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This is the second historical novel I've read by A.N. Wilson, after ''The Potter's Hand'' (whose main character, Josiah Wedgwood, has a cameo role here). I find his fiction to be thoroughly convincing as well as engaging. This reminded me most of ''Measuring the World'' by Daniel Kehlmann, not least because the Humboldt brothers make a brief appearance. Like Kehlmann's novel, this is a rip-roaring tale of exploration even though its prose emulates the more detached narrative style of the eighteenth century. The historical figures make lively characters, and themes of family, purpose and the search for true love are ever relevant. I'd recommend this to any readers of historical fiction and adventure stories.
Further reading suggestion: If you like the sound of Wilson's style and are interested in this time period, you must also read [[The Potter's Hand by A N Wilson|The Potter's Hand]]. [[Sophie and the Sibyl: A Victorian Romance by Patricia Duncker]] is a similar historical pastiche.
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