It took me a while to get into The Nature of Monsters. I wasn't quite sure where the book was going. I think the title of the book was in the back of my head while I was reading and I kept waiting for the "monster" to appear.
We meet Eliza Tally who is unwed and pregnant. Her mother sends her to be an apothecary's maid in London, where she thinks she is going to avoid disgrace and get help in getting rid of the baby. Eliza's new master, Grayson Black, is a mystery. He hides his face under a veil. He studies her as her body grows big with the baby. Eliza slowly finds there is something wrong in this household. She stays only with the thought that her master will eventually be doing something to help rid of the unwanted child. When Eliza gives birth, she realizes that she does want the child, only to find out that the baby is stillborn.
We learn with horror that the nature of the Grayson Black's studies. He is in the belief that the experiences of a pregnant woman affects her unborn child, maternal impression. For example, if a pregnant woman has horrific nightmares or visions during her pregnancy, she will give birth to a 'monster.' I think this comes from his own disfigurement.
Things get worse when Eliza finds that Mary, the dimwitted maid she works with, is pregnant. Presumably by Grayson Black, although Eliza mistakenly believes it was Mr. Jewkes, an associate of Mr. Black. Eliza tries to get them both away by selling potions, possibly marrying a local bookseller who has taken a fancy to her and then finally running away.
Eventually we learn that Mr. Jewkes is Mary's father, not her lover, but his aid comes too late. Mary dies shortly after childbirth. With Mr. Jewkes' help, Eliza raises Mary's baby.
No comments:
Post a Comment