Remarkable Creatures

By: Tracy Chevalier

Narrated by: Charlotte Parry

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

A voyage of discovery, two remarkable women, and an extraordinary time and place enrich this New York Times best-selling novel by Tracy Chevalier, author of At the Edge of the Orchard and Girl With a Pearl Earring.

On the windswept, fossil-strewn beaches of the English coast, poor and uneducated Mary Anning learns that she has a unique gift: "The eye" to spot 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 Philpot, 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.
Remarkable Creatures is a stunning historical novel that follows the story of two extraordinary 19th century fossil hunters who changed the scientific world forever.

©2010 Tracy Chevalier (P)2010 Penguin

Fossil Folly

Such a beautiful story true to the gender limits and biases of that day. Mary does turn out to become the hero and somewhat the benefactor of all her learning and hard work. There is also an awareness of the role that hard work sooner or later can pay off.

A good listen

Nicely narrated, enjoyed the story. Not hugely fast moving, but if you like older fiction such as that of Jane Austen this will probably appeal - it references this kind of novel, but provides a counterpart to the lives of women in this period.

Science and friendship

I liked the story of two women who’s intelligence, fortitude, and open mindedness in some way improved the respect for women in a mans world. I enjoyed the story of their friendship that defied the social conventions in England’s 1800s.

Entertainming narration

The narration really brought the characters to life. It's a sweet story built around fossil hunting.

Phenomenal!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. The writing and story are wonderful.

What did you like best about this story?

The interesting topic, story line and focus on women in history.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

Tracy Chevalier is one of the 21st Century's best writers. She is amazing. Her other books have been a bit depressing due to the subject matter, but I didn't find this one to be!

A Remarkable Book and Performance

As a youngster I was intrigued by ichthyosaurus and other dinosaurs of course as all children are but I went on to discover a species that had never been found before in small clams. Any person who loves natural history will love this book. it portrays people in England during the times of Napoleon and describes the plight of women scientists who are gifted yet did not receive the credit they were due. This book does that, and is heroic for doing so.

A truly beautiful story

I enjoyed listening to this book immensely. The characters were so memorable. The 1800s were a difficult time for all women but very difficult for those of intelligence. It was wonderful to see how both the main characters overcame the challenges of their social status in that society to succeed. I will read it again and recommend it to all.

Enjoyable

Slowpaced but interesting and the narrator's voice is soothing and comforting.I enjoyed reading it.

Such an interesting story!

I loved this book/audible. The narrators were wonderful…the time flew by listening to it!

Wonderful Book!

This is really an enjoyable book! The narration is excellent. If you have an Itouch, you have to get the App, Jurrasic, from Itunes. It is a virtual tour of the exact location the book takes place in! You can actually view the cliffs and shoreline of Lyme Regis.