The Alchemist's Daughter

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.

This novel was beautifully written and well read by the narrator. I found myself listening well beyond what I had time for some days. The story is provocative with several emotional peaks. The character is identifiable. Growing with her is a personal journey. Rich symbolism and unusual descriptions leave the listener satisfied. I haven't removed it from my portable device yet thinking that I may listen to it again.

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.

I had read The Rose of Sevastopol by McMahon and while I thought it moved too slowly and the end was very anti-climactic, it was still an interesting book. Good story, fascinating insight into the Crimean War and a bunch of what turned out to be very factual information about the formation of early battle hospitals. The original MASH unit.

But I have never been able to get through this book and have tried several times since I first bought it. The plot sounded interesting but turned out to be silly, the characters are simpering, simple and unsympathetic. Each time I pick it up determined to finish it, I put it down within an hour. The plot developed so slowly that an hour in, I still had no idea what the book was really about. I have now given myself permission to admit I will never read this book. It would simply be a waste of time. And by committing this to writing in this review, I will not be tempted to pick it up, just one more time.

Learn from my mistake. If you are randomly surfing through Audible, happen on this book
and decide it looks interesting... pay attention ... it is not. Walk away and save yourself.

Katharine McMahon spins an intriguing tale of a young woman, sheltered and trained by her father in the natural sciences, who embarks on an education in the art of being human. When she falls for a handsome young visitor, she is sure that the attraction is alchemical, but she soon learns how little she knows of human nature and the world outside of her country home. While the novel does have overtones of historical romance, it seems to me more about Emilie's search for identity and knowledge--life knowledge, not knowledge gained from books and the laboratory. The novel is well written and engaging, and McMahon includes fascinating details of life in the early 18th century.

I enjoy reading books with Hero/heroines who are vulnerable but strong--naive but not useless. This book had these elements. I felt I got to know the characters in the book and I didn't get tired of them. It is also very easy to follow and listen to. I recently listened to a book named "the Observations" by Jane Harris--if you enjoyed that book, you will like this book.

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.