Dig, paperback/john preston

A fictional recreation of the Sutton Hoo archaeological dig in Suffolk, in 1939.

Based in part on the diaries of the young female archaeologist who found the first treasure, and who happened to be the authors aunt, it brilliantly and comically dramatised 3 months of intense activity, when locals fought outsiders, professionals thwarted amateurs, and love and rivalry flourished in equal measure.

Very fine, engrossing, exquisitely original Ian McEwan.