Remarkable Creatures

By: Tracy Chevalier

Narrated by: Charlotte Parry

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

Unforgettable Women

This is the remarkable story of Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot based on their TRUE lives. They are two strong women who form an unlikely friendship, based on a shared interest in fossil collecting. I felt as if transported in time to join these two unforgettable characters on their quest. Tracy Chevalier should be commended for giving these two historical figures their due. Thank you ladies.

Good read, thought provoking

I became interested after coming across a news article on a fossil specimen found by Mary Anning that remains one of the most complete found to date. This story is fascinating, sad, insightful and a unique glance into society in the 1800’s. I found the struggles experienced by the protagonists both poignant and sadly resonant of the struggles women still face today. While our understanding of fossils has evolved since Annings time, there remains bigotry, prejudice, exclusion, and suspicion that made elements of the novel hit home. I did find parts a bit histrionic and I echo other reviewers who stated a greater desire for a touch more science. Overall worth a read.

Not just another love story

Wonderful writing, characters you can care about and interesting and different subject matter, well worth reading.

Awesome book!!

Absolutely loved it. Narration was superb, story line kept me fascinated and it was extremely well written. Highly recommend this book as a fascinating tale of early fossil discoveries and the difficulties that intelligent women faced back then.

The remarkable creature is not what I expected

Loved the readers. Written so you care about the characters. Very interesting subject matter. A unique book, not like so many out there. Highly recommend.

A great experience

An all-round enjoyable read. The narration is just perfect for the story.

woman finds dinosaur bones

I enjoyed this novel very much. An unusual story. Leads with the imagination.

remarkable women

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

yes, I don't know what made me buy this book at first. it is totllay not a book I would normally pick but I am glad it made its way into my library.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Remarkable Creatures?

There was two times where the friendship of mary and elizabeth was tested and it was revealed that Elizabeth was a very loyal friend.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Mary and Captain Curie got caught in a landslide was a very heartwrenching moment.

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

actually I did want to hear what happened next. The narration by thw two different women is very beautifully done. I would never have picked this book because I would have thought it to be maudlin andoverly sentimental and or Romantic. it was none of those things. It was a great story about smart women trying to survive without a man. I am sure it is easier today but I can relate being somewhat of a spinster myself. However Elizabeth never felt sorry for herself rather embraced the fact that her situation allowed her to do things other " ladies" could not.

This book was well presented, touch many of todays social issues in a very interesting and non confrontational manner. I

This book was a delight to listen to… it brought forth many of the social issues women strive with today. And, highlights the pride and prejudices all humans have to conquer both individually and collectively.

Remarkable Creatures is one of my favorite books.

This book reminds us of so many things that affect our lives as women. I came late to my facisation with digging for dinosaurs and actually visiting many places that have satisfied with looking down to find the treasures that they are.
Ms. Chevalier brings the story of two strong women that through their lives learn to stand up for themselves and each other. Mary Anning is a woman that I look up to.