I enjoyed this book that was different than the generic historical fiction novel. Chevalier brings to life two women from the past: Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot, who met each other upon the beaches of Lyme Regis in England. The subject matter may not appeal to some as this isn't the usual novel of women in the 19th century being kept from true love by their circumstances but eventually overcoming all obstacles to settle down to an enriching life. No, this is the story of two women that went against the traditional roles applied to women of the time. Mary and Elizabeth were fascinated by the fossils they found along the beach and in the cliffs of Lyme Regis.
Chevalier manages to bring us into their world. A world where a friendship built upon a hobby very unbecoming of women of their day results in the discovery of creatures that were extinct and unknown at the time.
As a person that enjoys hunting for fossils and imagining what the world was once like I was drawn into the story of Mary and Elizabeth. If you are looking for love and romance skip this novel. If you are interested in the fascinating story of two very real women that changed the way humans viewed the history of the earth than this book is for you.
Chevalier manages to bring us into their world. A world where a friendship built upon a hobby very unbecoming of women of their day results in the discovery of creatures that were extinct and unknown at the time.
As a person that enjoys hunting for fossils and imagining what the world was once like I was drawn into the story of Mary and Elizabeth. If you are looking for love and romance skip this novel. If you are interested in the fascinating story of two very real women that changed the way humans viewed the history of the earth than this book is for you.
