The Book of Speculation
by Erika Swyler
The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler holds a well received rating of 3.59 out of 5, based on 17.3K reader ratings. First published in 2015. The book spans 339 pages.
About The Book of Speculation
Simon Watson, a young librarian, lives alone in a house that is slowly crumbling toward the Long Island Sound. His parents are long dead. His mother, a circus mermaid who made her living by holding her breath, drowned in the very water his house overlooks. His younger sister, Enola, ran off six years ago and now reads tarot cards for a traveling carnival.One June day, an old book arrives on Simon's doorstep, sent by an antiquarian bookseller who purchased it on speculation. Fragile and water damaged, the book is a log from the owner of a traveling carnival in the 1700s, who reports strange and magical things, including the drowning death of a circus mermaid. Since then, generations of "mermaids" in Simon's family have drowned--always on July 24, which is only weeks away.As his friend Alice looks on with alarm, Simon becomes increasingly worried about his sister. Could there be a curse on Simon's family? What does it have to do with the book, and can he get to the heart of the mystery in time to save Enola?In the tradition of Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants, Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, and Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian, The Book of Speculation--with two-color illustrations by the author--is Erika Swyler's moving debut novel about the power of books, family, and magic.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Erika Swyler |
| Published | 2015 |
| Pages | 339 |
| Genres | Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.59 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 17,345 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Book of Speculation?
The Book of Speculation is categorized as Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Fantasy.
Is The Book of Speculation worth reading?
Based on 17.3K reader ratings, The Book of Speculation has an average score of 3.59 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Book of Speculation?
The Book of Speculation has 339 pages.
Who wrote The Book of Speculation?
The Book of Speculation was written by Erika Swyler. It was first published in 2015.
What is the ISBN for The Book of Speculation?
The ISBN-13 for The Book of Speculation is 9781250054810.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
