Family secrets amidst the Australian landscape

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The Cartographer's Secret by Tea Cooper  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️




Once more a richly interwoven story that spreads across the Australian landscape of the lushly appointed Hunter Valley region.

Two women become immersed in their individual trajectories as family secrets are uncovered, and a deep historical mystery is given prominence—the disappearance of explorer Ludwig Leichhardt of the face of the continent. One of the greatest puzzles of Australian European history.

Spanning the years of 1880, the story centres around Evie Maynard and her mapping  skills and is picked up in 1911 with Letitia Rawlings. Lettie’s family has been estranged from Great-Aunt Olivia Maynard. The whys are unknown. A family tragedy leaves the Maynards, particularly Lettie reeling. She volunteers to inform their great aunt of events. Anything to get away. The devastated Lettie travels to her great aunt’s home at Wollombi. It’s here the family mystery deepens. It’s here her Aunt Evie is revealed. As secrets unravel we’re  treated to classic Tea Cooper—fascinating story telling and superb prose. Cooper’s writing compels—I can smell the bush, I hear “ cry of the koels, the squawk of the black cockatoos as they fought over the nuts high in the casuarina tree.” I’m swept back on Country, and in Time. A willing captive.

Enthralling!


A Harper Muse ARC via NetGalley 
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

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