WINNER OF THE WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE BEST PUBLISHED NOVELWOMAN amp HOME BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR and A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERThe perfect escape novel for our troubled times. PATRICK GALEIt is 1950. In a devastating moment of clarity Margery Benson abandons her deadend job and advertises for an assistant to accompany her on an expedition. She is going to travel to the other side of the world to search for a beetle that may or may not exist. Enid Pretty in her unlikely pink travel suit is not the companion Margery had in mind. And yet together they will be drawn into an adventure that will exceed every expectation. They will risk everything break all the rules and at the top of a red mountain discover their best selves. This is a story that is less about what can be found than the belief it might be found it is an intoxicating adventure story but it is also about what it means to be a woman and a tender exploration of a friendship that defies all boundaries.A girls own adventure...This is Rachel Joyces best book yet ...Exciting moving and full of unexpected turns. THE TIMES Brilliant and elegant and wise...powerful and moving...I cant recommend it enough. JOANNA CANNON A beautiful portrayal of female friendship in all its frailties contradictions and strengths. RAYNOR WINNWOMAN amp HOME BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020 DAILY MAIL BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020 BOOKMARK BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020