Reading the World discussion

From the Historical Novel Society (based in the UK):

"This immensely readable novel set in Victorian England provides a frolicsome yet compelling examination of history, determinism, and the borders of reality.

The story centers on the East India company sponsorship of an expedition to Peru during the 1850s led by Sir Clements Markham. Clem recruits the primary character, Merrick, whose expertise with botany and knowledge of the region makes him indispensable to the venture. The goal is to bring back cuttings from the elusive chinchona woods. Merrick’s father had passed on much of his local experience gleaned from years in an Indian mission village, mapping some but not all of the area, stating “there are things that shouldn’t go on maps.”

Merrick is hesitant. The expedition leads to areas he may not be able travel through, having been partially incapacitated with an injured leg. Faced with losing his father’s estate and becoming a parson at a local village, however, he decides to risk the opportunity to preserve both his own prospects and his father’s legacy.

The journey leads them to uncharted areas where magic, tradition and spirituality exist in a mysterious secret society. The jungle is a character unto itself and serves as a vivid metaphor of the boundaries between life and death, magic and reality. A new friendship is forged with the young priest Raphael, through whom Merrick is able to grasp the intensity of what he experiences and understand the need for secrecy first inspired by his father.

The story’s rich detail provides the reader a clear experience of 1850s Peru while imparting believability to its magic and imaginative elements. Its exciting style, humor and uniqueness are nothing short of charming. Enthusiastically recommended."

Although the author's second book, this is actually a prequel to her first, The Watchmaker of Filigree Street.

Thank You Gail for Adding This

I have finished the book. I have so many books I must read in December, that with all the traveling I will be doing for the holidays, I needed to start early. But I won't put in any comments, except to say, that this was a surprisingly uplifting book to me!

Thank you Gail. Enjoy your travels and the holidays.

Gail W wrote: "I have finished the book. I have so many books I must read in December, that with all the traveling I will be doing for the holidays, I needed to start early. But I won't put in any comments, excep..." Good to know! Will be reading this soon.

Just a heads up. This book is slow to start. Like backwards moving slow. Don't give up. It's worth the wait when it does finally pick up!

I have finished the book also. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it....kind of an historical fiction meets Avatar. The writing style is pretty straight forward, but the characters are slowly revealed and I began to care very much about them and the outcomes of their actions. There are some loose threads at the end but I can forgive that (I really wanted to know about the Main Character's mother once he returned to London).
I thought the author did an excellent job of showing how people can only bring their own religious and societal beliefs to a new place and have to learn to see a new place with open eyes in order to truly understand about a new culture.
Great fun.

Gail wrote: "I have finished the book also. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it....kind of an historical fiction meets Avatar. The writing style is pretty straight forward, but the characters are sl..."

Does it involve colonialism? We just watched one of the Avatar movies and that was a big part of it. I should get it very soon.

Yes, colonialism as in economic exploitation. The expedition was to get medicine for malaria to save lives in India, but the East India Company was largely about profits!!