Summer 1867: four-year-old Daisy Belle is about to make her debut at the Lambeth Baths in London. Her father, swimming professor Jeffrey Belle, is introducing his Family of Frogs — and Daisy is the star attraction. By the end of that day, she has only one ambition in life: she will be the greatest female swimmer in the world.

She will race down the Thames, float in a whale tank, and challenge a man to a 70-foot high dive. And then she will set sail for America to swim across New York Harbour.

But Victorian women weren't supposed to swim, and Daisy Belle will have to fight every stroke of the way if she wants her dreams to come true.

Inspired by the careers of Victorian champions Agnes Beckwith and Annie Luker, Daisy Belle is a story of courage and survival and a tribute to the swimmers of yesteryear.

‘An incredibly evocative read. Daisy is a character that you cannot help but like’ –ShortBookandScribes

‘A love letter to a forgotten golden age of swimming… To read Davies' descriptions of water and its locations is transportive’ — The Outdoor Swimming Society

‘Daisy Belle highlights the histories and achievements of Victorian athletic lady-swimmers .. and reflects upon the history of swimming in London’ — Camden New Journal

Caitlin Davies