Publication Date: August 20, 2024
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.
Who knew the classification of the platypus could be so fascinating? It’s more than enough to connect two women across two different time periods in New South Wales.
Author Tea Cooper delivers The Naturalist’s Daughter, which focuses on the early 19th century and features the Winston family. Charles, along with his daughter, Rose, spend hours studying the platypus, documenting behaviors, and making sketches that are then sent to their patron in London.
The author accurately depicts the time period, which allows the reader to get a better sense of the atmosphere. While the characters are fictional, the quest to learn about the amphibious mole-like creature is real.
Fast forward to 1908, where Tamsin Alleyn is tasked to evaluate a sketchbook that may be tied to Charles Winston. She must collaborate with Shaw Everdene to establish the book’s authenticity. Together, they unravel an intricate web of secrets connecting past to present, along with some shocking revelations.
Tamsin demonstrates the “new” woman of the time, determined to be self-sufficient and free of the restrictive social constraints. Her interactions with Shaw illustrate this sense of independence, although she is fascinated by his motor car.
The Naturalist’s Daughter provides a compelling story connecting two women a generation apart while educating readers regarding the early research about the platypus. As a side note, who knew these critters were venomous?
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.
