Crow Lake was recommended to me and when I discovered the main protagonist was a scientist, I knew I had to read it. It was an excellent choice. This was a very assured debut novel which led me to read all her subsequent books.

As a scientist I was delighted to read this novel about Dorothy Horstmann, a virologist who played a vital role in the development of the polio vaccine. Until now her research, like that of many women, has been in the shadows but Lynn Cullen shines a light on this fascinating woman.

A novel about love and friendship, art and Florence. It is a book I never wanted to end so when I finished it, I went back to the beginning and started again, the best sign of a good book. It was my favourite read of 2022.