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The Mesmerist #1
The Mesmerist
Unable to find stage work, actresses Cordelia Preston and Rillie Spoons need to find a way of making a living. Cordelia remembers the skills of her aunt and sets out to be a phreno-mesmerist, advising couples on their compatability and enlightening women on 'The Gentle Intricacies of the Wedding Night'.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
12 people are currently reading
1310 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ewing
26 books57 followersBarbara Ewing is a UK-based actress, playwright and novelist. Born in New Zealand, she graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a BA in English and Maori before moving to Britain in 1965 to train as an actress at RADA (the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London.
She made her film debut in the horror film 'Torture Garden' (1967) for Amicus Productions, followed by 'Dracula Has Risen from the Grave' (1968) with Christopher Lee for Hammer Films. Both movies were directed by Freddie Francis. Her other films included 'The Reckoning' (1969), 'Eye of the Needle' (1981), 'Haunters of the Deep' (1984) and 'When the Whales Came' (1989).
The television role for which she is best known is that of Bradley Hardacre's mistress Agnes Fairchild in the Granada Television comedy series 'Brass', alongside Timothy West (1982–84). In 1986, she played Treen Dudgeon in the short-lived BBC series 'Comrade Dad', alongside George Cole and Doris Hare. In 1978 she had appeared in an episode of Euston Films' The Sweeney (S4-E7 'Bait').
Her 1989 one-woman show, 'Alexandra Kollontai', about the only woman in Lenin's cabinet in 1917 was a great hit in London, and at the Edinburgh and Sydney Festivals.
More recent TV appearances have included episodes of 'Casualty', 'Doctors' and 'Holby City' on the BBC, and 'The Bill and Peak Practice' on ITV, as well as appearances in various adaptations of Ruth Rendell mysteries.
She made her film debut in the horror film 'Torture Garden' (1967) for Amicus Productions, followed by 'Dracula Has Risen from the Grave' (1968) with Christopher Lee for Hammer Films. Both movies were directed by Freddie Francis. Her other films included 'The Reckoning' (1969), 'Eye of the Needle' (1981), 'Haunters of the Deep' (1984) and 'When the Whales Came' (1989).
The television role for which she is best known is that of Bradley Hardacre's mistress Agnes Fairchild in the Granada Television comedy series 'Brass', alongside Timothy West (1982–84). In 1986, she played Treen Dudgeon in the short-lived BBC series 'Comrade Dad', alongside George Cole and Doris Hare. In 1978 she had appeared in an episode of Euston Films' The Sweeney (S4-E7 'Bait').
Her 1989 one-woman show, 'Alexandra Kollontai', about the only woman in Lenin's cabinet in 1917 was a great hit in London, and at the Edinburgh and Sydney Festivals.
More recent TV appearances have included episodes of 'Casualty', 'Doctors' and 'Holby City' on the BBC, and 'The Bill and Peak Practice' on ITV, as well as appearances in various adaptations of Ruth Rendell mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 24, 2013
This is a thoroughly good yarn woven around the social and economic history of women in 19th Century London. I enjoyed the feisty characters and the good-humoured spirit and general warmth of the story telling. It's the first Barbara Ewing book I've read, finding it by chance in a second-hand bookshop, and it won't be the last, as the next book on my list is the sequel: The Circus of Ghosts.
September 23, 2015
This is a wonderfully entertaining drama, set in 19th century London; and it’s a lovely warm story, full of emotions, light and shade, drama and suspense.
Cordelia Preston and her oldest, dearest friend, Rillie Spoons, were actresses, but they had both had passed the first flush of youth, and they found that that the only roles left to them were hags, crones and elderly mothers; and that they were expected to be so grateful that they could at least still work in small, provincial theatres for derisory – if any – wages.
They dreamed of breaking away, of somehow establishing themselves in a household of their own, but they didn’t know how.
Until Cordelia remembered her aunt – ‘Miss Preston of Bloomsbury’ – who had found success as a mesmerist after a backstage accident brought to an end her own acting career. Cordelia had inherited her books, and when she found them and read them, she decided that she and her friend could follow in her footsteps and be mistresses of their own lives too.
She thought that she would be an actress playing a part; but she soon found that she had also inherited skills from her aunt, that she had some sort of healing power in her hands. And so – with the help of the gentleman mesmerist who had loved and supported her aunt – she established a hugely successful business, bringing comfort to the sick, the fearful, and the needy; and counselling young women who were fearful of the pain they would have to endure on their wedding nights.
Her rise was rapid; but there were one or two unhappy customers, and there were people who would hold her past acting career against her.
And Cordelia had a secret. She had children, but they were lost to her. She longed to find them, but she knew that the world must never know that she was their mother, because her notoriety could do them so much harm.
It was, of course, inevitable that a scandal would blow up around the famous Miss Preston; and the story ends in high drama, with a shocking murder, a riveting court case, and that’s not all.
But I don’t want to say too much….
Barbara Ewing tells her story wonderfully well. Her characters are vivid, her storytelling is engaging, and, though there was much that was highly improbable, I was swept along because I was emotionally engaged with the characters and their stories. I always wanted to know what was going to happen, and I was never entirely sure.
The structure is a little messy, and the book feels a little long; but it’s the messiness of real lives, the different strands of the story come together well, and I found that there was no detail that wasn’t important to the story.
The depictions of the theatre world, of the lives of mesmerists, and of London life, are wonderful. And there are some interesting themes threaded through the story, exploring the rigidity and unfairness of the class system, the sexual suppression of young woman, the way society viewed women who chose not to marry, resistance to change and to alternatives to traditional medicine.
And, loveliest of all, this story celebrates friendships between women and the way women support each other, and the gifts that we inherit from those who came before us and can pass to those who will follow us.
It’s packed full of emotions – love, regret, humour, despair, heart-break, fear – and it’s clearly underpinned by a great deal of research.
As the story drew to a close there was too much drama, and I saw rather too clearly that things were being set up for a sequel.
And so I have to say that this book had it’s weaknesses, but I did enjoy it.
And I do want to read that sequel ….
Cordelia Preston and her oldest, dearest friend, Rillie Spoons, were actresses, but they had both had passed the first flush of youth, and they found that that the only roles left to them were hags, crones and elderly mothers; and that they were expected to be so grateful that they could at least still work in small, provincial theatres for derisory – if any – wages.
They dreamed of breaking away, of somehow establishing themselves in a household of their own, but they didn’t know how.
Until Cordelia remembered her aunt – ‘Miss Preston of Bloomsbury’ – who had found success as a mesmerist after a backstage accident brought to an end her own acting career. Cordelia had inherited her books, and when she found them and read them, she decided that she and her friend could follow in her footsteps and be mistresses of their own lives too.
She thought that she would be an actress playing a part; but she soon found that she had also inherited skills from her aunt, that she had some sort of healing power in her hands. And so – with the help of the gentleman mesmerist who had loved and supported her aunt – she established a hugely successful business, bringing comfort to the sick, the fearful, and the needy; and counselling young women who were fearful of the pain they would have to endure on their wedding nights.
Her rise was rapid; but there were one or two unhappy customers, and there were people who would hold her past acting career against her.
And Cordelia had a secret. She had children, but they were lost to her. She longed to find them, but she knew that the world must never know that she was their mother, because her notoriety could do them so much harm.
It was, of course, inevitable that a scandal would blow up around the famous Miss Preston; and the story ends in high drama, with a shocking murder, a riveting court case, and that’s not all.
But I don’t want to say too much….
Barbara Ewing tells her story wonderfully well. Her characters are vivid, her storytelling is engaging, and, though there was much that was highly improbable, I was swept along because I was emotionally engaged with the characters and their stories. I always wanted to know what was going to happen, and I was never entirely sure.
The structure is a little messy, and the book feels a little long; but it’s the messiness of real lives, the different strands of the story come together well, and I found that there was no detail that wasn’t important to the story.
The depictions of the theatre world, of the lives of mesmerists, and of London life, are wonderful. And there are some interesting themes threaded through the story, exploring the rigidity and unfairness of the class system, the sexual suppression of young woman, the way society viewed women who chose not to marry, resistance to change and to alternatives to traditional medicine.
And, loveliest of all, this story celebrates friendships between women and the way women support each other, and the gifts that we inherit from those who came before us and can pass to those who will follow us.
It’s packed full of emotions – love, regret, humour, despair, heart-break, fear – and it’s clearly underpinned by a great deal of research.
As the story drew to a close there was too much drama, and I saw rather too clearly that things were being set up for a sequel.
And so I have to say that this book had it’s weaknesses, but I did enjoy it.
And I do want to read that sequel ….
June 22, 2012
I picked this up in a sale for 33p and wasn't sure what to expect as I had never read Barbara Ewing before. I found it a bit slow reading at first as I couldn't really get interested in Hester and Kitty's story. However when Cordelia's story began to unfold the narrative became not just more interesting but moved at a much faster pace. The story was eventually intriging and I'm glad I stuck with it.
June 17, 2014
My favourite Barbara Ewing book, bring on the port.
August 4, 2011
I borrowed this book from the library, knowing nothing about Barbara Ewing, but just liking the sound of the story. And I have discovered a great popular writer, who I see has just published another book, The Circus of Ghosts. Obviously lots of other people know how great she is, because it is currently sitting in the number one slot in Smith's. So yes, I have bought that one too.
The Mesmerist has been brilliantly researched and gives insights into the Victorian craze for mesmerism with its then scandalous and salacious overtones of being able to affect another person through the use of
healing hands. This area of human capacity is still mysterious even today, and indeed is mysterious to Cordelia, the mesmerist of the title. Ewing does a great job of exploring the intricacies of how it might feel to mesmerize - or be mesmerized.
The book also has a great forward-moving rags to riches plot with many twists, which is based around the struggle of women for respectability in professional life, and how they might seize responsibility in a man's world. I can't say much more about it, or it will spoil the unfolding story.
The main characters are women who are seen at all stages of life, from very young to the dementia of old age, all of whom are interestingly drawn and leap vividly to life off the page. There is murder, a riveting court case, and all the fun of the theatre.
Very highly recommended.
The Mesmerist has been brilliantly researched and gives insights into the Victorian craze for mesmerism with its then scandalous and salacious overtones of being able to affect another person through the use of
healing hands. This area of human capacity is still mysterious even today, and indeed is mysterious to Cordelia, the mesmerist of the title. Ewing does a great job of exploring the intricacies of how it might feel to mesmerize - or be mesmerized.
The book also has a great forward-moving rags to riches plot with many twists, which is based around the struggle of women for respectability in professional life, and how they might seize responsibility in a man's world. I can't say much more about it, or it will spoil the unfolding story.
The main characters are women who are seen at all stages of life, from very young to the dementia of old age, all of whom are interestingly drawn and leap vividly to life off the page. There is murder, a riveting court case, and all the fun of the theatre.
Very highly recommended.
October 28, 2015
“Human beings can only carry so much pain.” Yes Ms. Cordelia Preston and you have had more than your share. The pages open to introduce us to Ms. Cordelia Preston and Ms. Amaryllis Spoons soon to be out of work aging actresses by trade. But they are great friends. Mesmerism is on the rise in 1838 London. Using their acting skills the two friends open their own business with Cordelia as the first and only female mesmerist. Sought after by the upper classes it seems the two friends success is unstoppable. But they have secrets. Secrets that come to light threatening to destroy all that they have built.
I liked this book very much. The story is complex yet written without distraction. We have women of strength and character who stand strong as life hurls some of the most challenging circumstances their way. Nearing the end, a smile slowly broadened across my face as I finished the last pages. A bit of a stretch I think but I came away applauding the cast and crew of this exceptional presentation.
I liked this book very much. The story is complex yet written without distraction. We have women of strength and character who stand strong as life hurls some of the most challenging circumstances their way. Nearing the end, a smile slowly broadened across my face as I finished the last pages. A bit of a stretch I think but I came away applauding the cast and crew of this exceptional presentation.
April 6, 2018
I found this book so interesting for so many reasons! The whole aspect of mesmerism was fascinating and I loved how they explained it through the story. The book had interesting and mysterious flashbacks that really helped to develop a strong connection with the main character. My favourite element of the book was the strong female characters, how they were strong entrepreneurs who were in charge of their own livelihoods (which was quite radical at the time). They were in charge of their own destiny's and did not let anyone get in their way. I adored the main character. Cordelia is so strong-willed but also quite sensitive. The friendship between Cordelia and Mrs Spoons is very inspiring and heartwarming. You almost felt like you were sitting with them in Bloomsbury basement with them, drinking a glass of port. Though the book, we Cordelia's very strong capabilities but also her vulnerabilities through the hardships she faced. The strong themes of the family love and the power of female friendship were very apparent through this book. It's a such an interesting story that is so beautifully told!
August 5, 2024
The book's second half is significantly stronger than the first. While I attempted to connect with the characters, I ultimately found them difficult to care about.
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October 27, 2012A very good read. This is about two out of work actresses Miss Cordelia Preston & Miss Rillie Spoon who struggle to get work in Victorian London. Cordelia inherited the ability from her mother to ease people's pain and suffering through the power of her hands and sets herself up as a Phreno-Mesmerist. But when a murder happens close to home, it threatens to reveal the secret of her past and a family she once lost - secrets that if revealed could have an impact on the Royal Family itself.
Cordelia is such an interesting and sympathetic character, her own background and family history all serve to direct her on the course her life takes. At the same time, as a female succeeding in a male-dominated world, it sheds some light on the conditions and difficulties faced by many in the lower classes during the period.
The structure of the novel is strong, recounting Cordelia's fortunes, weaves in strong secondary characters, threads of murder and family drama that comes to a head in the court investigation. The plot is about family drama, class conflict and Royal intrigue, a murder mystery, a nail-biting courtroom drama, which keeps the reader gripped right through to the dramatic conclusion
Cordelia is such an interesting and sympathetic character, her own background and family history all serve to direct her on the course her life takes. At the same time, as a female succeeding in a male-dominated world, it sheds some light on the conditions and difficulties faced by many in the lower classes during the period.
The structure of the novel is strong, recounting Cordelia's fortunes, weaves in strong secondary characters, threads of murder and family drama that comes to a head in the court investigation. The plot is about family drama, class conflict and Royal intrigue, a murder mystery, a nail-biting courtroom drama, which keeps the reader gripped right through to the dramatic conclusion
May 13, 2012
I didnt know what to expect when I started reading this. Its been on my tbr pile for about 2 years, bought from a charity shop. I also knew that the author is an actress but has not been seen on TV for some years now. I was very pleasantly surprised - Barbara Ewing really can write. I got into it straightaway. The main characters, Cordelia and Rillie, both ageing out of work actresses, were very strong, the plot was good and you want to know more about them, their backstory being gradually revealed. At just over the halfway however the book then takes a shocking unexpected turn and becomes a bit of a thriller which focuses more on new characters which are introduced. I didnt read the second half as quickly as the first and I thought it was slightly longwinded. It seemed to take a long time to come to its conclusion, the ending was fairly obvious and left it open for a sequel, which BE has now written. Overall though I enjoyed the book and will certainly read more books by this author.
November 12, 2008
A thoroughly entertaining novel set in early Victorian London, the Mesmerist is the story of an aging actress with a colourful past as the mistress of a lord. Discovering that she has the ability to take away people’s pain, she swaps the theatre for consulting rooms in Bloomsbury. It’s all going swimmingly until her past returns to haunt her. The story is full of vividly painted characters, and bustles along at a rollicking pace. It is funny, poignant and distressing by turns. At times I found the tension almost unbearable, especially towards the end where the plot tightens with every page. The style is a little loose in places but as a piece of storytelling, this could hardly be bettered.
September 8, 2014
This was a fascinating book, it is set in 17th Century London, it's a mystery, an old fashioned melodrama and romance.
I enjoying learning about the art of Mesmerism and how it was used to help put patients at ease during surgery.
The author does an excellent job of recreating 1838 London I really felt I was there and could even smell the filth and grime in the streets as Cordelia Preston and her best friend make their way through London trying to make their fortunes.
The trials and tribulations Cordelia Preston went through in this book are enough to make a person cry and I did on more than one occasion.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
I enjoying learning about the art of Mesmerism and how it was used to help put patients at ease during surgery.
The author does an excellent job of recreating 1838 London I really felt I was there and could even smell the filth and grime in the streets as Cordelia Preston and her best friend make their way through London trying to make their fortunes.
The trials and tribulations Cordelia Preston went through in this book are enough to make a person cry and I did on more than one occasion.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
November 5, 2011
I really did love this book. Probably one of my favourites by Barbara Ewing. I just couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and I just love reading about England in the 1800's. The Mesmerism side of it was very interesting as I didn't really know much about it. The main character, Cordelia had such tragedy in her life. This book made me cry quite a few times. Life can be so tragic but the human spirit can be so strong. This is a perfect example of the human spirit. I hope you enjoy it as much as i did. I'm now reading the sequel "The Circus of Ghosts" and enjoying it very much.
August 9, 2014
Lovely, gripping, fast-paced story, and a great portrayal of women's friendships. Memorable characters and fantastic descriptions of London, but suffers slightly from tipping over into total melodrama towards the end.
April 27, 2015
I have reviewed this book on my blog. It is a fantastic read.
February 25, 2018
This book has several stories concealed within its pages all delicately woven together to make the reader turn the pages.
The origins of the story begin with two sisters, Hester and Kitty Preston, who run away from home at a young age. Hester and Kitty soon find work as actresses but an accident occurs and Hester damages her knee. They hear of a mesmerist in town and on visiting him Hester is soon walking much better. Hester begs him to teach her his skills and in time she soon becomes more famous than he is.
The story then follows Cordelia (Kitty’s daughter/ Hester’s niece) through unfortunate circumstances becomes poor and desperate, so decides to try her hand at her aunt's old profession. With her best friend Rillie by her side, they soon start to pull it off. As is usually the case, the past can’t stay buried and secrets and lies soon come back to haunt Cordelia and the new life she has created.
I must say this is the first Barbara Ewing book I have read and it pulled me in hook, line and sinker. Her writing style is superb, it’s easy to read, not boringly overly descriptive like some historical fiction novels are (although it captures plenty of historical contexts) and it keeps the story moving at a great pace. Even the historic speech is quick-flowing and direct. Here is an example extract:
“’Lord Ellis regrets, Miss Preston…’
She looked at him in surprise. ‘Please do not address me as Miss Preston. I am Lady Ellis.’
‘I am afraid you are not, Miss Preston. The-ah-marriage ceremony in the chapel all those years past was conducted by-a friend. It was a jest.’
‘A jest?’
‘Ah – no – perhaps that is not the word. But it was not legal or binding.’ He sniffed. ‘You are not, and never have been, Lady Ellis.’
Whilst initially I wasn’t over-enamoured with the character Cordelia, through her hardship and her plight I really did grow to adore her and root for her. Her best friend Rillie was a wonderful character who brought such a human element to the story. Everyone would want a best friend like her. Cordelia’s strong spirit is truly backed by Rillie’s motivation and belief in her to do well.
The settings in this book tended mostly to be various squares and theatres around Victorian London and I think the author does a great job of capturing these (particularly the hardships of being female in these settings) without overly labouring the descriptions.
This novel took so many twists and turns I did not know what way it would turn out. As a reader, I love this feeling and nothing makes me turn the page more.
A fantastic novelist! Cannot wait to read many more of her works.
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January 21, 2018
Another gem from Barbara Ewing. This lovely story of two middle-aged ladies, Cordelia Preston and Rillie (Amaryllis) Spoons - former actresses who set themselves up in business as a 'Phreno-Mesmerist' and assistant to stave off the workhouse and then find that most of their young lady clients are really looking for advice about the 'gentle intricacies of the wedding night' - is both thoroughly researched and utterly convincing. Ewing appears to know the Victorian Era like the back of her hand - the characters, both male and female, are all utterly believable. Cordelia and Rillie have both, as theatricals, been around the block a couple of times of course; and it is this fact, this unbridgeable gulf between, as Cordelia puts it, 'not just ... rich and poor, but between those who are respectable and those who are not ... the greatest dividing line in the world', which threatens to destroy all they have worked so hard for when a secret long buried in Cordelia's tragic past is threatens to surface. There is unbearable sadness in this story, but also inspiring courage, love and hope. My only quibble is that the ending, though happy - or as happy as it can be after all the tragedy that unfolds - is not the ending I was hoping for. But that's my problem! Can't wait to read more from this author now.
October 7, 2021
I’m still reading this and so far it’s enjoyable. I was intrigued by the idea of a story based around a female ‘mesmerist.’ The characters are nicely drawn and although the story is a little slow, the writing is pretty good and I do feel engaged with the protagonist.
Mesmerism was actually an early form of hypnotism. Anton Mesmer had some pretty weird techniques, but I suspect he used spoken word more than is suggested. I’d like to have read more detail about how Cordelia induces trance, but maybe that comes later in the book.
Three and a half stars.
Mesmerism was actually an early form of hypnotism. Anton Mesmer had some pretty weird techniques, but I suspect he used spoken word more than is suggested. I’d like to have read more detail about how Cordelia induces trance, but maybe that comes later in the book.
Three and a half stars.
October 5, 2019
First published in 2007, 'The Mesmerist' is a novel set in early 19th century London. The main characters are a pair of out of work actresses 'of a certain age' who set up in business as a 'Lady Phreno-Mesmerist' and assistant. Whilst the main subject offers interest enough, the plot includes such 19th century gems as family saga, class distinction, fallen women, and murder in a tale that veers from belly-laugh humour to extreme sadness. Hugely entertaining from start to finish.
December 28, 2017
Delightful, dark and devious. 19th Century London, two out of work actresses turn to the trade of mesmerism. A dark and distant past. A murder. What is not to like here? It is beautifully written and carries you along gently and violently in equal measure. Apart from a quiet lull in the middle of the book I was indeed mesmerised by the book and look forward to reading the sequel.
August 24, 2024
3.5*
I would have given 4* but I found the first half of the book rather slow. The second half was very good indeed.
It was interesting to read about the practise of Mesmerism in Victorian times. It, together with Spiritualism, was very popular and even the great Charles Dickens practiced mesmerism on one of his (lady) friends.
A good read.
I would have given 4* but I found the first half of the book rather slow. The second half was very good indeed.
It was interesting to read about the practise of Mesmerism in Victorian times. It, together with Spiritualism, was very popular and even the great Charles Dickens practiced mesmerism on one of his (lady) friends.
A good read.
August 10, 2017
I got this for $1 at the bookshop and because of this, was a bit wary.
After a slow start, however, I was engrossed and entertained by this novel. The beginning is really slow and I almost gave up on it but I caution readers to press on!
After a slow start, however, I was engrossed and entertained by this novel. The beginning is really slow and I almost gave up on it but I caution readers to press on!
December 31, 2020
It wasn't really interesting in the beginning knowing the main figure was 40 years old lady. But then the story was going so fast and crazy and hurt me to the end.
Gorgeous novel which made me want to read the sequel if there is.
Gorgeous novel which made me want to read the sequel if there is.
October 15, 2017
mengagumkan dan mengesankan
July 6, 2018
Älskar miljön, 1800-tal, London, kontrasten mellan fattiga och adeln. Gillar särskilt att boken skildrar starka kvinnor. En bok som på samma gång är både mörk och ljus.
October 6, 2018
Entretenido pero nada más.
November 25, 2018
Romped along fairly entertainingly for the most part, with a fair amount of tragedy too.
December 1, 2018
I couldn’t read it anymore.
October 15, 2022
A surprise of a book, really loved it. Adored the characters, flawed, hilarious, resilient and believable. So sad it’s finished.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews