Every now and then, a novel comes along that portrays Oxford so vividly it would be accurate to describe the city as one of the main characters.

This is certainly the case with Elizabeth Garner's The Ingenious Edgar Jones, which is now out in paperback. Garner, whose father Alan wrote the children's classic The Owl Service, sets her story in 19th century Oxford, and her portrayal of town and gown is so sharp that the gargoyles, cobbled streets and college walls leap off the page. But the 33-year-old, who also writes film scripts, doesn't let the scenery steal the show.

There is an engaging plot in which the unusual - rather hairy - child prodigy, Edgar Jones, rebels against his father's wishes and ends up playing an important role in the construction of the Museum of Natural History.

Ms Garner, right, who studied English at University College from 1994 to 1997, says she hopes the book, mostly seen from Edgar's point of view, will appeal to both adults and teenagers.

She said: "There are some quite sophisticated ideas in this book and I wrote it very much as a book for adults.

"But I think it also works as a fairytale for kids - it could be viewed as a coming-of-age story which will be appreciated by readers in their early or late teens.

"I agree with Philip Pullman and other authors who say they are opposed to bandings being placed on book covers - how old your readers are should be more fluid."

Edgar's father William wants him to work for the university, just like he does, and becomes frustrated when Edgar doesn't share his love of books, preferring instead to go and work in the local blacksmith's.

The problem of pushy parents is clearly not only a modern phenomenon, and Edgar's uneasy relationship with his father creates a tense atmosphere.

Will Edgar triumph with the seemingly impossible project to build the new museum, or is he heading for a fall?

"I don't have children myself but I've got friends with kids and it's quite unsettling when the child becomes his or her own person," added Miss Garner.

The writer found some historical documents relating to the construction of the museum but not as much technical detail as she needed so she referred instead to the construction of Crystal Palace to fill in the gaps.

"In the end, I could have included a lot more technical stuff but I didn't want to break the flow of the story," she said.

Fans of the book will be able to find out more in a question-and-answer session with John Mitchinson, one of the founder's of the QI Club in Turl Street, now the Corner Club.

The Q&A takes place in Waterstone's in Broad Street, Oxford, on Thursday, July 10, at about 8pm. For the precise time, call the book store on 01865 790212.

The Ingenious Edgar Jones is published by Headline Review, price £7.99.