Dig: Now a BAFTA-nominated motion picture starring Ralph Fiennes, Carey Mulligan and Lily James

The book "Sutton Hoo" is a brilliantly realized account of the most famous archeological dig in British history, now a major motion picture starring Ralph Fiennes, Carey Mulligan, and Lily James. It follows the story of Mrs. Pretty, a widowed farmer who discovers buried treasure on her land in Suffolk in 1939. The dig becomes a backdrop of mounting national anxiety as locals fight outsiders, professionals thwart amateurs, and love and rivalry flourish. The book is praised for its vivid portrayal of a vanished era and its captivating story.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2021
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

In the summer of 1939, Britain was preparing for war, but on a riverside farm in Suffolk, there was excitement of a different kind. Mrs. Pretty, the widowed farmer, had believed for years that the strange mounds on her land held buried treasure. As the dig proceeded against a backdrop of mounting national anxiety, it became clear that this was no ordinary find.

The story follows the efforts of a team of archaeologists led by the eccentric Professor Sven Hoo, who is determined to uncover the secrets of the mounds. The team includes a mix of professionals and amateurs, each with their own motivations and agendas. As the dig progresses, tensions rise between the locals and the outsiders, who are seen as intruders on their land.

Meanwhile, the team discovers that the mounds are much more than they had anticipated. They contain a wealth of artifacts, including gold and silver, and a magnificent burial chamber filled with treasures. As the dig reaches its climax, the team must navigate a complex web of rivalries and betrayals, as well as deal with the emotional toll of their discoveries.

The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the countryside and the people who live there, and it provides a fascinating insight into the social and cultural landscape of the time. It is a tale of rivalry, loss, and thwarted love, but it is also a delicate evocation of a vanished era. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the writing is engaging and evocative.

Overall, "Sutton Hoo" is a must-read for anyone who is interested in history, archaeology, or just a good story. It is a brilliant recreation of a remarkable event, and it will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241989630