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May 24, 2020 By

The Essex Serpent

EAN: N/A Category: Fiction
  • Description

Description

The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

“An exquisitely talented young British author makes her American debut with this rapturously acclaimed historical novel, set in late nineteenth-century England, about an intellectually minded young widow, a pious vicar, and a rumored mythical serpent that explores questions about science and religion, skepticism, and faith, independence and love.

When Cora Seaborne’s brilliant, domineering husband dies, she steps into her new life as a widow with as much relief as sadness: her marriage was not a happy one. Wed at nineteen, this woman of exceptional intelligence and curiosity was ill-suited for the role of society wife. Seeking refuge in fresh air and open space in the wake of the funeral, Cora leaves London for a visit to coastal Essex, accompanied by her inquisitive and obsessive eleven-year old son, Francis, and the boy’s nanny, Martha, her fiercely protective friend.

While admiring the sites, Cora learns of an intriguing rumor that has arisen further up the estuary, of a fearsome creature said to roam the marshes claiming human lives. After nearly 300 years, the mythical Essex Serpent is said to have returned, taking the life of a young man on New Year’s Eve. A keen amateur naturalist with no patience for religion or superstition, Cora is immediately enthralled, and certain that what the local people think is a magical sea beast may be a previously undiscovered species. Eager to investigate, she is introduced to local vicar William Ransome. Will, too, is suspicious of the rumors. But unlike Cora, this man of faith is convinced the rumors are caused by moral panic, a flight from true belief.

These seeming opposites who agree on nothing soon find themselves inexorably drawn together and torn apart—an intense relationship that will change both of their lives in ways entirely unexpected.

Hailed by Sarah Waters as “a work of great intelligence and charm, by a hugely talented author,” The Essex Serpent is “irresistible . . . you can feel the influences of Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Wilkie Collins, Charles Dickens, and Hilary Mantel channeled by Perry in some sort of Victorian séance. This is the best new novel I’ve read in years” (Daily Telegraph).”

 

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Quote of the Month

Events

‘Books and Wine’

Our book choice for August 9th will be “The Lives of Diamond Bessie” by Jody Hadlock. Our featured winery is not a winery at all. We have managed to cover all the wineries on Leelanau Peninsula, save for a few that we are featuring when the season slows a bit for them. Therefore, we will be enjoying a special cocktail that pairs well with the book. This libation is just as unique as Diamond Bessie!
Along with each person’s RSVP, we will respond with the special recipe and the location of our meeting. We will be meeting virtually, as well as in-person for the first time. The zoom link will be sent as usual, Tuesday morning for those wish to join us that way!

RSVP at baybooksmi@gmail.com.

Best Sunday Night Bookstore Poetry Meet Up

Bring what you love, what you wrote, or just to listen. Third Sundays at 4:30pm. *Not Hosting During the Pandemic*

Author Event at Bay Books- Marlee Grace

Author Marlee Grace of “How to Not Always Be Working” and “Getting to the Center”, will be joining us on August 12th at 5:00 to share life tips through their interactive books—-we’re so excited! Their books are for anyone who is looking to show up to their own life, this one true journey of being alive — filled with examples and radical wisdom.

Join us for a live interview, Q & A, book signing and some radical self-reflection! Please reserve your book and your seat by calling 231-944-6809 or by email at baybooksmi@gmail.com  This event will also be live streamed through FB August 12th @ 5:00

Author Event at Bay Books- Lynne Rae Perkins

Children’s author and illustrator, Lynne Rae Perkins, has hit it out of the park again with her newest children’s chapter book, Violet and Jobie in the Wild. From the life experiences of two mice, we see their perspective on how to truly adapt to change and embrace something new as a challenge, not an obstacle.

Join Lynne on September 17th @ 4:00 for an interview, Q & A and book signing. This event will also be live streamed through FB Sept. 17th @ 4:00

Remain in Touch

Give a book to a special child. Bay Books is partnering with Remain in Touch. Learn more about Remain in Touch program.

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