“Wallace never attained Darwin’s level of fame, perhaps because Wallace’s radical ideas (including his belief in spiritualism) ran contrary to those of the scientific establishment. The Evolutionist brings to life a saga of passion for research, and the sharp divides of money, class, and discrimination. A strongly impressionistic portrait of an undeservedly little-known scientist, The Evolutionist is a raptly compelling read.” - Midwest Book Review; “Brimful of factual details … This novel will appeal to any reader interested in… the lives of the intrepid Victorian specimen hunters.” - Historical Novel Society; “A wide audience beyond the scientifically curious will find this an easy read and come away with a richer understanding of the rigours of early scientific research both in the field and in the halls of established theory.” - Professor Gene J. Parola, author The Devil to Pay; “An exciting adventure story well told.” - Peter Hobson, Shiny New Books; “Avi Sirlin has produced an enjoyable and thought-provoking work which should thankfully introduce a remarkable (yet remarkably unknown) scientific giant to a wider audience.” - Rodney Munday, sculptor of the Alfred Russel Wallace wall relief in Hertford; “A vivid and gripping read.” - Natalie Heng, The Star online (Malaysia).