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 Magic Heartfelt Mind-bending Feel-Good Merfolk

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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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A cleverly construed story that artfully weaves an image of Georgian London's smooth sleek underbelly with threads of uncanny intrigue . A tale that glimmers and twists like an eel. The reader's narration is outstanding and the voice of each character distinct, adding inextricably to one's insight into the nature and physicality to each individual.

A tale that glimmers and twists

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is a delightful light read, not to heavy going but still full of story line.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the characters are so likeable, they seem very real.

What about Juliet Stevenson’s performance did you like?

Lovely clear speaking voice.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was a bit sad when the book ended as I enjoyed listening to it.

Any additional comments?

It is a bit saucy in places. You might want to put your ear phones on!!

Excellent

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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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The combination of a truly accomplished and lyrical writer and a totaslly committed and very talented narrator was such a pleasure that finishing it left me bereft.

Absolutely wonderful novel. The best book I have read or listened to.

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Great narration and excellent narration but would have benefited from further editing. Ending seemed rushed.

Enjoyed but felt story lost some steam towards end

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