Interesting historical novel, especially if you enjoy reading about Georgian/Regency England and/or the history of paleontology.

Working-class girl Mary Anning - one of the main characters in this book - is famous for being the first person to find an entire icthyosaurus skeleton, sparking the idea that perhaps the Earth wasn't created 6,000 years ago (as was commonly believed at the time), and extinct species were entirely possible despite the infallibility of God. Set in pre-darwinian times, I particularly enjoyed these sorts of discussions in the novel.

The other main character is another historical person, fossil enthusiast and middle-class spinster Elizabeth Philpot. I normally don't like the word 'spinster' but in this historical context it is entirely appropriate for an unmarried woman.

I was not, however, entirely convinced by Tracy Chevalier's story. Some of it simply did not ring true to me, though I'm unable to put my finger on exactly what seemed off. Perhaps the attempt at romance between Mary Anning and a visiting fossil collector?

But entirely worth a read - or listen if, like me, you have access to the audiobook.