The Lie Tree, by Frances Hardinge

This is a young adult gothic fantasy fiction set in the Victorian age about a young girl called Faith who is brave, curious, incredibly intelligent, and has a huge passion for the natural sciences, just like her father. Unfortunately as she is a girl, she is constantly bullied, criticised and crushed for her interest in science. Her father, a reverend and once-well-respected scientist moves the family to a remote island where an archaeological dig is taking place. But the family soon find out that terrible rumours about the reverend’s work is spreading around the country, and not long after moving to their new home, her father is found dead. When Faith reads her father’s private letters and journals, she realises that there is a plant that he was trying desperately to keep secret, and decides to investigate this unusual specimen that is believed to possess unexplainable properties, and may just have lead to her father’s death.

This book gave fascinating insights into Victorian debates, technology, superstitions and cultural practices that I was not aware of. The theme of gender norms and the debate between science and religion remain strong throughout the book.

In terms of the structure, I found the beginning to be quite slow. However, when I got about half way through, the plot suddenly got SO fun and exciting and from then on I was gripped!

How dyslexia-friendly is it?

Considering that this is a YA book, I actually found it a bit difficult to read at first and get into! It became easier to read when the book became more fast-paced and full of action about half way through.