Having read one of Cooper's works before, I knew going into this novel that she had a talent for describing and providing a verbal portrait of Australia's lands. She also had displayed a passion for the broader views of Australian history. ANd she was capable of weaving complex twists through time and paced reveals well. These things all remain true in "The Naturalist's Daughter".

After taking some breathing time to consider this book after finishing, I still can't quite place my finger on why this only partially captured me. To be honest, my interest waned here and there. This work was much more romance oriented in some parts than I had anticipated. it doesn't completely overwhelm the narrative but there is one portion of the book that the mentions of the attraction seemed a bit heavy. I don't mind it as a genre or a sub plot, but I prefer it to be a minor note in most genres where it's also thrown in. In a book like this it it can also lead to issues of miscommunication, jealousy, or fall into a game of assumptions. Generally that's not enough to leave me lukewarm on a subject. Though one section in which a character who's praised by others for how independent and unique she is debating to change her appearance because of what a man might think was a sting. If it wasn't established by another pov they liked her as it was, I admit that may have been enough to make me have a rage moment.

Perhaps it was that there were a couple of characters that seemed nearly cartoonishly maniacal in comparison to other well rounded and rooted persons. Then there were parts of some of the final twists that felt a little more distracting than was necessary. In particular there is a ceremonial aspect that didn't truly feel like they belonged. there was enough well established elements where the outcomes needed for the mystery would have still occurred.

I will say that I love how much there is an adoration for research,art, and books. It made the mystery feel more like a journalistic investigation. that is something that a good historical book seems to bring in a way no other subgenre does. This factual elements weaved in about the place and the state of science and recording were also appreciated.

There are some characters that were endearing and my guess being a step off from the largest of the reveals I did like this book. I just wasn't enamored with it. However, this second moderate to enjoyable dance with Cooper reassures me that other works by her are worth looking into.

Although the first half of this book was a little on the slow side for me, I definitely found myself enjoying the latter have, and because of that, I would recommend it with all sincerity. We follow a dual timeline which makes things slightly confusing at times, but it soon becomes easier to distinguish between the voices of our two main heroines. I did find the story of Rose from the early 19th century the more interesting of the two, but the author's way of telling it partially through the eyes of Tamsin made for a unique change of pace. I also really enjoyed the ending in which the two time lines come together in a wonderful and satisfying way. With it's descriptions of the Australian landscape as well as the bustle of London, the bit of mystery and romance, and the likability of the characters themselves; I think this book would appeal to a wide audience and is definitely worth a look.

I greatly enjoyed this original and well-paced story, and the voice artist Corinne Davies did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life.

I have not read too much historical fiction (Louis de Bernieres, Robert Harris & Margaret Cezair-Thompson) but I always like a good story. Tea Cooper created strong female characters who hold their own on the page, though the addition of the male supporting cast brought some welcome humour and romance.

{Spoilers ahead]
The romance was well done in terms of pacing, moreso for Tamsin and Shaw than Rose and Finneas (I do not think he would have been so tactile with her, we all know how a brush of the hand undid Darcy!), and I smiled as their relationships slowly blossomed. I appreciated the decision to use the language and views of the time in a bid to retain authenticity, though at points I was confused by descriptions of characters and unsure if a character was intended to be of First Nations or European descent. The book misses out on five stars as the dialogue felt a little unnatural at times, a bit too much exposition for the reader without letting is fill in the blanks. I also rolled my eyes slightly at the twist - it felt like something out of a Steig Larsson novel and seemed a bit too far-fetched for the quaint Cornish setting. I also felt that the puzzle pieces that led Tamsin to Jennifer/Rose/her inheritance fell into place a bit too easily. I would have settled for Jane being her mother or perhaps a relation to the Winton side. The link to the missionaries and the charity event she ducked out of at the start of the novel was a missed opportunity, in my opinion.

All in all, I learned a lot about platypus (plural TBD) and Australia in the early twentieth century but it never felt boring thanks to engaging characters. Would recommend!

The Naturalist's Daughter was a fascinating book. I truly enjoy learning about women in science. Don't miss this great book!