Tracy Chevalier’s novel, Remarkable Creatures, primarily unfolds in the coastal town of Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, during the early 19th century. This backdrop of dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches, and a bustling harbor shapes the narrative, influencing the characters’ livelihoods, social interactions, and scientific pursuits. The novel also briefly visits other locales relevant to the characters’ lives and scientific endeavors, such as London and surrounding areas.
The carefully chosen geographical and historical context is crucial to the novel’s themes. Lyme Regis, at that time, was a hub for fossil discovery, a burgeoning scientific field often at odds with prevailing religious beliefs. The stark, sometimes dangerous beauty of the coastline mirrors the protagonists’ independent spirits and their passionate pursuit of knowledge in the face of societal constraints. The historical setting allows the narrative to explore the challenges faced by women in science during this period and the clash between scientific advancement and established social norms.
