Book description
A remarkable life lost to history is brought into sharp focus
England, 1575. Young Mary Sidney is bearing a devastating loss while her father plans her alliance to Henry Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. But Mary is determined to make her mark on the world as a writer and scientist.
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Why read it?
1 author picked Imperfect Alchemist as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I found this historical novel about the life of Mary Sidney Hebert, the Countess of Pembroke really enjoyable because it offers me the fantasy of filling in the gaps in the historical record about one of the early women writers.
I find it impressive because it draws on years of research on Mary Sidney Herbert by the author who is a renowned literary critic. Miller tells Mary Sidney Herbert’s story ingeniously by paralleling it with the life of a fictional character, Rose, who serves as her waiting woman.
Although I know the historical facts, the twists and turns in the…
From Alison's list on women playwrights in Shakespeare’s day.
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