Book details
Frances Hardinge - Author
This is an idea-rich mystery-fantasy about a girl pursuing knowledge and justice within restrictive Victorian expectations.
Book Brief
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Sign in for personalised guidanceThis is an idea-rich mystery-fantasy about a girl pursuing knowledge and justice within restrictive Victorian expectations.
Faith wants to study natural science but is constrained by Victorian beliefs about women’s intelligence and proper behaviour. Women are portrayed as needing to act indirectly within a restrictive society.
Faith feeds lies to a tree that produces fruit revealing hidden truths. Lies are also described as spreading and taking on a life of their own.
The Victorian setting includes debate between Darwin’s evolutionary ideas and established creation beliefs, alongside scientific research connected to Faith’s father.
This is a grounded book brief while Suitabook strengthens the analysis: some draft conclusions still depend on unresolved evidence.
Anything not established here remains open; it is not being treated as absent or safe.
These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Suitabook