First published 2010
In 1810s Lyme Regis, a young housemaid named Mary Anning scours the cliffs for fossils to sell. She crosses paths with prim Elizabeth Philpot, a well-to-do spinster who shares Mary's passion for these prehistoric remains. As their friendship blossoms, the two women defy gender norms and class divides to pursue their shared scientific curiosity. But in a world where science is dominated by men, their hard-won discoveries are dismissed. As they face public ridicule and personal loss, Mary and Elizabeth must decide whether to compromise their integrity - or their friendship.
Genres: science, historical-fiction, adventure, biographical-fiction, 19th-century, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Lyme Regis
Period: 1810s
303 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books