What kind of person keeps a man underground for seven years? And who would agree to be part of such an experiment?

A scientist in the 1790s looking at the effects of prolonged solitude finds a semi-literate labourer with a family to feed who is willing to participate in his experiment. Meanwhile, the servants are energised and rebellious due to events across the channel. Set to be enjoyed by readers of Hilary Mantel and Francis Spufford.