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The Plant Hunter: 'A great adventure' William Boyd
SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE FOR BEST PUBLISHED NOVEL 2022 A Telegraph Best Book for Summer 2022 'Highly recommended' MICK HERRON 'A great adventure. Dripping with atmosphere and exotic life' WILLIAM BOYD 'A riveting page-turner, rich with fascinating period detail' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH ___________1867. King's Road, Chelsea, is a sea of plant nurseries, catering to the Victorian obsession with rare and exotic flora. But each of the glossy emporiums is fuelled by the dangerous world of the plant hunters – daring adventurers sent into uncharted lands in search of untold wonders to grace England's finest gardens.Harry Compton is as far from a plant hunter as one could imagine – a salesman plucked from the obscurity of the nursery growing fields to become 'the face that sold a thousand plants'.But one small act of kindness sees him inherit a precious gift – a specimen of a fabled tree last heard of in The Travels of Marco Polo, and a map.Seizing his chance for fame and fortune, Harry sets out to make his mark. But where there is wealth there is corruption, and soon Harry is fleeing England, rounding the Cape of Good Hope and sailing up the Yangtze alongside a young widow – both in pursuit of the plant that could transform both their lives forever.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
51 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Mogford
1 book12 followersT.L. Mogford is a writer of historical fiction, who also writes mystery / thriller fiction under the name Thomas Mogford
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 20, 2022
1867. Kings Road, Chelsea, is a veritable paradise for plant lovers, nurseries stretching as far as one can see as the Victorian obsession with botany and especially those of a rare and exotic quality can go for eye-watering prices all in the pursuit of knowledge and grandeur.
Each of these emporiums is fuelled by the world of plant hunters, those daring enough to travel the globe in search of the next untold wonder or extravagance.
Harry Compton is a salesman, not a plant hunter as he is known for his dashing looks and is ‘the face that sold a thousand plants’. However, after only being kind to someone in need, Harry soon finds himself on the hunt for something spoke about in legends and last heard of in The Travels of Marco Polo and Harry seizes this chance to make a name for himself and sets off on an adventure!
However, Harry must be careful as wherever there is wealth, corruption can be found in equal measures and witnessing a most heinous crime he flees for his life which sees him arrive in Shanghai, finding an unlikely business partner and ally in a recently widowed woman who agrees to help Harry find his fabled tree but it won’t be easy, cost-effective or without peril as Harry along with his new companion will learn that the unknown may not wish to be discovered by outsiders as he must use all of his knowledge to keep pushing forward in the hopes of seeking down that what he desires most.
Beautifully imagined, this story of one man’s search for the unknown is nothing short of extraordinary from the stunning locations, the knowledge you absorb regarding so many botanical wonders and a tale of believing in the seemingly impossible. A triumph!
Each of these emporiums is fuelled by the world of plant hunters, those daring enough to travel the globe in search of the next untold wonder or extravagance.
Harry Compton is a salesman, not a plant hunter as he is known for his dashing looks and is ‘the face that sold a thousand plants’. However, after only being kind to someone in need, Harry soon finds himself on the hunt for something spoke about in legends and last heard of in The Travels of Marco Polo and Harry seizes this chance to make a name for himself and sets off on an adventure!
However, Harry must be careful as wherever there is wealth, corruption can be found in equal measures and witnessing a most heinous crime he flees for his life which sees him arrive in Shanghai, finding an unlikely business partner and ally in a recently widowed woman who agrees to help Harry find his fabled tree but it won’t be easy, cost-effective or without peril as Harry along with his new companion will learn that the unknown may not wish to be discovered by outsiders as he must use all of his knowledge to keep pushing forward in the hopes of seeking down that what he desires most.
Beautifully imagined, this story of one man’s search for the unknown is nothing short of extraordinary from the stunning locations, the knowledge you absorb regarding so many botanical wonders and a tale of believing in the seemingly impossible. A triumph!
March 17, 2023
I am giving this 3 stars to be generous.
What started out strong quickly became a very predictable bore - not to mention a terrible ending! Absolutely no climax at all.
If you want a very light read, with virtually no drama or excitement, then this book will cure that itch.
There was so much potential here and I was immediately captivated by the lovable Harry. But it goes downhill fast to become a real chore to finish really. There are no twists or turns. There’s no suspense, nothing at all to keep this reader interested.
What a shame.
What started out strong quickly became a very predictable bore - not to mention a terrible ending! Absolutely no climax at all.
If you want a very light read, with virtually no drama or excitement, then this book will cure that itch.
There was so much potential here and I was immediately captivated by the lovable Harry. But it goes downhill fast to become a real chore to finish really. There are no twists or turns. There’s no suspense, nothing at all to keep this reader interested.
What a shame.
March 2, 2022
This is a wonderful historical fiction novel full of travel and adventure, and I was surprised at just how addictive a novel about the plant nursery business could be 🤣
Harry Compton has a gift with plants, but unfortunately his boss appreciates his handsome face more and assigns him as a salesman for the plant nursery. But when Harry meets one of the famous ‘planthunters’ whilst out drinking one night, who tells him all about a rare plant in China which would be worth a lot of money, Harry is curious. And when the planthunter dies and leaves Harry the map to its location, he figures it’s about time he be brave and try to make his fortune. But he makes the mistake of telling his boss, who is willing to go to any length to find the plant for himself…
I should add that there’s also some unexpected romance with a young widow who ends up accompanying Harry on his mission, so it’s not all plants and action folks! But there is plenty of action, from sailing across oceans to being attacked by angry locals - there’s lots of violence and edge of your seat stuff going on here! If I have one negative comment it’s that there’s some animal violence I could’ve down without as always 😩
Having said that, I really enjoyed this, even more than I expected to! The characters are great, the plot exciting and exotic, and I was really happy with the ending!
Harry Compton has a gift with plants, but unfortunately his boss appreciates his handsome face more and assigns him as a salesman for the plant nursery. But when Harry meets one of the famous ‘planthunters’ whilst out drinking one night, who tells him all about a rare plant in China which would be worth a lot of money, Harry is curious. And when the planthunter dies and leaves Harry the map to its location, he figures it’s about time he be brave and try to make his fortune. But he makes the mistake of telling his boss, who is willing to go to any length to find the plant for himself…
I should add that there’s also some unexpected romance with a young widow who ends up accompanying Harry on his mission, so it’s not all plants and action folks! But there is plenty of action, from sailing across oceans to being attacked by angry locals - there’s lots of violence and edge of your seat stuff going on here! If I have one negative comment it’s that there’s some animal violence I could’ve down without as always 😩
Having said that, I really enjoyed this, even more than I expected to! The characters are great, the plot exciting and exotic, and I was really happy with the ending!
February 21, 2022
Blog tour https://lianareads.home.blog/2022/02/...
I absolutely loved this story! So beautiful written and so much suspense. I loved how the descriptions made me dream with my eyes open and as I am a big fan of orchids, I couldn’t help but get so immersed into the story. The Victorian part of the action made it even more interesting because I loved how the author is depicting the greediness of the ones that can afford to spend their money on exotic flowers and others that just take a stride through all that luxurious image.
Set up for a great adventure in the hunt of a new unheard wonder , Harry Compton finds himself on the run after witnessing a murder. I loved how unique his companion is and how her strength and knowledge is brought up by the suspenseful moments when they have to fight again their enemies.
A fantastic story that everyone must read!
I absolutely loved this story! So beautiful written and so much suspense. I loved how the descriptions made me dream with my eyes open and as I am a big fan of orchids, I couldn’t help but get so immersed into the story. The Victorian part of the action made it even more interesting because I loved how the author is depicting the greediness of the ones that can afford to spend their money on exotic flowers and others that just take a stride through all that luxurious image.
Set up for a great adventure in the hunt of a new unheard wonder , Harry Compton finds himself on the run after witnessing a murder. I loved how unique his companion is and how her strength and knowledge is brought up by the suspenseful moments when they have to fight again their enemies.
A fantastic story that everyone must read!
July 12, 2025
The premise is very intriguing and I was looking forward to some postcolonial writing and critique on the colonial enterprise of exploiting the natural resources of the colonies. Nineteenth-century botany and its inherent colonial pratices is often overlooked so I had high hopes for this. In the end, it all fell very flat for me and at times even felt quite ignorant of the broader context or even insensitive of the broader implications of certain phrases and sayings. The story was also quite predictable and did not hold my attention for that reason.
May 7, 2022
This feels like a leisurely cruise along the Yangtze! Not enough adventure to be swashbuckling, not enough description to be a travelogue, not enough science to be botanical and not enough romance to be passionate. If you like your books with a sprinkling of everything, but without being one thing above another, this will work for you!
April 25, 2023
Entertaining adventure set in Victorian London and China. Harry Compton works for a nursery in Chelsea, selling fashionable flowers and plants to wealthy Londoners, and enviously watching the ‘plant hunters’ who travel to distant lands to find rare plants to sell on their return. Then a chance meeting opens up possibilities for Harry to become a plant hunter himself, and before long he is fleeing danger in England and heading for China…
This is an enjoyable piece of historical fiction, well researched with a flavour of the adventure stories of the early 20th century. I enjoyed the descriptions of China and the work of the plant hunters, and this led me to search out non fiction on these subjects. The plot itself is quite predictable, with heroes and villains, a charming but rather dull romance, and Harry as a rather naive hero who finds his fighting spirit - but it’s still pretty likeable, easy to read and keeps the pages turning.
This is an enjoyable piece of historical fiction, well researched with a flavour of the adventure stories of the early 20th century. I enjoyed the descriptions of China and the work of the plant hunters, and this led me to search out non fiction on these subjects. The plot itself is quite predictable, with heroes and villains, a charming but rather dull romance, and Harry as a rather naive hero who finds his fighting spirit - but it’s still pretty likeable, easy to read and keeps the pages turning.
March 17, 2023
A pleasant surprise!
When I first picked up this book, I didn't expect too much of it because how interesting could the plant business possibly be? So, you can imagine my surprise when I got sucked into the story immediately and couldn't put it down.
Had no idea what all the flowers and plants looked like when they were named so that was all just a big blank but that didn't bother me that much
When I first picked up this book, I didn't expect too much of it because how interesting could the plant business possibly be? So, you can imagine my surprise when I got sucked into the story immediately and couldn't put it down.
Had no idea what all the flowers and plants looked like when they were named so that was all just a big blank but that didn't bother me that much
February 16, 2022
I am a huge fan of plants and books. Every room in our house has at least one of each in them, so when I saw this book I knew it was one that I needed to read.
This is what the title suggests it is, about a Plant Hunter. However, the particular plant hunter in this novel is one Mr Compton, a salesman in a nursery in London. He has worked for Piggott for a while, although being a salesman is not what he wants. He would rather be behind the scenes propagating, tending, and general growing the plants that will then go on for sale.
A chance encounter with a drunk leaves him with an option or two. He is in possession of a map showing the location of a rare and exquisite tree. It is 1867, plant collectors and hunters of exotic flora is a very lucrative business, ideal for those who have backers.
So, begins the travels of Mr Compton. From salesman in London to plant hunter embarking around the world on an adventure of a lifetime.
This is just a fabulous book and one that lived up to my hopes. It is a mix of several genres, there is some mystery, adventure, suspense, romance, crime, murder, history and nature so I do think it would appeal to a vast array of readers.
The author has a great balance in this story so that the plants don't take over the story and are mixed in with Compton's own experiences and expectations. He meets some fascinating people on his travels and becomes more worldly-wise at the same time.
I really like the way the author wove everything together as the journey embarks Britain and the sailing to China. It all helps to toughen up Compton, and believe me it is needed for what he has to meet. Not everyone is dangerous, but there are some individuals that you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of.
This is a wonderful mix of historical content and also attitudes around China and opium in the mid to late 1800s. It allows the reader to see differing viewpoints as foreigners in the country are not always welcomed. What can be a well-meaning gesture can actually be seen as something else. I did like this as it showed various sides to social, political and economics at the time. Enough to give a general idea but not too much to distract.
This is a wonderful book and it is a fabulous read. I liked the style, the pace and the storyline. A must-read for fans of historical fiction with an exciting adventurous storyline. It is one I would definitely recommend.
This is what the title suggests it is, about a Plant Hunter. However, the particular plant hunter in this novel is one Mr Compton, a salesman in a nursery in London. He has worked for Piggott for a while, although being a salesman is not what he wants. He would rather be behind the scenes propagating, tending, and general growing the plants that will then go on for sale.
A chance encounter with a drunk leaves him with an option or two. He is in possession of a map showing the location of a rare and exquisite tree. It is 1867, plant collectors and hunters of exotic flora is a very lucrative business, ideal for those who have backers.
So, begins the travels of Mr Compton. From salesman in London to plant hunter embarking around the world on an adventure of a lifetime.
This is just a fabulous book and one that lived up to my hopes. It is a mix of several genres, there is some mystery, adventure, suspense, romance, crime, murder, history and nature so I do think it would appeal to a vast array of readers.
The author has a great balance in this story so that the plants don't take over the story and are mixed in with Compton's own experiences and expectations. He meets some fascinating people on his travels and becomes more worldly-wise at the same time.
I really like the way the author wove everything together as the journey embarks Britain and the sailing to China. It all helps to toughen up Compton, and believe me it is needed for what he has to meet. Not everyone is dangerous, but there are some individuals that you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of.
This is a wonderful mix of historical content and also attitudes around China and opium in the mid to late 1800s. It allows the reader to see differing viewpoints as foreigners in the country are not always welcomed. What can be a well-meaning gesture can actually be seen as something else. I did like this as it showed various sides to social, political and economics at the time. Enough to give a general idea but not too much to distract.
This is a wonderful book and it is a fabulous read. I liked the style, the pace and the storyline. A must-read for fans of historical fiction with an exciting adventurous storyline. It is one I would definitely recommend.
March 13, 2023
Fantastic beginning. Rubbish ending.
August 29, 2022
Unfortunately, my excitement when I first picked up The Plant Hunter didn't last beyond perhaps the first fifty pages. The premise is interesting and the author depicts a fascinating world that I was eager to dive into. However, the main character's personal journey leaves little to be desired. Harry Compton is a perfectly adequate protagonist, but very bland, and feels emotionally disconnected from the events happening around him. Moments that should resonate strongly with grief seem run-of-the-mill, and Harry's stronger emotions rarely last beyond a few stray comments.
The way his relationship 'develops' with Mrs. Compton is similarly lifeless. There is nothing to bind them together emotionally and the key moments where Harry's feelings for her grow felt awkward and tacked-on. I was particularly confused when, within the same page, a moment of horror where the two witness a dead body immediately segued into Harry wondering if Mrs. Compton wanted to kiss him. I genuinely felt as if there would have been a benefit to the relationship being platonic, as there might have been some actual growth between the two of them as individuals and as a pair.
As the relationship is the crux of the second half of the book, I found myself bored with how the plot was progressing. The action that I was hoping would revitalize it was stilted and lacked impact. I personally found no satisfaction with the ending either. It's a shame, as the beginning was very strong, but the sense of adventure and urgency quickly fizzles out after that.
I would still recommend giving it a go if you are a fan of historical fiction, as the world is well-depicted and I genuinely found the plant-hunting aspects very interesting. However, there were some critical areas that could use work.
The way his relationship 'develops' with Mrs. Compton is similarly lifeless. There is nothing to bind them together emotionally and the key moments where Harry's feelings for her grow felt awkward and tacked-on. I was particularly confused when, within the same page, a moment of horror where the two witness a dead body immediately segued into Harry wondering if Mrs. Compton wanted to kiss him. I genuinely felt as if there would have been a benefit to the relationship being platonic, as there might have been some actual growth between the two of them as individuals and as a pair.
As the relationship is the crux of the second half of the book, I found myself bored with how the plot was progressing. The action that I was hoping would revitalize it was stilted and lacked impact. I personally found no satisfaction with the ending either. It's a shame, as the beginning was very strong, but the sense of adventure and urgency quickly fizzles out after that.
I would still recommend giving it a go if you are a fan of historical fiction, as the world is well-depicted and I genuinely found the plant-hunting aspects very interesting. However, there were some critical areas that could use work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
The Plant Hunter follows Harry Compton as he finds his way from England to China, in search of 'the Icicle tree.' Which is what this entire novel is about. The first 50-100 pages truly interested me, the setting of the novel was well done, and the story seemed to have a good foundation. However, as the narrative went on, I got bored. The journey lasted too long, too little happened, the things that did happen were over again in a page or two, and it was overall, and most definitely, not a page turner (which the sunday telegraph apparently claimed).
I do have some criticisms on the writing of the story. Mainly, the romance subplot is the straightest male view of romance I've ever seen. This is fine, but I'm a queer woman so my standards are high.
Secondly, it seems as if every problem is simply killed off. Literally. Every person that posed a problem to his happy ending just miraculously died. Not my cup of tea I suppose.
Additionally, this novel expanded my vocabulary astronomically. Which isn't a bad thing to me (as an English major) but it can be rather exhausting when you just want a fun story to read.
The idea is nice, and it's decently executed. The fact that I'm in a university-enduced reading slump probably doesn't help my experience with this book. All in all, I think this novel can be enjoyed as long as you aren't looking for something to glue your eyes to the page (and if you have the time to look up word definitions).
P.S.
The author replied to my tweet, which is quite fun.
I do have some criticisms on the writing of the story. Mainly, the romance subplot is the straightest male view of romance I've ever seen. This is fine, but I'm a queer woman so my standards are high.
Secondly, it seems as if every problem is simply killed off. Literally. Every person that posed a problem to his happy ending just miraculously died. Not my cup of tea I suppose.
Additionally, this novel expanded my vocabulary astronomically. Which isn't a bad thing to me (as an English major) but it can be rather exhausting when you just want a fun story to read.
The idea is nice, and it's decently executed. The fact that I'm in a university-enduced reading slump probably doesn't help my experience with this book. All in all, I think this novel can be enjoyed as long as you aren't looking for something to glue your eyes to the page (and if you have the time to look up word definitions).
P.S.
The author replied to my tweet, which is quite fun.
February 24, 2022
Firstly how beautiful is this cover design?
Although I don’t often read historical fiction - I am a big fan. So I was looking forward to this. I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped to which makes me sad. It was a very well written book with such in depth details and descriptions which made the story come to life.
Harry Compton, the main character, is definitely likeable and full of courage. While reading this you really do see him develop as a character from a quiet person to someone who is confident and determined. I thought the romance addition to the story was good.
I’m gutted I didn’t love this but I didn’t dislike it. I’m somewhere in the middle. Grateful to have been on the blog tour. The Plant Hunter is out now
Although I don’t often read historical fiction - I am a big fan. So I was looking forward to this. I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped to which makes me sad. It was a very well written book with such in depth details and descriptions which made the story come to life.
Harry Compton, the main character, is definitely likeable and full of courage. While reading this you really do see him develop as a character from a quiet person to someone who is confident and determined. I thought the romance addition to the story was good.
I’m gutted I didn’t love this but I didn’t dislike it. I’m somewhere in the middle. Grateful to have been on the blog tour. The Plant Hunter is out now
March 21, 2022
Glorious.
April 24, 2022
A glimpse into another world!
I enjoyed every page of this fascinating glimpse into the world of the Victorian plant hunters. I read it virtually in one sitting and was left bereft when it was finished. I wanted more!! The incredible passion imbedded in the main characters that drove them to endure every hardship and challenge just to find those amazing plants that we now take for granted is inspiring!!
I enjoyed every page of this fascinating glimpse into the world of the Victorian plant hunters. I read it virtually in one sitting and was left bereft when it was finished. I wanted more!! The incredible passion imbedded in the main characters that drove them to endure every hardship and challenge just to find those amazing plants that we now take for granted is inspiring!!
October 19, 2022
It was.... ok. It was a little cliche for my liking, romance wise. And the plant aspects felt a bit like "name dropping" as opposed to a genuine connection between botany and fiction. But it was ok. I don't know that I'd heavily recommend it, and it certainly wasn't gripping enough that I'd ever read it again.
Took me ages to read because I just never had any interest in picking it up again.
Took me ages to read because I just never had any interest in picking it up again.
February 24, 2022
Loved it!
Very nice character portrayal and development. Good accuracy with regard to Chinese names and horticultural ones. And a gripping page turner. Glad I found it.
Very nice character portrayal and development. Good accuracy with regard to Chinese names and horticultural ones. And a gripping page turner. Glad I found it.
March 17, 2022
DNF - interesting concept but so dry. Read 100pgs but couldn’t get into it sadly
August 12, 2024
Harry Compton, a competent nursery garden grower and plant seller in the late 1800s, encounters an old plant hunter who bequeaths him a map. This shows the location of the icicle tree, new to botany, in China. Some dried flowers prove it's real. Harry tries to convince his boss to let him go and search, but this sparks a chain of greed, malice and even murder.
Harry sails on a tramp ship and meets a colourful cast, including a sea cook, a small dog and a relative's widow, and some griffins, as men from Britain newly arrived to make fortunes were called. The local officials, botanists and sailors are also involved. We get a look at the hazards of travel inside China, at the opium wars and the sums of money to be made from rare plants.
I have to warn you that A Bad Thing happens.
This is otherwise an enjoyable read of travel and history, plant science and geopolitics.
I read this book from Raheny Library. This is an unbiased review.
Harry sails on a tramp ship and meets a colourful cast, including a sea cook, a small dog and a relative's widow, and some griffins, as men from Britain newly arrived to make fortunes were called. The local officials, botanists and sailors are also involved. We get a look at the hazards of travel inside China, at the opium wars and the sums of money to be made from rare plants.
I have to warn you that A Bad Thing happens.
This is otherwise an enjoyable read of travel and history, plant science and geopolitics.
I read this book from Raheny Library. This is an unbiased review.
June 20, 2024
Harry Compton is working as a nursery salesman in Chelsea in 1867, when he receives information about an exotic plant in China and a map to get there. He takes off on a dangerous adventure to find the plant and bring it home to make his fortune. With a young widow in tow, there's plenty that could go wrong. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would - apparently exotic plants were all the rage with London's rich set back in the 1800's and so-called "plant hunters" would travel the world to bring back new and exciting plants.
May 7, 2024
Fun and exciting and hard to put down....
May 26, 2023
This is a Sunday afternoon film in book form. Would give 4 ½ stars, I felt the ending was too rushed as if the page limit was being reached.
December 11, 2022
Growing up around the River Arun this book felt somewhat relatable. Regardless, really enjoyable adventure set within a unique time and place (including the whole history RE plant hunters). Worth a read.
November 21, 2022
Entertaining colonial adventure in China - a real eye opener on the opium trade/wars, and the damage colonialism wrought
April 6, 2024
I thought after leaving this one alone awhile that I would be able to finish it but I just cannot get through it. It's extremely wordy, which could have brought the whole book down 50 pages or more. The content was difficult to get through and it should have a trigger warning at the beginning. I knew going into it due to the time period the book is written that it would be harder to get through but I didn't think it would be that bad. The characters are rather dull and not very well rounded. More thought was put into descriptions than the main characters and story itself. Very reminiscent of JRR Tolkien description style but more boring. Got to page 194 and I'm calling it for this one. Too many other good books out there to read to dwell on this one any longer.
October 8, 2023
This is like a mash up of Willard Price adventure books, Mills and Boon bodice rippers and Gardener’s World.
And not in a particularly good way.
There is swooning and flushing and glowering and stirring in trousers and lots of
Glimpses of freckled bosoms.
But without much plot development, too much filler and not much thriller and a rather antitclamatic ending this neither stirred my trousers or made my bosom heave.
And not in a particularly good way.
There is swooning and flushing and glowering and stirring in trousers and lots of
Glimpses of freckled bosoms.
But without much plot development, too much filler and not much thriller and a rather antitclamatic ending this neither stirred my trousers or made my bosom heave.
January 11, 2022
I am a big fan of Mogford's characterization and engaging storytelling, and this historical fiction -- with its novel mix of adventure and botany (who knew?) -- did not disappoint. I was intrigued and hooked within the first few pages!
February 20, 2022
I love historical fiction but know nothing about plants and plant hunters. Turns out they make an excellent subject for a book! The Plant Hunter is both engaging and educational, I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end.
March 28, 2022
A beautiful ride of a book. The story of a nurserymans dream of becoming a plant hunter in China. A sumptuous tale of wonder. Set in Victorian England among the Chelsea plant trade. Then moving over to China for a story of an epic journey. Very enjoyable read. So glad I found this.
April 27, 2022
An absolute delight. Very well-written adventure story of a plant hunter in the late 19th century. Not something I would typically select but I couldn’t put it down and enjoyed the action packed journey from London to Shanghai and beyond.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews