Sarah Perry
2016
London 1893: When Cora Seaborne and her son Francis reach Essex, rumours spread from further up the estuary that the mythical Essex Serpent, once said to roam the marshes claiming lives, has returned to the coastal parish of Aldwinter. Cora, a keen amateur naturalist, is enthralled, convinced that it may be a previously undiscovered species. As she sets out on its trail she meets William Ransome, Aldwinter's vicar. They find themselves inexorably drawn together and torn apart, eventually changing each other's lives in ways entirely unexpected.
Sarah Perry's The Essex Serpent takes us on a journey to the Victorian era, where folklore and science collide. The story of Cora, a widow seeking answers about her husband's mysterious death, and her interactions with the enigmatic Will Ransome, are both captivating and complex. Perry's novel is a beautiful exploration of grief, faith, and the search for truth. The atmospheric setting and the intricate character dynamics make this book a compelling read, offering a unique blend of historical fiction and psychological intrigue.
