Imperfect Alchemist

By Naomi Miller,

Book cover of Imperfect Alchemist

Book description

A remarkable life lost to history is brought into sharp focus

England, 1575. Young Mary Sidney is bearing a devastating loss while her father plans her alliance to Henry Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. But Mary is determined to make her mark on the world as a writer and scientist.

As…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Imperfect Alchemist as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I found this historical novel about the life of Mary Sidney Hebert, the Countess of Pembroke really enjoyable because it offers me the fantasy of filling in the gaps in the historical record about one of the early women writers.

I find it impressive because it draws on years of research on Mary Sidney Herbert by the author who is a renowned literary critic. Miller tells Mary Sidney Herbert’s story ingeniously by paralleling it with the life of a fictional character, Rose, who serves as her waiting woman.

Although I know the historical facts, the twists and turns in the…

Want books like Imperfect Alchemist?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Imperfect Alchemist.

Browse books like Imperfect Alchemist

Book cover of Mary Sidney, Lady Wroth
Book cover of Renaissance Drama by Women: Texts and Documents
Book cover of Three Tragedies by Renaissance Women

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,223

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Tudor, William Shakespeare, and London?

Tudor 30 books
London 862 books