England

  • The Hemlock Cure

    The Hemlock Cure

    This novel is set close to home for me, in the small Derbyshire village of Eyam, and takes place during the Great Plague of 1665—a time also marked by suspicion and fear of witchcraft. The story follows two central women: Isabel Frith, the village midwife, and Mae, the youngest daughter of Wulfric. Their lives intertwine…

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  • The Fossil Woman: A life of Mary Anning

    This biography by Tom Sharpe chronicles the life of fossil hunter Mary Anning, exploring her contributions to palaeontology as well as personal challenges, like a childhood lightning strike. While informative and well-researched, the book’s factual style occasionally feels repetitive, making it less engaging at times. It’s recommended for enthusiasts of Anning and earth science.

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  • The Map That Changed The World

    The book by Simon Winchester is a blend of biography, history, science, and geology, focusing on William Smith and his groundbreaking creation of the UK’s first geological map. The author utilizes extensive research to explore Smith’s life, depicting both his scientific contributions and personal struggles, providing readers with insight into geology’s historical context.

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  • The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club, #4) 

    by Richard Osman  The fourth instalment of the Thursday Murder Club series takes readers back to the familiar and endearing setting of Coopers Chase retirement village in England, where its charming and witty characters find themselves embroiled in yet another intriguing mystery. However, when one of their own becomes a victim of a twisted plot,…

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  • The Evening and the Morning (Kingsbridge) 

    by Ken Follett “The Evening and the Morning” by Ken Follett is a captivating historical novel that delves into the lives of its characters, skilfully weaving a rich tapestry of the past while shedding light on the politics and daily struggles of the Early Middle Ages. Spanning the tumultuous era of the Early Middle Ages,…

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