Sarah Perry's previous novel After Me Comes The Flood was highly acclaimed, but passed almost without notice by the public. I loved it. Her new one, while completely different, also comes highly acclaimed, but this time the public have taken it to their hearts. It's easy to see why. It's a very beautiful package, and a tremendously accomplished piece of writing. It's set in London and Essex in 1893, and features Cora Seaborne, recently widowed from a loveless marriage. She's a very keen amateur naturalist, who is investigating whether the mythical serpent which the Essex locals believe exists, is an as yet undiscovered species, or superstition. During her time in Essex she meets the local vicar, and they strike up an unusual friendship in which they argue about everything, but are still drawn together. This is a superior historical novel, which is at the same time an examination of friendships in their many guises, loyalty, science, mythology and philosophy. An extremely intelligent and graceful novel, it will win awards.