The Alchemist's Daughter

A Novel

De: Katharine McMahon

Narrado por: Justine Eyre

Secrets abound in this gripping tale of a young woman cloistered since birth who discovers that knowledge is no subsitute for experience when she choses to follow her heart over science.

Raised by her father in near isolation in the English countryside, Emilie Selden is trained as a brilliant natural philosopher and alchemist. In the spring of 1725, during the English Age of Reason, father and daughter embark upon their most daring alchemical experiment to date—attempting to breathe life into dead matter. But when Emilie—against her father’s wishes—experiences the passion of first love, she decides to listen to her heart over her head. Banished to London and plunged headlong into a society that is both glamorous and ruthless, Emilie discovers that for all her extraordinary education she has no insight into the workings of the human heart. When she tries to return to the world of books and study, she instead unravels a shocking secret that sets her on her true journey to enlightenment.©2006 Katharine McMahon; (P)2006 Books on Tape

Reseñas de la Crítica

"McMahon packs a lot into this beautifully crafted historical novel: an engaging, accessible plot, lavishly furnished with period details and intriguing characters . . . Emilie may be a classic fairy-tale heroine on the surface, but this Sleeping Beauty has depth and an increasingly self-aware intelligence." —Diana Gabaldon, Washington Post

“Evocative, compelling, and beautifully written...Explosive secrets abound not only in the mysterious alchemy laboratory and in sprawling, seething London during the Age of Reason—but also in the heroine’s heart.” —Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Boleyn

“Impossible to stop thinking about...From the first page, there is a steady building of tension, drawing us deeper and deeper into the layers of secrecy surrounding the reclusive and brilliant Emilie Selden. The reader discovers the truths hidden within the elements of nature and the depth of strength within the soul.” —Linda Holeman, author of The Linnet Bird

“An absolutely wonderful book. A beautifully written story, rich with detail.” —Diane Haeger, author of The Ruby Ring

Talented author and yet

This is obviously a talented writer. She develops her story beautifully. And yet, after all of her work in developing her story, she wraps the book up abruptly and with little of the attention she gave to the rest of the book. My hope is that this author will realize her shortcoming and go on to write the truly wonderful fiction she is capable of.

Excellent!!

I loved this book! I was sad to see it end. It was beautifully read and the reader pulled me deeper into the story. I think that it better suited for women (men won't find it as interesting). Well worth the listen.

Wish it had more!

The woman is so intelligent yet she somehow doesn't do much in this story and let's things happen around her. I feel her character could have done more.

Such a wonderful book! Truly.

This author has such a gift for rounding out her characters wonderful qualities and sharp edges so the reader is able to see people thoroughly and why they behave as they do. Everyone has such complex personalities and flaws, including Emily, the main character. The storyline surprised me and didn’t take a predictable route. I look forward to reading/listening to more Katherine McMahon. From what I can tell she’s a very talented writer.

Think about what you’re looking for.

Overall, this book was entertaining and I did want to get to the end and understand.

However, this author makes some choices in writing that I’m not sure I agree with. The way things are revealed in a way that clicks many pieces of the puzzle together, but upsets other pieces that are then never addressed.

Overall, not a bad book, but think about what you are actually looking for first.