Avi Sirlin: Writer

Author of the historical novel The Evolutionist
The Evolutionist tells the story of one of Britain’s most controversial and misunderstood Victorians, a man Sir David Attenborough called "the most admirable character in the history of science" --  Alfred Russel Wallace. In 1858, Wallace earned equal credit with Charles Darwin for the discovery of our modern theory of evolution. But in an era that pitted science against faith, Wallace boldly declared his belief in both -- thus clashing headlong with London's scientific elite, including Darwin. More than 150 years later, Wallace has become the forgotten father of evolution.

Listen to a national radio interview with Avi on Australia Broadcasting: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/booksplus/avi-sirlin's-novel-the-evolutionist/7405086

Praise for The Evolutionist:
"A strongly impressionistic portrait of an undeservedly little-known scientist, The Evolutionist is a raptly compelling read."
-- Susan Bethany, Midwest Book Review

"Sirlin weaves fact and fiction into an enthralling account .. "
-- Natalie Heng, The Star Online 

"An exciting adventure story well told."
-- Peter Hobson, Shiny New Books

"...If you've ever heard the theory of natural selection explained and thought, "Why didn't I think of that?" then read this book and find out why. It took far more than just thinking about it; it took a lifetime of hardship and adventure." 
-- David Jones, author North American Wildlife

"Brimful of factual details ... This novel will appeal to any reader interested in ... the lives of the intrepid Victorian specimen hunters."
-- Historical Novel Society

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Photo by Helene Cyr