Transported to another time and place

What a fabulous book! I was enthralled by it from beginning to end. Dawnay Price, orphan, born into extreme poverty, ends up in an orphanage after her brother is pressed by the navy, wrenched from her forever. Dawnay, however, has a bright enquiring mind and a passion for learning. Stealing ink, paper and a quill from the founder of the orphanage, she teaches herself to write. Her brightness captures the interest of a benefactor, Markham Woods, who takes her into his home, provides her with a tutor and encourages her education. Dawnay, intelligent, single minded and determined, eventually chafes at the confines of the house in London. Longing to further her studies in support of her burgeoning, if dangerous, hypothesis in natural philosophy, she persuades her benefactor to fund an expedition abroad. Thus, she finds herself aboard a ship bound for Portugal, captained by the disapproving Capt. Alex. Skilfully and beautifully narrated, Mascull leads us through sun-drenched landscapes, to share in Dawnay’s adventures, discoveries, joys, perils and heartaches. Five stars feel somewhat inadequate for this riveting story. Rebecca Mascull is an adroit story teller, and Catherine Harvey is an excellent voice for this one.

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