The Botanist’s Daughter by Kayte Nunn

#Blogtour @alexxlayt @orionbooks @KayteNunn

Synopsis

Discovery. Desire. Deception. A wondrously imagined tale of two female botanists, separated by more than a century, in a race to discover a life-saving flower . . .

In Victorian England, headstrong adventuress Elizabeth takes up her late father’s quest for a rare, miraculous plant. She faces a perilous sea voyage, unforeseen dangers and treachery that threatens her entire family.

In present-day Australia, Anna finds a mysterious metal box containing a sketchbook of dazzling watercolours, a photograph inscribed ‘Spring 1886’ and a small bag of seeds. It sets her on a path far from her safe, carefully ordered life, and on a journey that will force her to face her own demons.

In this spellbinding botanical odyssey of discovery, desire and deception, Kayte Nunn has so exquisitely researched nineteenth-century Cornwall and Chile you can almost smell the fragrance of the flowers, the touch of the flora on your fingertips . .

My Thoughts

This book is such a wonderful amalgamation of sumptuous historical fiction and the cutting reality of present day.  A gripping and surprisingly fast moving tale; it is told on two timelines and this gives it a unique feel, keeping the narrative fresh and interesting.

Whilst I enjoy looking at flowers, I am no expert when it comes to botany and thus approached the book with slight trepidation.  However, I needn’t have worried; Nunn has clearly done her research when it comes to plants and flowers but deftly includes their descriptions making the reader feel the experience rather than be bamboozled by technical jargon. To say this book is gorgeous is an understatement; I felt wonderfully lost in Nunn’s beautiful prose – a true escape of a book to be consumed whilst relaxing with your favourite drink, whatever that may be!

If you enjoy family secrets, lies and mysteries with a fabulous twist at the end then this book is definitely for you. Nunn has excelled at creating a deliciously atmospheric and richly detailed world in which I was truly immersed and happily lost myself in for chunks of the day –  I am excitedly looking forward to her next historical fiction offering.

My thanks go to Orion Books for inviting me on this blogtour and sending me a copy of the book in return for my honest review.  If you enjoyed my review please check out my other blog posts and also the other stops on the tour:

The Botanist’s Daughter was released in April and you can buy it here

@mrscookesbooks