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Rag and Bone


Synopsis


'Beautiful, like a muddy journey through time . . . a really important book' RAYNOR WINN, author of The Salt Path

Lisa Woollett has spent her life combing beaches and mudlarking, collecting curious fragments of the past: from Roman tiles and Tudor thimbles, to Victorian buttons and plastic soldiers.

In a series of walks from the Thames, out to the Kentish estuary and eventually to Cornwall, she traces the history of our rubbish and, through it, reveals the surprising story of our changing consumer culture.

Timely and beautifully written, Rag and Bone shows what we can learn from what we've thrown away and urges us to think more about what we leave behind.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Ragman's Daughter

* Summary: Introduction to Harriet "Harry" Marchant, a young girl who scavenges with her father in the slums of Victorian London. She possesses a sharp mind and a curious nature but faces societal judgment due to her background.
* Real Example: Harry discovers a peculiar watch that becomes a symbol of her longing for a better life.

Chapter 2: The Bone Collector

* Summary: Harry encounters Ned Bennett, a privileged young surgeon who is intrigued by her resilience. She fascinates him with her knowledge of anatomy and her unwavering determination.
* Real Example: Ned witnesses Harry's skill in setting a broken bone, recognizing her potential in medicine.

Chapter 3: The Anatomy School

* Summary: Ned persuades Harry to sneak into an anatomy school to witness a dissection. She is both horrified and fascinated by the process and becomes captivated by the mystery of the human body.
* Real Example: Harry is mesmerized by the intricate network of nerves and muscles, sparking her desire to understand them.

Chapter 4: The Morgue

* Summary: Harry and Ned explore a morgue, where they encounter a gruesome murder victim. Harry's keen observation and deduction impress Ned, who begins to see her as more than just a ragpicker.
* Real Example: Harry discovers a hidden bruise on the victim's body, providing a crucial clue in the investigation.

Chapter 5: The Grave Robber

* Summary: Harry witnesses a grave robbing and investigates to uncover the truth. She confronts the sinister body snatcher, risking her own safety in the process.
* Real Example: Harry's quick thinking helps her escape the grave robber, demonstrating her resourcefulness and bravery.

Chapter 6: The Surgeon

* Summary: Ned offers Harry a job as an assistant in his father's surgery. Despite facing prejudice from the other staff, she perseveres and becomes a valuable member of the team.
* Real Example: Harry assists in a complex operation, proving her surgical abilities and earning the respect of the surgeons.

Chapter 7: The Murder

* Summary: Ned's father is murdered in his surgery, and suspicion falls on the staff. Harry and Ned team up to investigate and find the real killer.
* Real Example: Harry's knowledge of anatomy helps her identify a unique wound that becomes a key piece of evidence.

Chapter 8: The Trial

* Summary: Harry and Ned present their findings at the murder trial. They face opposition from those who cannot believe a ragpicker could be involved in solving such a high-profile case.
* Real Example: Harry's unwavering testimony and scientific evidence convince the jury of their culpability and lead to the arrest of the true killer.