This was my first Frances Hardinge book, but I'm about to go gobble up everything else she's ever written. I'm not quite sure how I missed her, this being my ninth year as a middle grade librarian, but shame on me. It's not often that I come across a completely original premise, but I can truly say this isn't like anything I've read before.
Faith (who is cleverly and ironically named) has moved to a tiny island community with her mother, father, and brother. Her father has recently been shunned from the tight-knit natural science community for allegedly faking a fossil find. When he is found dead, most on the island are convinced it's a suicide, but after finding his journals, Faith suspects foul play. Her father has been hiding a dark secret, and had in his possession a very special tree. Faith thinks she can use the tree to help her discover the truth about her father's death, but it's a dangerous game.
The mystery is utterly and completely compelling, and the writing strikes just the right balance of atmospheric mood-setting. In a book like this it's easy to go overboard with flowery historical details, but it's perfectly done here. Faith's relationship with her father is richly detailed. She wants desperately to be a scientist and follow in his footsteps, but is constantly reminded that as a girl, there is no place for her in that male-dominated world. Her mother, who is desperately trying to find a way to protect her family, is also multi-faceted in the most wonderful ways.
Suspense, action, historical drama, a peek into 19th century thoughts on science and evolution, and a feminist manifesto. Amazing.
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