The Fair Botanists: Could one rare plant hold the key to a thousand riches?

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Both are fascinated by the imminent blooming of the century plant; the Agave Americana, which blooms only once before it dies. The women become instant friends, but Belle’s secretive habits and real identity and Elizabeth’s longing to know more set them on a collision course. Will their friendship survive?

The plot was nonexistent. Well, not completely nonexistent I suppose, but the whole plot seemed to be about this centennial plant that was about to flower and everyone trying to barter for the limited amount of seeds it would produce when it did flower. That was all I could find that would constitute a plot in the third of the book I managed to read. Botanist and physician Robert Graham, the 6th Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, attempts to wangle an invite to the big royal soiree and makes some questionable life choices as the plot progresses. Summer, 1822 and Edinburgh is abuzz with rumours that the King himself George IV could be making a visit which everyone cannot stop talking about, despite the fact his majesty has a tendency to have changes of heart at the flip of a coin but that won’t stop the people from getting excited!

Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Both Belle and Elizabeth are able to make big changes in their lives, and I loved that the ending of the story depicted their fresh starts. The characters in The Fair Botanists are brilliant, especially the characters of Belle and Elizabeth.

The Fair Botanists transports the reader to 19th century Edinburgh, a city divided into rich and poor areas, and undergoing rapid development with new housing springing up on land formerly given over to farming. Artist Sophie revealed that Sara had no idea she was creating the characters, which are acrylic and screenprint on canvas.The Fair Botanists is a bewitching and immersive story for fans of The Miniaturist, The Doll Factory and The Signature of All Things. Now, that’s not to say that Belle or Elizabeth outshine the rest of the cast of characters. All of the characters, including Mr McNab (the head gardener), his son James, Clementina our ageing gossip and the King’s right hand man, Johann, are all brilliantly developed. Most of them have common interests but are all incredibly unique in their own ways with wonderful personalities which enable connections to be made – some more intimate than others! One final thing I want to mention is how beautiful the writing was. Sheridan's descriptions are so vivid, and her portrayals of the scenery are stunning.