As most of you know, the past couple of months or so has been rather trying for me and my family. As a result I’ve been searching through my rather extensive (okay, out of control) TBR piles for comforting, cosy, entertaining reads to ease me through this time.
The Essex Serpent came highly recommended to me via a colleague as exactly that kind of escapist read that I was looking for.
Right from the beginning I went along for the ride that Sarah Perry set up so lushly. The Victorian time frame, the hint of danger, mystery and myth as well as a full cast of engaging characters kept me hooked and eager to pick up my book at the end of each day. The gorgeous William Morris-esque cover, designed by Peter Dyer, provided the aesthetic appeal to soothe my soul.
I loved how Perry focused on all the ways we love – parental love, friendship, the first flush of romantic love, unrequited love and the long term, loyal love of a happy marriage. Having taken the time to consider Perry’s epigraph, I was conscious of her intent the whole way through and it added to my reading experience. This was a story all about loving others purely and simply for who they are. Really, that’s all any of us wants, isn’t it?
I found The Essex Serpent to be a warm, generous and joyous read. Highly recommended as a holiday read or for those feeling jaded and in need of a good old-fashion, heart-warming bookish embrace.
- Shortlisted for the 2016 Costa Novel Award
- Longlisted 2017 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction.
bronasbooks.com 
I'm glad you enjoyed this! It sounds as though it was the perfect read for you at the moment. I agree with what you've said about the focus on different types of love – I liked that aspect of the book too.
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I picked this up at the airport in Manchester, trying to get read of the last pounds in my wallet before heading home to the U.S. So glad to hear it's a good one–I loved the premise on the back cover, the title, and the cover–it's been so long since I picked up a book almost at random. \”A good old-fashion reading romp\” is just what I am looking for!
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