The fair botanists

During the late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century there was a fascination with plants discovered in other countries of the world with examples brought back to Europe. The novel, Josephine's Garden, by Stephanie Parkyn is the story of the botanical collection of the Empress Josephine in France. In The Fair Botanists by Sara Sheridan the setting for the novel is the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh during 1822. Plants in these gardens were primarily investigated for medicinal properties as well their value as different plant species. During 1822 items in the collection, including large trees, were being relocated to a new location - a mammoth task. There is also interest in a plant that flowers every thirty years and now its time has come.

The story in the novel revolves around the lives of two women - Elizabeth Rocheid, a widow who has recently moved to Edinburgh from London and enjoys making botanical drawings and Belle Brodie who is endeavoring to make a living by creating new perfumes. The two women become friends until Elizabeth discovers that Belle also makes a living from being a courtesan, though this profession is restricted to two clients.

In The Fair Botanists, Sara Sheridan creates a world including real and fictional characters living in Edinburgh. She paints a vivid picture of what it was like living in Edinburgh in 1822 and some of the attitudes prevalent at the time. In a section at the end of the book the author provides informative notes about people and events referred to in the novel.