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The Botanist's Daughter

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'The Botanist's Daughter' by Kayte Nunn is a historical novel that intertwines the lives of two female botanists separated by a century. The story takes place in Victorian England and present-day Sydney, Australia, as the characters, Elizabeth and Anna, embark on journeys linked by a rare plant with the power to cure or kill. The narrative alternates between different time periods and continents, blending elements of mystery, romance, and family history. The writing style captures the vibrant descriptions of plant life in Chile, while exploring themes of botany, family legacies, and the interconnectedness of past and present.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and relatable, featuring strong female leads and a diverse cast that adds depth to the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style caters to a broad audience, combining accessible prose with descriptive elements, although it tends to rely on clichés and lacks complexity.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative weaves the stories of two female botanists across different eras, exploring themes of discovery and personal growth through their intertwining adventures in the realm of botany.

Setting:

The setting spans multiple locations and time periods, highlighting Victorian England and modern-day Sydney, with significant scenes in 1800s Chile.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, although some readers feel it occasionally follows a predictable formula.

Notes:

The story features two female botanists separated by a century.
It alternates between Victorian England and present-day Sydney, Australia.
Elizabeth heads to Chile to fulfill her father's dying wish to find a rare plant.
Anna discovers a box with a sketchbook, seeds, and photographs during renovations.
The book provides insight into the world of botany.
The writing style is more aimed at popular novel readers than those wanting complex narratives.
The characters are engaging and the narrative is fast-paced.
Descriptions of plant life, especially from Chile, are vibrant and well-researched.
Many readers found the story unpredictable with a clever ending.
The novel touches on themes of romance, mystery, and family connections.
Some reviews noted clichés in writing and a weak opening but became more enjoyable as the story progressed.
Readers appreciated the historical context and modern connections woven throughout the plot.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are medium-level content warnings primarily relating to relationship struggles and themes of death.

Has Romance?

The novel includes romance, but it is not the central focus, which keeps it at a medium level.

From The Publisher:

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, from the author of the bestselling The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant

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 . . .

'Two incredibly likeable, headstrong heroines . . . watching them flourish is captivating. With these dynamic women at the helm, Kayte weaves a clever tale of plant treachery involving exotic and perilous encounters in Chile, plus lashings of gentle romance. Compelling storytelling' The Australian Women's Weekly

'The riveting story of two women, divided by a century in time, but united by their quest to discover a rare and dangerous flower said to have the power to heal as well as kill. Fast-moving and full of surprises, The Botanist's Daughter brings the exotic world of 19th-century Chile thrillingly to life' KATE FORSYTH

Praise for The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant:

'If you enjoyed City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, read Kayte Nunn' The Washington Post

'Nunn's US debut is an engaging, dual-period narrative tracing Esther's journey towards healing and wholeness as well as Rachel's attempts to move beyond her wanderlust and unwillingness to commit to a home, job or relationship. The ending highlights the enduring power of love and forgiveness' Booklist Magazine

'Vivid descriptions highlight intertwining plot lines that seamlessly build to a satisfying climax. For fans of authors such as Lauren Willig and Kate Morton' Library Journal

**Contains BONUS extract from Kayte's newest spellbinding novel, THE LAST REUNION**

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Want To Read (2)
 
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