The Naturalist's Daughter in Aussie Readers

Sep 28, 2017 Brenda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: aussie-authors, sent-by-publisher, reviewing-by-request, arc, own-read, 2017-release, historical-fiction, uncorrected-proof

As a young Rose Winton followed her Pa down to the river’s edge to continue the drawings of the mallangong and its young, her delight in all she was learning heightened. Her pa was a naturalist and his mentor was Sir Joseph Banks of London. Charles Winton’s research was well before its time; his discoveries fascinated Rose. It was 1808 and their little community of Agnes Banks in NSW, inland from Sydney was a breeding ground for the mammals. Rose lived in the tiny cottage with her mother and fat As a young Rose Winton followed her Pa down to the river’s edge to continue the drawings of the mallangong and its young, her delight in all she was learning heightened. Her pa was a naturalist and his mentor was Sir Joseph Banks of London. Charles Winton’s research was well before its time; his discoveries fascinated Rose. It was 1808 and their little community of Agnes Banks in NSW, inland from Sydney was a breeding ground for the mammals. Rose lived in the tiny cottage with her mother and father – she was also friends with the local Aboriginals, especially Yukri and Bunji.

With passage booked on a ship to London, Charles unexpectedly became ill prior to departure. Unable to travel, and unwilling to let the opportunity to present his findings to Sir Joseph go, he sent Rose in his place. The sea journey was long, but Rose enjoyed it; the fresh salt air, the interest in what she had never imagined she’d see in her life – all delighted her. But when she arrived in London she received a shock. Was all she had known a lie?

One hundred years later and Tamsin Alleyn was working in the Public Library of NSW, Sydney; her love of Australian history and books deep in her soul. When she was sent to Wollombi in the Hunter Valley to collect a sketchbook which was being donated to the Library she wasn’t sure what she’d find. Tamsin’s keen interest in the sketchbook and her interest in the surrounding countryside felt right. But the news she received on arrival wasn’t promising. What would happen? And why was there a lawyer at the home?

The depth of mystery surrounding the sketchbook astounded Tamsin – could she find the answers she needed? As she investigated the past, she knew time was of the essence…

The Naturalist’s Daughter by Aussie author Tea Cooper is outstanding in its breathtaking beauty. The heartfelt story of the platypus and the events one hundred years apart which had an impact on future generations. Rose’s story, especially that set in London, is utterly fascinating. And the story of Tamsin and her research into the past, mysterious and intriguing. I’ve loved all this author’s historical fiction novels, but must say this one is her best in my opinion. And the cover is divine! Highly recommended.

With thanks to Harlequin Enterprises Australia for my uncorrected proof ARC to read and review.
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Dec 15, 2017 Helen rated it it was amazing

I have read a few of MS Cooper’s books and loved them but I have to say that this is just the best so far what an amazing story set across a century here in Australia and England, the characters are strong and are alive there is a mystery that crosses the century that was amazing as it was unravelled and the two woman are fabulous they showed such courage, I had a very early morning as I finished this one.

Where do I start? Maybe with Rose Winton I loved Rose and her strength and courage she work ...more

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Oct 11, 2024 Rina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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. 1908 Sydney, NSW. Tamsin Alleyn has been given a mission: retrieve an old sketchbook, 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. As the lives of two women a century apart converge, discoveries emerge from the past with far-reaching consequences.

Ahh, this ...more

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Aug 02, 2019 Jyv rated it it was ok

Shelves: fiction, did-not-finish, historical-fiction

For some reason, I couldn't get into this book at all. I tried several times, but could not find enough interest to continue. I still can't put my finger on why. ...more

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