** I received an ARC for an honest review **
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Description
His Unburned Heart tells the story of Mary Shelley’s quest to retrieve her husband’s heart from his publisher. History tells us that Percy Shelley was cremated, though his heart failed to burn, but the rest of the details are lost to time. Sandner has channeled Mary Shelley herself to share the story with us. That story is paired here with a second, related, piece. The Journal of Sorrow is named after Mary Shelley’s personal journal, and imagines Percy Shelley’s demise.
Summary
I recently had the pleasure to read gothic historical fiction novella, His Unburned Heart by US author David Sander.
A great discussion on this topic and Mary Shelley’s own life and works can be found here.
Review
This is a fascinating gothic infused historical fiction novella from the perspective of Mary Shelley following her husband, Percy Shelley’s accidental death.
The tale of his heart refusing to burn in the pyre constructed by Shelley’s friends, novelist Edward John Trelawney, poet and publisher Leigh Hunt and Lord Byron became the stuff of legends. The customs of the late 19th century forbid, Mary Shelley from attending such a Hellenic funeral but Sanderson imagines a Mary Shelley who is wild and irreverent in nature and attends her husband’s funeral pyre disguised as one of Byron’s footmen.
The battle has only begun for Mary Shelly and like her struggles to author her famous novel, she again battles for entrance to a man’s world – this time to reclaim her husband’s unburned heart from his publisher. Hunt, who immediately seized a way to keep Percy Shelley alive by stealing the heart for the examination and study by medical experts and curious-minded men.
Fearless and determined, the first-person perspective of Mary Shelley delivers an emotional, rational and ultimately, triumphant tale. Sanderson shows us Mary Shelley as imagined for a woman who broke all societal rules and expectations for love and continued to do so well after her husband’s death and unusual circumstances. This is historical fiction that promotes the strong, female protagonist but does not strip her femininity or fear of societal pressures from her. A powerful and compelling novella.
Conclusion
A highly recommended read for fans of Mary Shelley’s works including Frankenstein, Percy Shelley’s poems and works by Lord Byron. This is a perfect read for historical fiction fans with stories featuring strong, female protagonists unwilling to bend to socially conservative norms to advance themselves in a world ruled by men. A beautifully written and engaging novella that is infused with the gothic atmosphere of Mary Shelley’s most thought-provoking works. A must read!
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 