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The Fair Botanists
The bewitching and fascinating Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year pick full of scandal and intrigue
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 4,598 ratings, 486 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The Fair Botanists
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See moreThe Fair Botanists is a bewitching and immersive story for fans of The Miniaturist, The Doll Factory and The Signature of All Things.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
'Hugely enjoyable'
Ambrose Parry
'Dazzling, original and full of wonderful characters'
Katie Fforde
'Seductive and sensual'
Essie Fox
'Historical fiction at its best'
Frances Quinn
*
Could one rare plant hold the key to a thousand riches?
It's the summer of 1822 and Edinburgh is abuzz with rumours of King George IV's impending visit. In botanical circles, however, a different kind of excitement has gripped the city. In the newly-installed Botanic Garden, the Agave Americana plant looks set to flower - an event that only occurs once every few decades.
When newly widowed Elizabeth arrives in Edinburgh to live with her late husband's aunt Clementina, she's determined to put her unhappy past in London behind her. As she settles into her new home, she becomes fascinated by the beautiful Botanic Garden which borders the grand house and offers her services as an artist to record the rare plant's impending bloom. In this pursuit, she meets Belle Brodie, a vivacious young woman with a passion for botany and the lucrative, dark art of perfume creation.
Belle is determined to keep both her real identity and the reason for her interest in the Garden secret from her new friend.
But as Elizabeth and Belle are about to discover, secrets don't last long in this Enlightenment city. And when revealed, they can carry the greatest of consequences...
*
'Perfectly paced, romantic and full of intrigue. A truly wonderful story' Victoria Hawthorne
'Evocative and sumptuously imagined. Not since Perfume has a book had such a strong sensory impact on me. A feast for the senses... I was intoxicated! Dazzling' Celia Reynolds
'There's no enlightenment without enlightening women, and Sara Sheridan gives us two great ones to reckon with in Belle and Elizabeth. The Fair Botanists gives us a glimpse into the complex life of 1820s Edinburgh with joyous female characters at the heart of the story' Annie Garthwaite
'Sprinkled with deliciously tantalising scandal and intrigue, and colourful, engaging characters. A sheer joy to read' Sue Lawrence
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Fair Botanists by Sara Sheridan has been praised for its rich portrayal of 1820s Edinburgh and its focus on female empowerment. Critics commend the novel's vivid characters, engaging storyline, and meticulous historical research, particularly regarding the Scottish Enlightenment. Many reviewers highlight its lush writing style, blend of history, romance, and mystery, and the powerful characterisation of its two leading women, making it a compelling and sensory historical read.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781529336221
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 30 June 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Hodder Paperback
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 30.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 270g
Pages: 384
About the Author
Sara Sheridan has written more than 20 books including novels, non-fiction, TV tie ins, and ghost writing. Her work has been the First Minister's Summer Pick at the David Hume Institute, shortlisted for the Saltire Prize, the Wilbur Smith Prize and the CWA Dagger in the Library, and she has also won a Scottish Libraries Award. Her novel The Fair Botanists was the Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year 2022 and featured in series seven of the Queen's Reading Room. Sara has also written two plays for BBC Radio 4 and has reported from both Tallin and Sharjah for Radio 4's Our Own Correspondent.
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