The Plant Hunter: 'A great adventure' William Boyd

In 1867, King's Road, Chelsea, was a sea of plant nurseries, fueled by the dangerous world of plant hunters. Harry Compton, a salesman plucked from the obscurity of the nursery growing fields, inherits a precious gift: a specimen of a fabled tree last heard of in The Travels of Marco Polo and a map. He sets out to make his mark, but where there is wealth, there is corruption, and he is fleeing England, rounding the Cape of Good Hope, and sailing up the Yangtze alongside a young widow in pursuit of the plant that could transform both their lives forever.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Welbeck Publishing Group

In 1867, King's Road in Chelsea was a bustling hub of plant nurseries, catering to the Victorian fascination with rare and exotic flora. However, behind the glossy facades of these emporiums lay a dangerous world of plant hunters, daring adventurers who ventured into uncharted lands in search of untold wonders to adorn England's finest gardens.

Harry Compton, a salesman plucked from the obscurity of the nursery growing fields, found himself thrust into the spotlight as the face behind a thousand plants. But his journey took an unexpected turn when he performed a small act of kindness, inheriting a precious gift—a specimen of a fabled tree last heard of in The Travels of Marco Polo and a map.

Driven by a desire for fame and fortune, Harry set out on a mission to make his mark. However, he soon discovered that wealth came with its own set of challenges, and he found himself fleeing England, rounding the Cape of Good Hope, and sailing up the Yangtze alongside a young widow, both in pursuit of the plant that held the potential to transform their lives forever.

The journey was fraught with danger and uncertainty, as Harry navigated through treacherous terrain and encountered various obstacles. But he remained determined, using his wits and resourcefulness to overcome each challenge that came his way. Along the way, he formed unexpected alliances and encountered fascinating characters, each with their own unique story and motivations.

As Harry closed in on his destination, he realized that the plant he sought was not just a source of wealth and power, but also a symbol of hope and transformation. It held the power to heal wounds, restore relationships, and bring about a new era of prosperity for those who possessed it.

In the end, Harry's journey was not just about finding a plant, but about discovering himself and his place in the world. He learned that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the connections we make with others and the impact we have on the world around us.

The Telegraph hailed it as "A great adventure. Dripping with atmosphere and exotic life," while William Boyd praised it as "A riveting page-turner, rich with fascinating period detail." The Sunday Telegraph described it as "A captivating tale of adventure, intrigue, and romance set in the exotic landscapes of 19th-century China."

In conclusion, "The Plant Hunters" is a captivating novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of plant hunting and adventure. With its rich historical detail, compelling characters, and heartwarming message, this book is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and genres.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787399389