When I first came across a review of this book, I really liked the premise 19th century women who found fossils, etc. I had no idea it was based on real women. This novel will help keep the interesting lives of Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot alive and well.

I almost felt a better name for this book was "unremarkable creatures". I even struggled giving it a thumbs up, but the book did have its moments. While the story of Mary's struggles in poverty, her love for the sea and the secrets it washed ashore for her was interesting, I kept waiting for that "big" moment and it never arrived. Her near death experience on the beach was exciting and I almost thought that the author was going to let Mary become swept away in the very waves that held her future and her heart. It was a story of friendship, kinship, and a passion for something that is bigger than ourselves but I still found the book failing to draw me in. The one redeeming factor for this book (for me) was finding out (after the story was ended) that Mary was a real person and based on some real events. That fact alone, allowed me to give it a thumbs up. Just knowing that some of the struggles and trials faced by her were real and that she redeemed herself as an accomplished woman in spite of her adversities, made me saw it was a worthwhile read.

This is a work of historical fiction focusing on two remarkable women who advanced the understanding of natural history with their discoveries. Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot had little in common, being separated by age, education level and social class, but they found friendship in their common interest in fossils. The setting is early 1800’s England – specifically the seaside village of Lyme Regis.

The reader easily sees that Mary’s life is limited by her social class and lack of education. Elizabeth’s prospects are also limited – maybe even more than Mary’s. She’s educated, but has no money or particular social standing, and she cannot rely on her plain looks to help her attract a suitable husband (which, after all, is the goal for women in this time period). I am interested in natural history, so naturally find the history of their scientific accomplishments fascinating. But I am also intrigued by the exploration of the role of women in this time.

I like the way Chevalier develops the unlikely friendship between these two women. Elizabeth does sometimes show a somewhat patronizing attitude toward Mary, and the jealousy caused when a fossil collector pays more attention to the young, uneducated Mary than to Elizabeth strains their relationship. Yet, ultimately their interest in the science and in receiving credit for their contributions is what binds them together. I have to admit that I was sometimes irritated with Elizabeth’s superior attitude, but I applauded her for championing Mary’s cause. As for Mary … I just loved her. She showed such intelligence and drive.

I listened to the book on CD, narrated by Charlotte Perry and Susan Lyons. The two performers of the audio book do an excellent job of voicing these two very different women – Remarkable Creatures, indeed!