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I don’t know how to classify this book! Historical fiction, yes, but strange magical, paranormal influences too. The story is I suppose about the search for quinine to prevent and treat malaria, the monopoly of which was held by Peru. Merrick, the main character is a kind of horticultural spy sent to poach some cuttings of the chinoah tree. He has an advantage though, as he already has connections through his grandfather who traveled there before him. I loved the fictional elements of this centr
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4.5*
“What's gone before you, and what will come after,' I said instead.
'Beg pardon?'
'The past ahead. Time is like a river and you float with the current. Your ancestors set off before you did, so they're far ahead. Your descendants will sail it after.”
After having enjoyed The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, I couldn’t wait to see what Pulley would offer us next. Once more the trope of Time is omnipresent but dealt in a very different way. We are introduced to Merrick Tremayne, a Cornish young ...more
“What's gone before you, and what will come after,' I said instead.
'Beg pardon?'
'The past ahead. Time is like a river and you float with the current. Your ancestors set off before you did, so they're far ahead. Your descendants will sail it after.”
After having enjoyed The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, I couldn’t wait to see what Pulley would offer us next. Once more the trope of Time is omnipresent but dealt in a very different way. We are introduced to Merrick Tremayne, a Cornish young ...more
I listened to the audiobook which was, I must say, exceptionally well narrated by David Thorpe. The story was a mash up of historical fiction and fantasy/magical realism - reasonably diverting and entertaining, but I don't think I'll remember much about it in a month or two.
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I just loved this. Wonderful writing, great humour, excellent blend of history and fantasy. An odd but delightful story.
3.5 stars. Beautiful writing, very slow plot concerning getting cuttings from quinine trees in Peru for the use of the East India company (lovely respecters of other cultures that they were....) Actually, the plot's not really all that important. The relationship that develops between Merrick Tremayne and Raphael, his guide, is lovely and respectful and kind. That's what made this book an enjoyable story. And there are mysterious moving stone statues.
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Sep 21, 2017
Dayna
marked it as to-read
Feb 13, 2018
Aqsa
marked it as to-read
Mar 20, 2018
Kathy
marked it as to-read
