Books
by Imogen Hermes Gowar
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The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock |
Set in 18th century London this novel opens in Mr Hancock's Deptford household but soon we are immersed in the bawdy, perilous lives of Soho courtesans after an unlikely find at sea brings them together. The story moves quickly with wonderful, atmospheric language and witty dialogue and the hopes and insecurities of the times are made very real. There is a dark, uneasy element too. I wasn't convinced by the end but it kept me guessing, made me chuckle often and I raced through it.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 90 Autumn 2018) |
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