The Naturalist's Daughter ~ Review

The Naturalist's Daughter
By Tea Cooper

Two women divided by time but united by a fascination of platypus and a search to understand this unusual animal. But as the story unfolds we learn that more than a quest for knowledge links them. Both are seeking for answers about their family.

But as so often the case the search for truth is buried deep. What is fact? What is deception? And where in this merger does the truth lie? 

The book opens in 1808 and then there is a shift between Rose Winton's story and Tamsin Alleyn's in 1908. Rose is determined to see her father, Charles Winton's work recognized while Tamsin searches for this long lost research.

This book offers more as both Rose and Tamsin work to accomplish their goals. Rose faces a world unlike the one she has grown up in. While Tamsin must fight for the collected work of Charles Winton. And there is a mystery that further ties these two stories together. A mystery forged of lies and betrayal. A mystery that crosses oceans. 

This was and is an intriguing read. I experienced it as both a written book and an audiobook. No matter how you decide to enjoy you will be drawn into it. There is danger. There is intrigue. There is romance. And all play together into a fascinating blend of historical fact and fiction. I was surprised about some of the information in regards to platypus, especially the dangerous aspects concerning them (let's just say I found it shocking when presented as it was). Overall, this was a good read and one I would say is well suited to a book club discussion. I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction, split-time fiction, or those who just want a book that is out of their ordinary reading fare.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Two fearless women—living a century apart—find themselves entangled in the mystery surrounding the biggest scientific controversy of the nineteenth century: the classification of the platypus.

1808 Agnes Banks, NSW

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 will forever alter the course of scientific history.

1908 Sydney, NSW

Tamsin Alleyn has been given a mission: travel to the Hunter Valley and retrieve an old sketchbook of debatable value, gifted to the Public 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. Determined to uncover the book's true origin, Tamsin agrees to join forces with him.

The deeper they delve, the more intricate the mystery of the book's authorship becomes. As the lives of two women a century apart converge, discoveries emerge from the past with far-reaching consequences in this riveting tale of courage and discovery.

AUTHOR BIO

Tea Cooper is an established Australian author of historical fiction. In a past life, she was a teacher, a journalist, and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling. She is the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including The Naturalist’s Daughter; the USA TODAY bestselling The Woman in the Green Dress; The Girl in the Painting, The Cartographer's Secret, winner of the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award; and The Fossil Hunter.