‘It is a stunning story, compassionately reimagined’ GuardianTracy Chevalier’s stunning novel of how one woman’s gift transcends class and gender to lead to some of the most important discoveries of the nineteenth century.A revealing portrait of the intricate and resilient nature of female friendship.In the early nineteenth century, a windswept beach along the English coast brims with fossils for those with the eye…From the moment she’s struck by lightning as a baby, it is clear Mary Anning is marked for greatness.When she uncovers unknown dinosaur fossils in the cliffs near her home, she sets the scientific world alight, challenging ideas about the world’s creation and stimulating debate over our origins. In an arena dominated by men, however, Mary is soon reduced to a serving role, facing prejudice from the academic community, vicious gossip from neighbours, and the heartbreak of forbidden love.Even nature is a threat, throwing bitter cold, storms, and landslips at her.Luckily Mary f