The Mesmerist by Barbara Ewing
The Mesmerist by Barbara Ewing is a richly atmospheric historical novel set in 19th-century London, where science, illusion, and society collide. When Cordelia Preston, an aging actress with a mysterious past, reinvents herself as a mesmerist and healer to the upper classes, she steps into a world of hidden traumas, spiritualism, and dangerous secrets.
Blending feminist themes, gothic suspense, and social critique, this novel explores the boundaries between performance and reality, healing and deception, power and vulnerability.
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Perfect for fans of Sarah Waters, Laura Purcell, and Emma Donoghue this is historical fiction with intrigue, strong women, and dark undercurrents.
Why The Mesmerist is a Must-Read:
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Mesmerism & Mystery: Explores the Victorian fascination with hypnosis and healing.
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Feminist Lens: A story of survival, reinvention, and female agency.
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Evocative Setting: London’s gaslit streets and salons are vividly brought to life.
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Layered Plot: Secrets, betrayals, and the price of truth unfold elegantly.
Memorable Quote (from the book)
"We all wear masks some made of paint, others of pain."
Translation (Sinhala):
"අප සැමරීමේ මුහුණුපොතක් දරයි සමහරක් තීන්තයෙන්, අනෙක්ව දුක්විඳීමෙන්."
Translation (Tamil):
"நாம் அனைவரும் முகமூடிகளை அணிகிறோம் சில வண்ணம், சில வலி."
Availability at Booxworm.lk
You can order The Mesmerist by Barbara Ewing online from Booxworm.lk or visit our Colombo store to discover a novel where illusion, memory, and truth intertwine.
Physical Store Location:
180, W.A. Silva Mawatha, Wellawatte, Colombo 06, Sri Lanka
+94 768 46 2551
Visit: www.booxworm.lk
About the Book
