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Ship Fever [Paperback]

Andrea Barrett (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Flamingo (1 July 2008)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0007292813
  • ISBN-13: 978-0007292813
  • Product Dimensions: 19 x 12.6 x 2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 874,770 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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More About the Author

Andrea Barrett
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Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review

In 1764, two Englishwomen set out to prove that swallows--contrary to the great Linnaeus's belief--do not hibernate underwater. But they must be patient and experiment in secret, such actions being inappropriate for the female of the species. In 1862, a hopeless naturalist heads off for yet another journey, though he can't seem to rid his conscience of the thousands of animals that have already died in his service. In 1971, a pregnant young woman, ill at ease with her socially superior husband and his stepchildren, hears of a Tierra del Fuegan taken hostage by the commander of the Beagle in 1835. This unwilling specimen was, we read, "captured, exiled, re-educated; then returned, abused by his family, finally re-accepted. Was he happy? Or was he saying that as a way to spite his captors? Darwin never knew."

Many of the characters who populate Andrea Barrett's National Book Award winning collection, Ship Fever, feel similarly displaced in the world. They long to prove themselves in both science and love, but are often thwarted by gender, social position, or the prevailing order. In "The Behaviour of the Hawkweeds", the wife of a genetics professor has learned that each narrative of discovery is matched by one, if not more, "in which science is not just unappreciated, but bent by loneliness and longing." Barrett's astonishing tales of ambition and isolation convey the meaning and feeling behind the patterns--scientific and emotional--but slip free of easy closure. The two women in "Rare Bird", like the swallows, depart England for more conducive climes, or so the brother of one believes. The reader is left to hope, and imagine. Much has been made of Andrea Barrett's interlacing of history, knowledge, and fact--and rightly so. But equal attention should be paid to the brilliant serenity and exactitude of her style. --Kerry Fried --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

‘A truly stylish book’
Penelope Fitzgerald

‘Elegant and exhilarating, subtle and haunting. Barrett has an alchemist’s talent for transforming scientific fact into lively fiction.’
Sunday Times

‘A stunning follow-up to The Voyage of the Narwhal, Ship Fever interweaves the scientific advances of hte nineteenth century with tales of love and passion. Barrett pays particular attention to the women of the time, constrained by convention, ridiculed for hteir attempts to enter the masculine world of medicine and politics, who nevertheless battled to improve the lot of the poor and needy. Wise, beautifully written and full of historical insights.’
Marie Claire

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
One of the most eloquent and true voices describing scientists as people. She understands amazingly well the role science and the pursuit of knowledge can play in their day to day lives.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I was well pleased by this book. It describes, with eloquent grace, the manner in which many people (like those whom I have met) live. Ms. Barrett is like Anne Tyler in that her stories are what is important, not their endings, or their potential commercial audience. Barrett's prose is vivid and lyrical. This is an excellent book to read.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is one of the most intelligently written collections I have read in a long time. At first thought, I was concerned that the weaving of fictional characters with historical figures from the world of science would result in a contrived work that was more interested in serving its format than it was at achieving its literary goal. My concerns were misplaced. The author has created a series of tales that explore and provide insight into some of the most basic human emotions. She is especially adept at creating events that transcend their natural progression and serve as metaphors for at times exhilarating, and at times disturbing aspects of the human condition. Although I can understand those who might feel that this is a book that is difficult to put down, I would suggest that it is better digested in small servings. Each tale requires some reflection on the reader's part in order to best enjoy this wonderful collection.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Tales that sailed by me
The stories in this much-celebrated collection just went over my head. I admit to being in the Roald Dahl school of how short stories should work, and the tales in this collection... Read more
Published on 27 Jun 2001
Fascinating stories by a talented author.
A. Barrett's short stories expertly weave science and psychology with fact and fiction. She carefully paints her cameos while the reader transcends as voyeur, one page at a time. Read more
Published on 12 Feb 1998
Science, humans and story, elegantly blended
Ship Fever is an extraordinary book. As a scientist, writer, and addicted reader, I have found that any connection with science renders most writers excruciating and/or... Read more
Published on 31 Jan 1998
This book didn't meet my expectations
After reading several glowing reviews, I expected too much from this book. I've never been disappointed with a National Book Award winner, but this book comes close. Read more
Published on 8 Sep 1997
Anonymous Was a Woman
Ship Fever is a remarkable book not only for its journeys into the minds of those on the edge of scientific discovery, but for the fact that these minds belong to women. Read more
Published on 18 April 1997
stopped my heart with her insight
It is rare for me to read a book and have to put it down
because the author has moved me so powerfully. Read more
Published on 16 Jan 1997
Pick this book up and you won't be able to put it down.
I was initially drawn to this book by its cover. Upon further examination, I found the various story names very intriguing and decided that this book was worth a try. Read more
Published on 3 Jan 1997
Tales of Science and the Heart
Andrea Barrett's Ship Fever is seven imaginatively told short stories and one novella. Unlike any other set of stories I've read, these tales make the lives of scientists really... Read more
Published on 30 Dec 1996
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