I read this book while preparing for a trip to the Galapagos. It not only gave me some insight into Darwin and how he did his research and writing as well as into those who influenced and competed with him. Most interesting was the role played by Arbella in the work she did with both Darwin and others. This was a really fascinating role for a woman to play during this period so made it even more intriguing given how indispensable she became as an editor and organizer of the materials she was working with. I would highly recommend this title.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to read about such a pioneering woman of science. I love how the story contained lots of scientific information, most of which I didn't know. Arabella did seem lonely, especially when the Doctor was away in Australia. I don't think her family really understood just how brilliant she was. The male scientific community was divided as to whether she really understood the material, and if what she wrote was accurate.

I really admired Darwin for totally entrusting his life's work to her to expand on. She was truly one of a kind.

1868 London. A young Arabella Buckley is forced through circumstance to earn a living. She manages to secure a post as literary assistant to then renowned geologist Charles Lyell. This gives Arabella a certain amount of independence. As her story unfolds, I learn how Arabella grows in confidence and maturity through her employer and mentors the Lyell’s guidance. This presented her with an unique opportunity to meet Lyell’s academic friends, among them Darwin and other significantly eminent scientists of the time. Needless to say, Arabella did not miss this learning opportunity to grow her scientific abilities and knowledge.

She quickly forges friendships particularly with Darwin. Consequently, the scientific world is revolutionised by her idea to make his theorems understood by the general populace, by translating them into easily understood English. Thus everyone from a child to an adult would now be able to understand and appreciate Darwin’s theories. In short, she was a Victorian science influencer. Unfortunately, she was not known to us until this century. Sadly, women had been erased from the historical record when it came to science. This is the first story ever to be written about Arabella Buckley. Thus George chooses to rebalance history. Does she? I leave the readers to decide.

I discovered how human Arabella was. She was more than a bright mind, brimming with emotion not merely for her work but also in life. George’s description of her protagonist and the era was very real. I empathised and commiserated with her. Her guts, energy and genius wowed me. It seemed natural to narrate her tale in 1st person POV. Writing with flair, George is not afraid to discuss the ignominies heaped on women in the past including scrubbing them out of history. I could not help but feel warmth towards Arabella for her genius and courage. Such was George’s word smithery that it felt as if Arabella was in the room with me telling me her life story.

A fictional piece, its more fact than fiction. I found the 18th century academia amusing. Not surprising. After all, though nuclein (DNA) was discovered by a Swiss scientist around this time it was many years later before the full impact of its significance was eventually discovered. Meticulously researched as evidenced in her Authors note, Acknowledgements, The Glossary on the chapters and the Afterword, I got a pleasant and enjoyable insight into her writing journey.

I for one loved this book and will be on the lookout for more from Jill George.

Brilliant Arabella Buckley becomes literary assistant to renowned geologist Sir Charles Lyell, catching the eye of Charles Darwin. Defying gender biases, her skills break barriers, forging a bond with Darwin to bring his theories to vivid life. Though thriving professionally, Arabella's personal life is tumultuous. A secret affair, the isolation of country life, and a bitter rival test her resilience. Despite losses, she strives to forge her own identity and fulfill her mission as a leading science communicator.

The biographical novel is engaging and informative. I enjoyed this celebration of a woman who was able to find her niche as scientist in a male-dominated world.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.