It should go without saying that any book review carries the risk of potential spoilers - an enthusiasm for any given story might lead to accidental oversharing. I've done my best not to ruin the story for my readers in any way - but if you're concerned I might inadvertently reveal key plot points or twists, then be warned that you continue at your own risk!
As regular readers will know I write historical fiction novels, set in my hometown of Colchester, or in the wider Essex area. I have written an as yet unpublished) novel telling the story of Charlotte White of Berechurch Hall, who lived there in the first half of the 19th Century.
Click here to read more about Charlotte.
I really enjoy reading historical fiction - almost as much as I enjoy writing it. Consequently, I was excited when I heard about Sarah Perry's novel - 'The Essex Serpent'. Having seen its beautiful front cover design and knowing that it is set in my local area, it intrigued me immediately.
Set towards the end of the 19th Century, it tells the story of Cora Seaborne - recently widowed and, consequently, liberated from an unhappy home life. She moves from London to Colchester and then to the village of Aldwinter, where the superstitious residents are increasingly fearful of the Essex Serpent - a mythical creature, which many believe has returned to the area.
Cora is a very interesting character, completely at odds with what was expected of a lady in the Victorian Era and I love her for this. Her intelligence, reason and independence, in a time when patriarchy was still so prevalent, pleased me enormously.
For my own part - without wanting to give anything away - I was most fascinated by Sarah Perry's portrayal of consumption and the appearance and experience of that illness. Regular readers of this blog will know that at the very beginning of my novel 'Charlotte - The Lady in White', the protagonist has just died from consumption and it was fascinating to read the well-researched details of this illness in 'The Essex Serpent'. The descriptions of the unwell character's enhanced beauty and fragility as the disease consumed her were haunting and gave a really ethereal quality to the portrayal of what was a deadly condition. It inspired me to revisit my own novel and double check my own research.
In a more general sense, the prose in this novel is elegant and gorgeously constructed. The descriptions of the coastline around the Colne / Blackwater estuary are entirely evocative of the area. The characters are wonderfully realised and I found the story fascinating throughout. It addresses themes such as death and illness, religion vs science, friendship and love and I am very pleased to say, it surprised me at many points.
To follow Sarah Perry on Twitter, please click here
If you have not already read this novel, I thoroughly recommend it.
© Annie Bell 2018
