The Essex Serpent came highly recommended to me via a colleague as exactly that kind of read.
Right from the beginning I went along for the ride that Sarah Perry set up so lushly. The Victorian time frame, the hint of danger, mystery and myth as well as a full cast of engaging characters kept me engaged and eager to pick up my book at the end of each day.
As most of you know, I don't write book summaries. But if you want to know what the book is about, without actually, you know, reading it yourself, and you've managed to miss all the talk it, you can read the Goodreads blurb here.
Personally, I loved the focus on all the ways we love - parental love, friendship, the first flush of romantic love, unrequited love and the long term, loyal love of a happy marriage. Having taken the time to consider Perry's epigraph, I was conscious of her intent the whole way through and it added to me reading experience.
I found The Essex Serpent to to a warm, generous and joyous read. Highly recommended as a holiday read or for those feeling jaded and in need of a good old-fashion reading romp.
The gorgeous William Morris-esque cover, designed by Peter Dyer, was simply an added bonus every time I picked it up.
The Essex Serpent has also been read and reviewed by Simon @SavidgeReads and Cosy Books.
It was shortlisted for the 2016 Costa Novel Award and longlisted for this year's Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction.
I'm glad you enjoyed this! It sounds as though it was the perfect read for you at the moment. I agree with what you've said about the focus on different types of love - I liked that aspect of the book too.
ReplyDeleteI picked this up at the airport in Manchester, trying to get read of the last pounds in my wallet before heading home to the U.S. So glad to hear it's a good one--I loved the premise on the back cover, the title, and the cover--it's been so long since I picked up a book almost at random. "A good old-fashion reading romp" is just what I am looking for!
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