'Remarkable Creatures' by Tracy Chevalier is a historical fiction novel that brings to life the story of Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot, two women who were pioneers in the field of paleontology during the 19th century. The book explores the challenges they faced as female fossil hunters, the societal expectations they defied, and the deep bond that formed between them as they navigated a male-dominated scientific community. Through alternating chapters, the voices of Mary and Elizabeth provide a rich narrative that intertwines themes of friendship, scientific discovery, societal norms, and religious beliefs. The book beautifully captures the essence of a time when the clash between science and religion was at its peak, while shedding light on the remarkable achievements of these two women.
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From The Publisher:
From the New York Times bestselling novelist, a stunning historical novel that follows the story of Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot, two extraordinary 19th century fossil hunters who changed the scientific world forever.
On the windswept, fossil-strewn beaches of the English coast, poor and uneducated Mary learns that she has a unique gift: "the eye" to spot ammonites and other fossils no one else can see. When she uncovers an unusual fossilized skeleton in the cliffs near her home, she sets the religious community on edge, the townspeople to gossip, and the scientific world alight. After enduring bitter cold, thunderstorms, and landslips, her challenges only grow when she falls in love with an impossible man.
Mary soon finds an unlikely champion in prickly Elizabeth, a middle-class spinster who shares her passion for scouring the beaches. Their relationship strikes a delicate balance between fierce loyalty, mutual appreciation, and barely suppressed envy, but ultimately turns out to be their greatest asset.
From the author of At the Edge of the Orchard and Girl With a Pearl Earring comes this incredible story of two remarkable women and their voyage of discovery.
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About the Author:
Tracy Chevalier is the New York Times bestselling author of nine previous novels, including Girl with a Pearl Earring, which has been translated into thirty-nine languages and made into an Oscar-nominated film. Born and raised in Washington, DC, she lives in…
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