THE NATURALIST'S DAUGHTER north american release date: 20 August 2024
A woman's bungled act of kindness sparks a chain of events that reverberates through the generations uncovering secrets, lies, and the biggest scientific controversy of the nineteenth century: the classification of the platypus. 1808 Agnes Banks, New South Wales, Australia: Rose Winton wants nothing more than to work with her father, eminent naturalist Charles Winton, on his groundbreaking study of the platypus. Not only does she love him with all her heart, but the discoveries they have made could turn the scientific world on its head. When Charles is unable to make the long sea journey to present his findings to the prestigious Royal Society in England, Rose must venture forth in his stead. What she discovers there will change the lives of future generations. 1908 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia: Tamsin Alleyn has been given a mission: travel to the Hunter Valley and retrieve an old sketchbook of debatable value, gifted to the Mitchell Library by a recluse. But when she gets there, she finds there is more to the book than meets the eye, and more than one interested party. Shaw Everdene, a young antiquarian bookseller and lawyer, seems to have his own agenda when it comes to the book, but Tamsin decides to work with him to try to discover the book's true provenance. The deeper they delve, the more intricate the mystery becomes. As the lives of two women a century apart converge, discoveries rise up from the past and reach into the future, with irrevocable consequences.
An engrossing narrative… fabulous. Peter Fitzsimons, Author Cooper is a welcome inclusion to the rising ranks of female-centered historical Australian novels. The touch of Gothic romance adds to the fun. The Herald Sun I've loved all of this author's historical fiction novels, but must say this one is her best in my opinion. Highly recommended. Brenda Telford. While it is common to mix genres, Australia’s Tea Cooper does it more boldly than most. Jennifer Byrne, Australian Women’s Weekly Cooper unravels a complex tangle of family secrets and lies, resulting in an exciting, moving and satisfying read. Books and Publishing Further reviews available here www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/340485