Where are my Phineas and Ferb fans? Anyone? We have seen every episode of that show multiple times, and just love it so much. It’s creative, inventive, and funny. The star of the show? Perry the Platypus. At least in my opinion! I know what you’re thinking. What in the world does this have to do with a historical fiction novel? Well friends, I’ll tell you. The Naturalist’s Daughter is all about platypus research. While I know that the color of a platypus is not actually teal (or blue or whatever you wanna call Perry’s color), I couldn’t help but to picture that little guy as I was reading the entire book!
But just in case you’re not a Phineas and Ferb fan, I still highly encourage you to check this out, and other of Tea Cooper’s book as well. Her writing is beautiful. I couldn’t get enough of it honestly.
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About the Book
The Naturalist's Daughter Author Tea Cooper
on August 20 2024
Genres: Fiction / Historical / General
Amazon | GoodreadsTwo 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.
My Perspective
Tea Cooper is an exquisite writer. Not only did she pull me into each story line, I never wanted to leave them. Typically with a dual timeline, I always have a favorite timeline. Not so with this one. They were both fascinating. Truly. I was completely mesmerized and completely overtaken with the characters and their stories.
One thing I really appreciated with Cooper’s authenticity to the time period in every aspect. The dialogue, the science, the history, everything. Though I imagine some of the text may be a little off putting to some in our modern day, I think that it’s important to stay true to the time period. It just makes the story itself seem more realistic. Or maybe just feel more realistic. At any rate, I’m glad she does it. It shows she did her homework, as well as how important history is to her.
The other things Cooper does effortlessly is bring a perfect pace to the story. And in two time periods nonetheless! I didn’t want to put the book down. I kept the pages turning as fast as I could, and when I got top the end, I sighed. There is great character growth, tons of history, and platypus talk. I mean it doesn’t get any better than that! I highly recommend this novel to historical fiction fans!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
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.
What interests you about this story?
I love Tea Copper. She is so unique! Her topics are so vastly different from anything other writers focus on today. I’m glad to hear this is another excellent story by Cooper. Great review!