the tone changes throughout as Angelica Neale's life changes, again, I thought the author did that very well.

Overall, an excellent debut, shame about the ending.

Was this review helpful?

Set in 18th century London, Angelica Neal is a courtesan in the keeping of a rich, middle aged Duke. However,there was no contract to this arrangement, so when he died, Angelica was left destitute and her only option was to become a prostitute.
Jonah Hancock is a sea captain, whose wife died in childbirth,with the baby boy. One of his captains returns from a long voyage with a mermaid in his possession , the plan is to exhibit this creature around the country and make their fortunes. Due to some surprising twists of fate, Jonah offers to pay all Angelica's bills and she asks him to marry her, she craves security and a proper income. When a second mermaid is captured and kept by Jonah, feelings of misery,coldness and desperation emanate and start to destroy any happiness felt by the couple. Angelica decides that in order to return to her previous state of happiness and contentment, the mermaid has to go.
I read this story as a tale of morality, and the acceptance of ones lifestyle and station is worth fighting for. Balance and harmony will only be restored with the death of the mermaid,there is much superstition about the evil that such creatures bring to mortals.
A interesting read, full of historical detail and the social climate regarding courtesans and their protectors. The mermaid was not along the lines of the Disney creation of Ariel, but was a monster with sharp pointed teeth that spread feelings of misery and despair. I liked this book,but don't think I enjoyed it as much as I wanted to. More social history than a story, at times dry and hard going, but still an unusual read. I have posted this review on Goodreads today.

Was this review helpful?

This debut atmospheric historical fiction by Imogen Hermes Gowar is an enthralling tale set in 18th century London, where much is in flux with the world irrevocably changing culturally and so much that is new is being introduced to society such as the tantalising strange foods. It should be made clear the fantasy element suggested by the mermaid in the title stays in the background until the latter stages of the story. It is 1785, and John Hancock, merchant, frets over the possible loss of one of his ships. A captain of one of his ship's informs him excitedly that he has sold his ship to purchase a 'mermaid', a dead thing with the tail of a fish and the body of a monkey. Initially Hancock feels it is of precious little value only to find he is mistaken and off the mark.

There are widespread rumours and curiosity for the weird 'mermaid' and people are willing to pay to see it. Hancock finds himself in a scenario he never expected to be in, he comes to enter a wider society and connects with elements of London he has no experience of. He meets the most famous courtesan in London, Angelica Neal, and an unconventional romance blossoms between the odd couple. However, their path to true love is littered with obstacles. It is said that the power of mermaids is to destroy, but is this so? The role and magic of the mermaid becomes central closer to end of the novel. Gowar's prose is beautiful, overflowing with wonderful descriptions and rich period details. London is evoked brilliantly with its changes in society, the theatres, the brothels, the coffee houses, the villainy, the dangers, the dirt and the stench. This is not a perfect book by any stretch of the imagination, but I loved reading it, finding myself immersed in the world created by Gowar. A great read! Many thanks to Random House Vintage for an ARC.

Was this review helpful?

SO much promise, but what is did deloiver was SOOOOO SLOOOOOOOOOOW it really lost impact. I have always been more engaged by a string narrative than simply beautiful prose, and this book really relies hevailly on the latter. So while some people will love it, its not for me... (posted on goodreads)

Was this review helpful?

The story is set in the 18th century, and the descriptions of London at that time are wonderful. The author has clearly done a lot of research on what it was like at that time.

The characters in the book are well-written and interesting, and not just the main ones. I was fully immersed in their stories.

The book is a little slow in the beginning, but stick with it and you won’t be able to put it down.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Superlative immersive historical fiction! Loved it. The writing was evocative with details of sights, sounds, behaviours and vocabulary of the age. There was no way for me to predict how events would turn out, but it was a wonderful read. Heartily recommended to lovers of (Georgian) historical fiction.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is a book that has left me with mixed feelings. Some of the passages demand to be read and reread, they are so beautifully written. There is great detail about 18th century London and I felt like I was given a good insight into this period. I devoured the first two-thirds of this book but found the final third to be hard going. The ending was a little flat for me and didn't deliver on the premise. I was expecting a little more magical realism, and the title led me to believe that there would be a 'Mrs Hancock' a lot earlier in the book. I also found myself wondering what happened to some of the more interesting secondary characters like Polly. Overall, an interesting and beautifully written book but I would have liked more from the ending. If I could give half stars this would be three and a half stars.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book, both for the portrayal of Regency England through ‘ordinary folk’ and the fantasy elements around the idea of the mermaid. It admirably portrayed the endeavours of people trying to make their way in the world as best they can, surviving by whatever means available to them, hoping for love and happiness along the way – but not really expecting it to come along.

First we meet Mr Hancock, owner of a shipping vessel, anxiously awaiting its return so he can pay back his investors including friends and family, and avail himself of the hoped-for profits of the voyage. He is a lonely man living with his young niece and a servant, but filled with dreams of his (deceased) wife, the son they lost and the life they could have had together.

Next is Angelica Neal, renowned courtesan and social presence, and her down to earth ‘aide’ Mrs Frost. Angelica’s last benefactor has passed on and she has found herself in a bit of a no-woman’s land, with no income but definitely intent on not returning to her former ‘abbess’ - Mrs Chappell’s house, and former life in the (albeit high-class) bawdy house. She is casting about desperately for a means of income by which she can keep her independence and social standing.

Mr Hancock’s Captain returns with strange and earth shattering news – and accompanied by something that will change Mr Hancock’s life forever. Angelica meanwhile falls in love with a total ‘bounder’, who avoids making ‘a formal settlement’ for her. Totally overcome by emotion, she is unwilling to listen to the advice of her aide, Mrs Frost who warns against him.

I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone but the 2 main characters pull you into their lives and you really want them to find happiness- even the initially superficial Angelica. The subject matter is highly unusual and the attention to Regency period detail; food, clothes, speech, social attitudes, etiquette and how others prey on the more vulnerable (with outwardly respectable appearances) plus the detail of some goings-on/events of high classed bawdy houses is fascinating. The moral character of our leading man is clear and admirable. It is beautifully written and just flows, carrying you forward effortlessly. It’s partly a dreamy book with fantastical elements, but also harsh realities and sinister threats which threaten the so hoped-for peace and contentment the characters seek. Two thirds of the way through I was desperate for a happy ending! I will definitely be looking out for any other books by Imogen Hermes Gower – who gets my highest compliments for an absolute delight of a book! I also need to read the (anticipated) sequel - Polly's tale, please!

Was this review helpful?

3.5*

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock, Imogen Hermes Gowar’s assured debut novel, is set in Georgian London and its environs. Its plot centres around two protagonists and the worlds they inhabit –so distant despite being geographically close. On the one hand there is merchant and businessman Joshua Hancock, a rather dull widower who rarely strays away from his home and his office, despite the fact that his ships sail the seven seas. On the other hand there is young courtesan Angelica Neal, one of the finest ‘graduands’ of Mrs Chappell’s famous ‘nunnery’ and a favourite amongst high-class clients. The novel tells their story and how a mermaid will join their destinies. As the book progresses, we also realise that the worlds of merchant and courtesan might not be as different as may appear and unlikely parallels start to surface.

Let’s get some clarifications out of the way. This book is not primarily about mermaids, although it deals with more than one of them (both literally and figuratively). Moreover, although it does have a fantastical element to it, it is a “supernatural novel” only in a half-hearted way. In this regard, it reminded me somewhat of Eleanor Catton’s Booker-Prize-winning The Luminaries, which also relied on otherwordly elements in the plot without actually feeling like a work of “supernatural fiction”. To be fair, this is not the only quality which put me in mind of “The Luminaries” and there are a number of positive elements which “The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock” shares not just with that book, but also with other great works of historical fiction. In particular, I was struck by the effect of “total immersion” which the book gives the reader. The historical context is evidently well researched and conveyed in the greatest of detail. There are lengthy descriptions which brilliantly evoke the atmosphere of 18th Century London, with its sights, sounds and smells. The author also gets the hang of the style of novels of the epoch, such that both the narration and the dialogue feel convincing and authentic. The various secondary characters are also drawn in significant detail with their backstories deftly dovetailed into the main storyline.

Whilst appreciating the evident quality of the book I found it rather difficult to actually love the novel. At times I felt as if the main elements of the plot were not remarkable enough to justify the length of the book and some of the scenes (I’m thinking for instance of several paragraphs describing Mrs Chappell clumsy attempts at using a chamber-pot in a carriage) could have been excised without losing the thrust of the novel. Another issue I had was with some of the characters (including the protagonists) who seem to make decisions decidedly at odds with what the reader is led to expect from them.

That said, this looks set to be one of the remarkable debuts of the coming months, and deservedly so. I certainly look forward to more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

A very atmospheric and enthralling historical novel about a man who seeks to fill the emptiness in his life with wonder and beauty, which almost becomes his downfall.

Jonah Hancock is a middle aged widower, an 18th century merchant and not taken to flights of fancy. He could be said to be staid and unimaginative. But when he is offered a chance to accrue riches beyond his dreams by gambling his fortunes on the ownership of a curiosity, a strange thing found on a fated sea voyage which he is assured is that mythical beast - a mermaid, he acts out of character and sets in motion a series of events which ARE about to change his life, just perhaps not in the way he could have imagined.

Persuaded that the way to recoup any losses invested in this awful and frightening denizen of the deep is to display it in public, eventually brings onto his radar the beautiful and capricious Angelica, a courtesan of some repute, her shallowness and flightiness is the opposite of his dull, ponderous nature yet opposites attract for many reasons and the pair are destined to become a mismatched couple. But the mermaid which brought them together may be the very thing which rips them apart and becomes an obsession which can only lead to heartache for one or both of them.

It is a story of relationships and greed, loneliness and desperation and the lengths people can be pushed to. It is a character driven story and those characters are not wholly likeable, they develop and chnage so much a complete metamorphosis of their natures takes place which is a little hard to come to grips with, but understandable when you appreciate their circumstances.

This book is not quite what I expected, the characters are quite flawed and entirely disparate, yet the story is a compelling one, although it does drag quite dreadfully in the middle It meanders and rambles and eventually gets us to where we want to be. Yet, its very descriptive and engaging and for anyone who enjoys a historical tale with a difference this is a great read.

Was this review helpful?

I was initially pretty keen to get stuck into this but it soon became apparent that this wasn’t the magical realism I was expecting/ hoping but more of a historical romance .The author is obviously very talented and brings the period to life but I found it over descriptive, slow and hard going.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

In this historical novel, Jonah Hancock, a widowed merchant, comes into possession of a dead mermaid. While trying to find a way to make money of this, he crosses paths with Angelica Neal, a courtesan whose protector has unexpectately died.

My thoughts on this are very complicated. I don't think I have been this unsure how to rate a book this year yet. Therefore, here are my thoughts, first in listform and then more elaborate:

Pros:

mesmerizing language
wonderful description
immersive setting
unpredictable plot

Cons:

glacial pacing
characters
meandering plot.

This is one of the most beautifully written books I have read this year. Imogen Hermes Gowar has a brillint way with words and I love how immersive her setting is. I could picture every single thing she describes, from the shipyards, to the brothels, to the houses of the rich and the houses of the merchants, to the parks and alleys. The dresses and the way people looked came alive in her description and this made for a vivid reading experience.

However, the pacing was glacial and the plot meandering. Told in third person from numerous perspectives, I am quite unsure what the main story was supposed to be. (Jonah Hancock and his niece and sister and their relationships are one focus of this work, Angelica Neal and her confidante another, her relationship with another suitor the third, Mrs Chappell and her prostitutes another, then there is a the subplot of Polly, one of Mrs Chappell's black prostitutes and how she is treated for being such, then the search for another mermaid and so on and so forth.) While plenty of these perspectives could have been interesting we often did not spend enough time with these people for them to come alive. The two main protagonists, Jonah and Angelica, also stayed undefined for me. Especially Angelica was hard to root for in the first half of the book, although she did grow on me in the end. I wish the plotting had been tighter or (and I cannot believe I am saying this about a 500-page long book) the book longer. I would have liked more closure on some of these storylines (especially Polly's!).

Ultimately, what will stick with me is the unbelievably beautiful writing. While long stretches were excruciatingly boring there was never a moment where Imogen Hermes Gowar was not in perfect command of her language. This alone is enough for me to be excited about what she will do next.

Was this review helpful?

First things first: I did not finish this book. I actually didn't got very far...
From the cover and the blurb I expected something differently and am ashamed to admit that I didn't got through. I tried tho.
I'm sure this book will find it's audiance, especially with the serpent essex and Miniaturist being so popular. It will sell.
The writing wasn't my cup of tea. I got headaches quiet fast with this title... Which is sad, as I loved the amount of detail she put in it.
I wish the author a huge succes. Sorry I'm not the targeted audience.

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately this story is written in present tense and like most books that are written this way, the prose feels stilted and doesn't flow well, plus the tenses get confused when referring to something that happened in the story's past. It's a shame as it had the potential to be really good. People who don't mind reading in present tense may enjoy it more than I was able to. I also had the impression from the description that it would be about a live mermaid rather than an artefact, but I won't blame the author for my expectations being other than what the story was really about.

A merchant, Jonah Hancock, learns that his agent has sold his ship to buy a mermaid. His ship! His means of livelihood!

He is given no choice but to begin a new career in exhibiting what would be considered the body of a freak of nature. It isn't what he wants to do, but it will take him into some unexpected adventures.

The characters were depicted well in this and the plot had some interesting twists and turns, but I found it hard going because of the present tense writing. It just doesn't work for me and I know a lot of other people are the same, so why do recent writers keep doing it? Anyway, I'm giving it 3 stars because I think this author could write well and the plot did have some interesting aspects.

Was this review helpful?

Merchants, mystery and mermaids....what’s not to like!? Now, this book is not as focused on the mermaid as you might think from the blurb but take the mermaid as a mystery in the background which draws the world of traders and courtesans together then you have the full focus of a historically intriguing read.

The author has a knack for evoking London of the 1700s. The ships in the dock, the stench of the streets, the glamour of the courtesans, the theatres and then there’s the mermaid. Such a discovery and a source of amazement. Pineapple was hailed as a new wonder at the time so the mermaid takes their breath away

The mermaid is the link between two worlds - fact and fiction, rich and poor, man and woman, the world of business and that of make believe. From this wonder, the romance between two very different characters swims between two worlds not linked until now.

The mermaid is not just a creature of intrigue, it’s a symbol for so much more. How London was changing, people within and how the world was becoming smaller with ships exchanging goods from one world to the other, and the people in it players in the theatre of its day.

This isn’t a fantasy novel about a mermaid as the blurb suggests, but an insight into a world where marvel and mystery was opening up, knocking down borders, bringing new cultures and foods to new markets and the marvels of what can happen when two worlds collide, and the awe and mystery of a mermaid cast into a love affair with magic at its heart.

Was this review helpful?

I find myself in two minds about this novel, the first from the author. There is some really enjoyable writing and phrases which fit with the historic setting (Georgian England). Some of the characters and settings are very well described. However I am not sure whether the intention is to create a historical fantasy or a historical romance. Despite the titular mermaid I do not think the novel works as a fantasy tale. The relationship between Angelica and Mr Hancock does work but I was left disappointed overall by not knowing what happened to some of the other interesting characters including Polly and the ship's captain. I felt as if the author herself had found it a problem to come to a narrative resolution for the many characters she had introduced and so left their fates to be decided by the reader. I would look out for future writing from Imogen Hermes Gowar as I enjoyed much of the writing in this book.

Was this review helpful?

I think I was expecting more from this than delivered - and I don't think that's entirely the books fault. I was expecting magical realism, fantasy and mermaids based on the blurb. What I got was a well written historical romance novel, steeped in descriptive prose that felt a little flat to me.

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock follows a humble merchant and his love for a courtesan, whom he meets after a chance encounter with a mermaid.

Jonah was a little dull in character, and felt as though he was severally lacking in any emotional depth (and backbone). Angelica, our courtesan, in comparison is scatty and all over the place. I wasn't keen on her characterization either, as she felt so different to Jonah, and I couldn't really understand her interest in him at all.

The pace is agonizingly slow, and the romance takes a long time to develop. I understand that the constraints of the time meant a romance of this nature would be upheld with trepidation and many longing glances - but unfortunately I felt it meandered too much before anything really happens. The ending, although it took a long time to get to, also left a lot of loose story lines which annoyed me.

I really didn't get what I expected out of this unfortunately. If it was targeted more as a historical romance it would perhaps find a better audience.

Was this review helpful?

Beautifully written, but the author needed a firmer hand in the storyline development!

I was immediately taken by this novel, as the writing is so fine. The black and white of life in the late 18th century is well drawn. it was a very different time and the fear of poverty and all that brings was always close to the surface. If you read this story as a social commentary, there is much to be learned and taken from it.

Had the novel simply revolved around the story of Mr Hancock and the beautiful courtesan Angelica Neal, I would have rated this far higher I think. As it stands, the novel is an odd mix of fantasy and reality that just doesn't quite gel. By volume 3 the story is descending into a whole other genre, fantasy, and this is in itself very well done, but by this stage all I wanted was a resolution to all the loose ends.

Volume 3 has a darkness to it and a creeping sense of concern about what might happen to characters we have come to truly like, but it comes to rather a rushed close, all problems rather too easily resolved and moved on from. Loose ends still abound, although our hero and heroine look set to walk into the sunset hand in hand.

I wish that the author had simply chosen to stay within the bounds of storytelling within this fascinating historical era without trying to mix in the stuff of fantasy and legend. She clearly knows enough to have managed this and her writing style is truly beautiful; a firmer editorial hand for her next novel, I hope.

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautiful debut novel with lyrical prose and a hypnotising story.
The novel is set in the 18th century and follows various plot threads, Mr Hancock trying to make his fortune with a "mermaid", an ex-courtesan and widow at the turning point in her life.
Now, if you're expecting a supernatural folklore tale about a real mermaid, you'll be disappointed. I must admit I was sad there was no live mermaids in this novel, but the narrative more than makes up for it.
This book is predominantly a historical fiction novel, and although there is head nod towards fantasy.
The book is well written, with great character development, and atmospheric descriptions.
Beguiling characters and beautiful language, makes for an interesting and enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?