Sally Gardner takes readers through the world of Regency England with a story full of magical realism. Neva, a young girl from Russia, is adopted after a tragic accident following one of London’s Frostfairs. Neva can hear the ice singing and tells as many of those surrounding her that the ice has told her it is breaking apart. Unfortunately, no one seems to listen to her but Victor.
Victor Freeland, a creator of automatons and clocks, adopts the orphaned Neva and soon begins to learn that her ability to predict the weather isn’t just a party trick. As Neva grows, so do her abilities and her adoptive father’s desire to keep her protected from those in England who might exploit her or assume she is insane and lock her up. Victor decides to create a clockwork woman to impress upper class London, and allow Neva to share her talents without exposing her directly to others. Wagers and poor choices bring a formerly wealthy Lord, and Victor’s past, to the forefront while Neva questions her relationship to gender. In a male disguise, Neva is able to see so much more of the world around her and indulge her interests.
Sally Gardner creates a beautiful world of understanding found family and questions of gender in this Regency England tale that often feels more like a delightful fantasy. Her prose is beautiful, but easily accessible, making The Weather Woman a read that is enjoyable and keeps the reader turning the pages as fast as they can. The most loving and memorable characters are not seen as following traditional behaviors for the time period.
The Weather Woman is available September 19, 2023 from Head of Zeus publishing.
