deep & thrilling historical maybe fantasy mystery

Kickass Victorian ladie(s) navigating a world of rigid class and gender roles and grappling with the implication of Darwin's theory of evolution. All spiced up with a maybe magical maybe psychotropic mystery plant.

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thoroughly enjoyable

gripping concept and intriguing characters which almost seem to be too independent of each other; I would've listened for another couple of hours

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Crime and Phantasy in the Victorian Era

Perhaps this book was meant for teenage readers, but it offers a lot to adults as well. It is extremely well written and the prose is colorful and gripping. It is not only a very truthful and sensitive account of an intelligent young girl growing up during the Victorian era, but also a nice historical crime story with a touch of allegorical phantasy.

Faith Sunderly, the daughter of a reverend and renowned natural scientist has a difficult childhood. She fights for recognition and love, but regardless of her achievements and her outstanding intelligence, her father only sees a little silly girl in her and her mother is so busy with her social life that she simply overlooks her.

When her father takes the family to the island of Vane to assist in an excavation and to flee from the mainland to avoid a scandal, threatening his professional reputation, the situation deteriorates and Faith’s protected life falls apart quickly. As a final blow, her father comes to a sudden death and suicide seems to be the most plausible explanation. Faith with her curious and open mind and the strong believe in a scientific approach to solve mysteries decides to restore her father’s reputation by proving that he was murdered.

Regardless of all difficulties and the open hostility she encounters, her investigation reveals some inconsistencies, but even more important, she stumbles on a well hidden secret of her father, a plant, which thrives on lies and rumors. In return for the spreading of lies, the plant will offer a fruit, which gives unique insight and knowledge, when eaten. Faiths is going to use the plant to uncover the truth about her father’s death.

Very quickly Faith is not a good girl anymore and it becomes obvious that spreading rumors and lies will have an effect on her as well and perhaps the knowledge the plant offers, rests in her mind already.

The Lie Tree is an unusual book. Adults, especially parents are not necessarily good or well meaning, characters are ruthless and without scruples, when following their selfish goals. There is one exception, but Faith does not see it unto the end.

It is a fascinating read, don’t miss it.

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