The Alchemist's Daughter

The Alchemist's Daughter has turned out to be one of my favorite reads. The entire story is about breathing life into the non-living. That theme is repeated throughout the story through both science and emotion. What annoyed others most about this book is what captivated me the most. Having a son with Asperger's, I saw a lot of similarities between my son and Emile's father. While unknown at that time, I suspect in today's world he would have been labeled with Aspergers as well. People can only understand what they have experienced, much like the blank slate theory. Although she was indeed loved deeply, Emile was raised by someone who was unable to express that love to her. While her father adores his daughter in a way that makes sense show more to him, it is not what most would consider typical. She is a type of science experiment. One he lovingly develops by adding what he believes are the correct compounds for a successful result. It never occurs to him that people cannot be controlled in the same way. Since he is incapable of seeing anything wrong with his actions, he looks at her rebellion as a failed experiment. She was sheltered beyond what is reasonable, and only had the example of her father to compare with. She accepted being controlled and having love be conditional. That was all she knew of life. While Emile's naiveté and ignorance can be annoying, it was how she was trained to be. Thankfully, the story shows us again that life can be restored, not by a controlled situation, but rather by the reality of life's experiences. show less

Well, the classic novel is not dead. The Alchemist's Daughter is well crafted: a tight plot, integral but not over-done symbolism, vivid descriptions, telling details that bring the historical setting to life, and a fine ear for words.

Emilie Selden is raised to be a natural philosopher and alchemist, by her elderly, widowed father, in the isolation of a large country estate in the early eighteenth century. Her education is brilliant in matters of science, but sadly lacking in matters of the heart, and the tragic consequences of that flaw begin with Emilie falling for a man who is very nearly her father's polar opposite, by whom she is taken to the alien world of London. Her choice is not inexplicable - her husband is energetic and show more dashing and passionate - but it leads to the destruction of her previous life, and beyond that to the central image of the book:

"I began the experiment called palingenesis. My aim was to regenerate a dead rose, and so become once more the alchemist's daughter." show less

Really not worth the effort. We've read a few of this author's books in our book club, with the most common reaction being the urge to slap at least one character. that trend persisted with Emily, the main character and narrator being the recipient of the slap on this occasion. Set in the early 1700s, she's the daughter of an elderly alchemist and man of science, who has made it his aim to train Emily to be the perfect natural philosopher. Only he's neglected to teach her anything what so ever about life and human beings and how to live. So she is promptly swept off her feet by the first man she has anything to do with - and he turns out to be a cad (what a surprise). Emily had been trained to observe and record her observations, making show more deductions from them but spends the entire book being remarkably dense about the people she has anything to do with. She's also extremely self centered and selfish throughout. Not a great read, as she was far too annoying for her own good. show less

Katharine McMahon spins an intriguing tale of a young woman, sheltered and trained by her father in the natural sciences, who embarks on an education in the art of being human. When she falls for a handsome young visitor, she is sure that the attraction is alchemical, but she soon learns how little she knows of human nature and the world outside of her country home. While the novel does have overtones of historical romance, it seems to me more about Emilie's search for identity and knowledge--life knowledge, not knowledge gained from books and the laboratory. The novel is well written and engaging, and McMahon includes fascinating details of life in the early 18th century.

Emilie Selden, living in early 18th century England, grows up motherless, living somewhat secluded with her father in their rural manor house. Her father, a philosopher/alchemist, raises her to follow directly in his footsteps, neglecting to educate her in basic social skills. Thus, when one day a young stranger comes to visit, she is swept off her feet & leaves her father to follow the young man to the much more colorful, action-filled London scene. She quickly realizes she is ill-equipped for this lifestyle and yearns to return to her father's house. When she does eventually return, things have inevitably changed, and she must come to terms with that, as well as seek out her own niche in life.

This is basically a coming-of-age novel, show more where a young woman, initially relatively sheltered, is thrust into the reality of human nature. I was initially pulled into this story early on, really enjoying the author's beautiful and almost lyrical writing. However, somewhere along the way it seemed to lose something which I can't put my finger on. It was not a bad story by any means, but neither was it necessarily fulfilling. The ending was abrupt, which may off-put some readers & took me somewhat by surprise (especially listening on audio), but it seemed more or less fitting. As noted above, I enjoyed the author's writing style, and am curious about her other works. show less

I loved the setting and the topic, the drama I could take or leave. The prose was lovely and all was beautifully told. I love this steam punk setting! It was such a time of wonder when science and fantasy were essentially one in the same!

It concludes a little sharply. Not all is resolved though much is hinted at. I was brought up a bit short, though in the end, I could not fail to be grateful for the experience.

I think, in essence, it is a story about a young female scientist, brought up in the classical tradition, learning that human beings are not so easily scrutinized as other forms of life. She learns, quite harshly, about the nature of deception.

Warnings: It is a story of sexual awakening, so there are some light sexual scenes, show more nothing, I think gratuitous. However, it is romantic. show less

This story has a strong female complex character. I like how we see this historical period thru Emilie's eyes and how in the end she comes to terms with who she really is.