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Not exactly a sequel, but a novel written in parallel with the superb The Lady Tree, in other words sharing some of the same characters but entirely independent of the first book. Is there such a thing as a werewolf? Quicksilver is no horror story, but in its fabulously vivid recreation of 17th Century England and Holland, it portrays a young man suffering from lycanthropy -- when a man believes himself to be a wolf. This was a time when medical science was undergoing vast changes and the discovery of the New World was yielding up all sorts of new plants and drugs, and Christie Dickason weaves a pulsating story of intrigue, adventure and romance around this extraordinary set of circumstances.
A young man struggles with the harrowing belief that he is a wolf amidst the shifting landscapes of 17th-century England and Holland. The protagonist navigates a world where the boundaries between medical science, superstition, and the unknown are constantly blurred by the rapid discovery of new botanical wonders. Opposed by the rigid social structures of his time and the internal torment of his condition, he must seek understanding in an era defined by intellectual upheaval. The narrative unfolds through a series of intricate encounters, blending the personal quest for identity with the broader political and scientific currents of the age.
The novel presents a meticulous reconstruction of the seventeenth century, grounding its supernatural premise in the tangible realities of early medical science. Readers likely find the parallel connection to the author's previous work an interesting layer, though the story functions effectively as a standalone piece. The narrative pacing reflects the era's sense of discovery, balancing the protagonist's internal struggle with the external pressures of a rapidly changing world. By avoiding traditional horror tropes, the book invites a more analytical engagement with the history of psychology and the human condition during a time of vast global expansion.
Page Count:
320
Publication Date:
1999-07-19
Publisher:
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
ISBN-10:
0002243555
ISBN-13:
9780002243551
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