Andrew Hughes' second novel returns to the Dublin setting of
his first but earlier in the century to the summer of 1816 when Northern Europe was engulfed in a wintry fog which
perplexed scientists and caused much proclamation about the end of the world
from religious fanatics. It was known as the year without a summer. The young
lady of the title is Abigail Lawless, eighteen years old, a budding scientist
full of curiosity and passion for learning. When a young nursemaid in the house
of a neighbouring family apparently murders her newborn Abigail cannot help
being intrigued about the young woman’s circumstances. She discovers a message
from the young maid’s lover and is soon embroiled in an investigation into the
fanatical religious sect known as The Brethren and their bitter rivals the
rationalist Royal Astronomer Professor Reeves and his followers. Abigail is
clever, defiant and resourceful. Her father has provided a thorough scientific
education and while he is aware of her intelligence he is also aware of the
restrictions society imposes on her, as a woman and there are a number of
clashes between father and daughter. Andrew Hughes is a wonderfully talented
author bringing Dublin
Published in February 2017 by Doubleday in hardback
This review originally appeared in Historical Novels Review Issue 79 Feb 2017
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