![]() While there are no inherent flaws in the novel, this is one of two Hardinge novels* where the mystical element is utterly destroyed during the climax. These elements of gender politics beat strongly at the heart of the story – especially when you realise that the solution to the mystery was obscured by our own preconceived notions of gender and class. No only does Hardinge illustrate a world where natural science meets myth and magic, she shows us a world where those without power will go to great lengths to secure it. ![]() This is a powerful tale of magic, science, faith, and gender. How far will she go to learn the truth? Can she prove that her father – a man of god and science – did not, in fact, take his own life. The more widespread the lie, the greater the truth revealed by eating its fruit. She seeks answers in her father’s possessions and finds a mystical tree. When her father dies under mysterious circumstances, Faith questions while others accept. Faith is quiet and obedient, so she doesn’t ask questions or step out of line – yet secretly, she yearns to become a woman of science in a society that does not suffer ambitious women. ![]() But Faith’s mother and uncle are acting strangely: there’s talk of a scandal. According to Faith’s father, the family were uprooted and moved to this far-flung place for the sake of his work as a naturalist. ![]() The Sunderly family move to the Island of Vane. Here is my review of the Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge. ![]()
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