“At once a scholar’s homage to The Iliad and startlingly original work of art by an incredibly talented new novelist….A book I could not put down.” —Ann Patchett “Mary Renault lives again!” declares Emma Donoghue, author of Room, referring to The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller’s thrilling, profoundly moving, and utterly unique retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War. A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary feat that brilliantly reimagines Homer’s enduring masterwork, The Iliad. An action-packed adventure, an epic love story, a marvelously conceived and executed page-turner, Miller’s monumental debut novel has already earned resounding acclaim from some of contemporary fiction’s brightest lights—and fans of Mary Renault, Bernard Cornwell, Steven Pressfield, and Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series will delight in this unforgettable journey back to ancient Greece in the Age of Heroes.

The Song of Achilles

April 1144. A body is found floating in Fladbury mill leat, a man in green who has been stabbed but not robbed. The lord sheriff's trio discover him to be an Evesham horse dealer, who has a beautiful young wife who 'strays'. Did the wife or one of her lovers get rid of him? What is the connection with the lord of Harvington, who wed the man's sister, and how did that lady meet her death? The trio have to work seamlessly together to unravel the thread that links seemingly disparate deaths before even more people die, and in the process keep Walkelin from the noose.

Bradegate & Catchpoll

Vale of Tears

It’s 1981 and 17-year-old Norma Rogers’ parents drop her off at the college dorms. Soon, Norma finds herself drunk and nearly naked with three strangers. The strip poker event is the first of many experiences that prompt Norma to question who she is and who she wants to be. Norma’s relationships with an array of characters induce her to grapple with society’s messages about women, sex, and freedom. Many tumultuous events take Norma through an array of troubles, pleasures, and thrills: from drug use and ominous encounters with strangers, to rowdy parties and road trips, to queer coming-out surprises. In the midst of these incidents, Norma reflects on her desire for freedom, (sexual and otherwise). Ultimately Norma comes to see that there are many ways to live and love. "The 80s were all about drugs, alcohol and casual sex, and Kate Evans deftly conveys the uncertainty of the era as her feisty Norma Rogers leaves a sheltered home life and dives headfirst into a series of hedonistic adventures at college, including falling in love with Chuck, who just doesn't seem to be that in to her. The clever dialogue, unexpected twists and a meticulous sense of time and place evoke the immediacy of memoir. Funny, poignant and ultimately a testament to lasting friendship, For The May Queen is a trip back to the not-so-distant-past without the hangover." - Collin Kelley, author of Slow To Burn and After the Poison

For the May Queen

What happens when a 31-year-old straight woman falls in love with a lesbian? It's 1993, and Gwen Sullivan is agitated. She's been married and divorced and is now living with her scientist boyfriend who loses himself in dark moods. Her job at a tutoring center and her work on the Bill Clinton-for-President campaign leave her vaguely dissatisfied. She hopes taking a night class in poetry might help. In the poetry class, the allure of two lesbians takes her by surprise. She can't get them out of her mind. This prompts her to question who she is and who she wants to be. Soon, Gwen cannot deny her intense attraction to one of the women, Jamie. The feeling is mutual, but Jamie, too, is in a long-term relationship - with a woman minister. As Jamie and Gwen become more and more entwined, Gwen must ask herself who she is and what she wants from life. She begins to see gender, sex and sexuality differently. And as she feels compelled to confess her love for Jamie to her women friends, she is continually surprised by their complex reactions. This leads her to make one of the most important decisions of her life.

Complementary Colors

Inspired by a true storyDaughter Midwife Princess ‘A fascinating story reflecting the past moving alongside the present day’ USA Today Bestseller Glynis PetersBorn Nigerian royalty, Princess Adenrele Ademola trained as a nurse at Guy’s Hospital in London and stepped up to serve the people of Britain when war broke out – facing both the devastation of the Blitz and the prejudice of some of the people she was trying to help. 80 years later, Ade’s great-niece Yemi arrives in London clutching the Princess’s precious diaries and longs to uncover the mysteries they hold… A richly-detailed, compelling historical novel shining a light on a hidden voice of WW2 and one woman’s courageous contribution to Britain ‘A wonderful unfurling of such an important history … I was utterly absorbed in Ade's life!’ Chioma OkerekeReaders love A Nurse’s Tale:‘I must admit I knew very little about Nigeria, its history, culture, heritage and traditions and now I do…a great debut novel and perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction full of long buried secrets, and learning about different cultures and I want to make Jollof rice’⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is one of the best historical books I have read in a long time’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Incredible to learn more about Nigeria and the repercussions of the war on the country. The writing itself is magic, the perspective unique and the characters beautifully written. This is a special novel, one to cling to and savour’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Don’t miss this fantastic true story! Awonubi not only shares history, she honours Princess Ademola’s legacy and champions the recognition she deserves’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I can say that I have learned quite a bit with reading this story…Wholeheartedly recommend this novel’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A great historical novel, it had everything that I was hoping for’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Very enjoyable and thought-provoking’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was so sad this book ended…I love historical fiction, especially when it’s well written, and this was’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘How do I explain it except to say READ IT! It’s phenomenal’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I read a lot of World War II historical fiction but this book gave me a very different viewpoint…I love character-driven novels and the women in this one are treasures’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘

A Nurse’s Tale

Los Episodios Nacionales es una serie de novelas de Benito Pérez Galdós. Novelizan la historia de España desde 1805 hasta 1880, incluyendo todos los acontecimientos relevantes del S.XIX en España y separándolos por capítulos, desde la Guerra de la Independencia a la Restauración Borbónica, mezclando personajes reales con ficticios en una monumental obra de la literatura española. Un faccioso más y algunos frailes menos es el décimo volumen de la segunda serie. Benito Pérez Galdós es un escritor español nacido en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria en 1843. Compaginó su faceta de novelista con crónicas periodísticas, obras de teatro e incluso una carrera política. Está considerado como uno de los autores españoles que mejor representan el realismo español del S. XIX; sus novelas se alejaron de las modas naturalistas del romanticismo y ahondaron en aspectos realistas y psicológicos. Fue propuesto en varias ocasiones para el Premio Nobel, sin llegar nunca a ganarlo.

Un faccioso más y algunos frailes menos

What would you do if you saw a girl in a crowd whose face had the same, identical birthmark as your only child? A child who, nearly ten years ago, you were told died? It's 1935 and housewife Emma glimpses a face in a crowd – a little girl with a very unique birthmark. Transfixed by the sight of a stranger; Emma becomes convinced that the girl is her long-lost daughter taken from her at birth. There is only one problem: Emma's daughter is dead. So who is the stranger?

The Liar

‘What a heroine Endurance Proudfoot is! I loved her from the start. An unconventional woman who takes us on a fascinating - if bumpy - ride through a man’s world. I laughed, cried and most of all cheered! Can’t stop thinking about it… an absolute cruncher of a tale’ Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal 'A complete joy of a novel that, like it’s wonderful protagonist’s namesake, is a story of endurance against all odds. Full of heart and so eloquently written, THAT BONESETTER WOMAN had me cheering Durie on from start to finish - I absolutely loved it' Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora ​ It’s usual, they say, for a young person coming to London for the first time to arrive with a head full of dreams. Well, Endurance Proudfoot did not. When she stepped off the coach from Sussex, on a warm and sticky afternoon in the summer of 1757, it never occurred to her that the city would be the place where she’d make her fortune; she was just very annoyed to be arriving there at all. Meet Endurance Proudfoot: clumsy as a carthorse, strong as an ox, with a tactless tongue and a face she’s sure only a mother could love. Durie wants one thing in life: to become a bonesetter like her father. It’s physically demanding work, requiring nerves of steel, and he’s adamant it’s not a job for a woman. Strong-willed and stubborn, Durie’s certain that in bonesetting, her big, usually clumsy hands have found their natural calling. So when she’s bundled off to London with her beautiful sister, she won’t let it stop her realising her dream. As her sister finds fame on the stage, Durie becomes England’s most celebrated bonesetter – but what goes up must come down, and her success may become her undoing. Inspired by the true stories of two of Georgian England’s most famous celebrities, That Bonesetter Woman is an uplifting tale about finding the courage to go your own way, when everyone says you can’t – and about realising that what makes you different can also make you strong.

That Bonesetter Woman

August, 1944: Over a thousand Japanese soldiers attempt to break out of a prisoner of war compound near Cowra. In the carnage, hundreds are killed, many are recaptured and imprisoned, and some take their own lives rather than suffer the humiliation of ongoing defeat. But one soldier, Hiroshi, determined to avoid either fate, manages to escape… At nearby Erambie Aboriginal mission, Banjo Williams, father of nine and proud man of his community, discovers a distraught Hiroshi, pleading for help. The people of Erambie have seen enough death and heartache, so Banjo and the Erambie community decide to offer Hiroshi refuge. Mary, Banjo's daughter, is intrigued by the Japanese stranger, and is charged with his care. Love blossoms between them, and they each dream of a future together. But how long can Hiroshi be hidden safely and their bond kept secret?

Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms

The Seven Sisters is the story that began it all. An epic tale of love and loss, it tells the stories of the D’Aplièse sisters, all adopted as babies by the enigmatic billionaire they affectionately call Pa Salt. Read by Tuppence Middleton (Thirty Days in Paris, The Doll Factory). This is Maia’s story. When Pa Salt dies suddenly, the bereaved sisters gather together at their childhood home, a spectacular secluded castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. Each of them is handed a tantalising clue to their heritage and Maia finds herself on a journey across the world to a crumbling mansion in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eighty years earlier, Izabela Bonifacio’s father has aspirations for her to marry into the aristocracy. But Izabela longs for adventure, and convinces him to allow her to first travel to Paris. In the heady, vibrant streets of the city, Izabela meets an ambitious young sculptor, and knows at once that her life will never be the same again. What links these two young women? In the beautiful city of Rio, will Maia find the answers she needs to understand who she truly is? The Seven Sisters is the first book in the spellbinding Seven Sisters series, inspired by the mythology of the famous star constellation. It is followed by The Storm Sister. 'A brilliant page-turner just soaked in glamour and romance' – Daily Mail Praise for the Seven Sisters: 'A masterclass in beautiful writing' – The Sun 'Heart-wrenching, uplifting and utterly enthralling' – Lucy Foley, author of The Hunting Party 'A breathtaking adventure' – Lancashire Evening Post Five-Star Fan Reviews: 'Absolutely incredible' 'Totally addictive' 'Ideal for when you need to escape'

The Seven Sisters

THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER An absorbing historical fantasy, She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan reimagines the rise to power of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor. ‘This audacious, brilliant debut is a vivid, original reimagining . . . immersive storytelling at its finest’ – Daily Mail 'Magnificent in every way. War, desire, vengeance, politics – Shelley Parker-Chan has perfectly measured each ingredient' – Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of the Orange Tree ‘A thoroughly engrossing read with a fabulous, tragic-trickster protagonist' – Megan Campisi, author of Sin Eater ‘A dazzling new world of fate, war, love and betrayal’ – Zen Cho, author of Black Water Sister In a famine-stricken village on a dusty plain, a seer shows two children their fates. For a family’s eighth-born son, there’s greatness. For the second daughter, nothing. In 1345, China lies restless under harsh Mongol rule. And when a bandit raid wipes out their home, the two children must somehow survive. Zhu Chongba despairs and gives in. But the girl resolves to overcome her destiny. So she takes her dead brother’s identity and begins her journey. Can Zhu escape what’s written in the stars, as rebellion sweeps the land? Or can she claim her brother’s greatness – and rise as high as she can dream? This is a glorious tale of love, loss, betrayal and triumph by a powerful new voice. ‘As brilliant as Circe . . . a deft and dazzling triumph’ – Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne ‘Epic, tragic and gorgeous’ – Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January She Who Became the Sun is a reimagining of the rise to power of Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu was the peasant rebel who expelled the Mongols, unified China under native rule, and became the founding Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

The Radiant Emperor

She Who Became the Sun

The spellbinding series continues. Following the bestselling The Seven Sisters, The Storm Sister is the second book in Lucinda Riley's epic saga of love and loss, inspired by the mythology of the Seven Sisters constellation. Read by Hattie Morahan (The Burning Chambers, Girl with a Pearl Earring) Ally D'Aplièse, in her early thirties, is about to compete in one of the world's most perilous yacht races when she hears the news of her adoptive father's sudden, mysterious death. Rushing back to meet her five sisters at their family home, she discovers that her father – an elusive billionaire affectionately known to his daughters as Pa Salt – has left each of them a tantalizing clue to their true heritage. Ally recently embarked on a deeply passionate love affair that will change her destiny forever. But with her life now turned upside down, Ally decides to leave the open seas and follow the trail that her father left her, leading to the icy beauty of Norway . . . There, Ally begins to discover her roots – and how her story is inextricably bound to that of a young unknown singer, Anna Landvik, who lived there over a hundred years before, and sang in the first performance of Grieg's iconic music set to Ibsen's play 'Peer Gynt'. As Ally learns more about Anna, she also begins to question who her father, Pa Salt, really was. And she begins to wonder: why is their seventh sister missing? The epic, multi-million selling series continues with The Shadow Sister. 'A brilliant page-turner just soaked in glamour and romance' – Daily Mail Praise for the Seven Sisters: 'A masterclass in beautiful writing' – The Sun 'Heart-wrenching, uplifting and utterly enthralling' – Lucy Foley, author of The Hunting Party 'A breathtaking adventure' – Lancashire Evening Post Five-Star Reader Reviews: 'Absolutely incredible' 'Totally addictive' 'Ideal for when you need to escape'

The Storm Sister

1914, Australia: As war is declared, the idyllic world of Blue Water Station is torn apart when Oliver, the eldest grandson and heir, shares his desire to enlist in the army. His enthusiasm ignites his brother, cousins and friends to do the same, but upsets his sister, Tilly. After a tragic family incident, she is left to run the cattle station and take care of the older folk. A chance meeting with a sophisticated lieutenant opens up a friendship through letters, but it's a rogue stockman who attracts her attention – with dire consequences… Surviving a baptism of battle fire in Gallipoli, Oliver is sent to the Western Front. But as the terrors of war impact him, he feels the heavy guilt of encouraging the others to follow him into combat. Will he, and they, ever make it home to Blue Water?

Kitty McKenzie

Southern Sons

Everyone thinks Lexi is crazy when she falls in love with Hollingsworth House, a crumbling old Georgian mansion in Yorkshire – and nobody more so than her husband, Dylan. But there's something very special about the place, and Lexi can sense it. Whilst exploring the grounds, she stumbles across an old diary, and within its pages she meets Allie, an Australian nurse who worked in France during the First World War. Lexi finally realises her dream of buying Hollingsworth, but her obsession with the house leaves her marriage in tatters. In the lonely nights that follow, Allie's diary becomes Lexi's companion, comforting her in moments of darkness and pain. As she reads, the nurse's scandalous connection to her beloved house is revealed, and Lexi realises that sometimes a glimpse of the past can help make sense of the future…

Where Dragonflies Hover

It begins with the normally healthy Beth - aged-care worker, wife of David, mother of Lettie and Gem - feeling vaguely off-colour. A locum sends her to Dr Yi for some tests. 'There are a few things here that aren't quite right,' says Dr Yi, 'and sometimes it is these little wrongnesses that can lead us to the bigger wrongs that matter.' Beth is sent on to Dr Twoomey for more tests. Then to another specialist, and another. Referral after referral sees her bumped from suburb to suburb, bewildered, joining busloads of people all clutching white envelopes and hoping for answers. But what is actually wrong with Beth - IS anything, in fact, wrong with her? And what strange forces are at work in the system?

The Imaginary Lives of James Pōneke

1911. In a forgotten valley on the Devon-Somerset border, the seasons unfold, marked only by the rituals of the farming calendar. Twelve-year-old Leopold Sercombe skips school to help his father, a carter. Skinny and pale, Leo dreams of a job on the estate's stud farm. He is breaking a colt for his father when a boy dressed in a Homburg, breeches and riding boots appears. Peering under the stranger's hat, he discovers Miss Charlotte, the Master's daughter. And so begins a friendship between the children, bound by a deep love of horses, but divided by rigid social boundaries – boundaries that become increasingly difficult to navigate as they approach adolescence.

West Country Trilogy

The Horseman

Una història de l'alta costura a la Barcelona dels anys cinquanta. La novel·la segueix la vida de l'Eulàlia Rovira, una dona que ha viscut una existència trasbalsada: després d'una infantesa malaltissa i d'una guerra civil, ha aconseguit començar a perseguir el seu somni: el de ser una maniquí de l'alta costura catalana. Però com ha arribat fins aquí? Maria Carme Roca mostra el món de la moda a la Barcelona franquista dels anys cinquanta. Maria Carme Roca (Barcelona, 21 de novembre de 1955) és llicenciada en Història i Filologia Catalana. Des dels anys noranta ha escrit més de quaranta obres, la major part juvenils o infantils, però també ha treballat en novelles adultes i ha col·laborat en l'elaboració de diversos guions. Ha rebut premis literaris com el Néstor Luján de novela historica o el Premi Barcanova de literatura infantil i juvenil.

A punt d’estrena

Una novela històrica d’acció i aventures que ens trasllada a un dels episodis claus de la història de Catalunya: el setge de Barcelona. Quan la guerra arriba a les portes de Barcelona i comencen a ploure bombes, en Bernat Sistach vol fugir dels horrors de la guerra. Però rodejats de banderes i cançons per la llibertat, el seu fill Lluís no comparteix l’opinió del seu pare. Fugir es de covards i ell vol aportar el que pugui per vencer als enemics. Amant de les històries d’espies, decideix investigar a una de les criades. Aviat descobrirà que els secrets que s’amaguen entre les parets de la seva casa són molt més profunds i perillosos del que pot imaginar. Andreu Martín (Barcelona, 1949) és un conegut escriptor i guionista català. Al 1971, després de llicenciar-se en Psicologia a la Universitat de Barcelona i de fer el servei militar, l'Andreu Martín va començar a escriure guions de còmic per l'editorial Brugera. No va ser fins al 1979 que no va publicar la seva primera novela, Aprende y calla. D'aleshores ençà ha seguit publicant amb assiduïtat novel·les juvenils i policíaques, entre elles les del personatge Flanagan, que va crear junt amb en Jaume Ribera. Ha guanyat diversos premis, entre ells el Premi Nacional de literatura infantil i juvenil, el Premi Crims de tinta i el Premi Edebè. Ha publicat més de 100 obres, algunes de les quals han sigut traduïdes a l'alemany, francès, italià, lituà, holandès, basc i bable.

Cicatrius de 1714

La insòlita transformació de Gregor Samsa constitueix un relat emblemàtic de la nostra època, majestuós en la seva simplicitat, i dur i descarnat en el retrat de l'alienació i de la intempèrie a què es troba llançat l'individu en societat. Aquesta història és protagonitzada per uns insectes que s'allotjaran, lector, en el teu imaginari, i que respiraran en el teu record amb uns pessigolleigs i uns xiulets tan contorbadors que mai més no els podràs oblidar. Franz Kafka (Praga, 3 de juliol del 1883) va ser un escriptor d'origen jueu en llengua alemanya. És el principal autor representant de l'existencialisme i el surrealisme.

Classic

La metamorfosi

Renard, heir to Ravenstow, is a crusader in Antioch. Summoned home to his ailing father, Renard brings Olwen with him, an exotic dancing girl whose sensuous beauty has ensnared him. Yet Renard is already betrothed to the innocent Elene. Torn between Olwen and Elene, Renard's personal dilemma is set against a background of increasing civil strife as Ranulf of Chester, his greedy neighbour, strives to snatch his lands. When Renard is taken prisoner at the Battle of Lincoln, his fate is placed in the hands of the two women – his former mistress, now in the bed of his deadliest enemy, and his determined yet inexperienced wife, protecting his lands against terrible odds . . .

Wild Hunt

The Leopard Unleashed

In the wild, windswept Welsh marches a noble young lord rides homewards, embittered, angry and in danger. He is Guyon, lord of Ledworth, heir to threatened lands, husband-to-be of Judith of Ravenstow. Their union will save his lands – but they have yet to meet...For this is Wales at the turn of the twelfth century. Dynasties forge and fight, and behind the precarious throne of William Rufus political intrigue is raging. Caught amidst the violence are Judith and Guyon, bound together yet poles apart. But when a dark secret from the past is revealed and the full horror of war crashes over Guyon and Judith, they are forced to face insurmountable odds. Together…

The Wild Hunt

1864: Suddenly left as the head of the family, Kitty McKenzie must find her inner strength to keep her family together against the odds. Evicted from their resplendent home in the fashionable part of York after her parents' deaths, Kitty must fight the legacy of bankruptcy and homelessness to secure a home for her and her siblings. Through sheer willpower and determination she grabs opportunities with both hands, from working on a clothes and rag stall in the market to creating a teashop for the wealthy. Her road to happiness is fraught with obstacles of hardship and despair, but she refuses to let her dream of a better life for her family die. She soon learns that love and loyalty bring their own rewards.

The book: Andrew Lang's translation of the Greek epos puts the ancient words into contemporary English rhyme. This book is annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer. Contents: Book I-The Coming Of Paris Book Ii-The Spell Of Aphrodite Book Iii-The Flight Of Helen Book Iv-The Death Of Corythus Book V-The War Book Vi-The Sack Of Troy. The Return Of Helen Note

Helen Of Troy

Rachel Innes is a rich lady who has been taking care of her niece and nephew since their father died. The three of them decide to rent a house in the country and although everything seems to be alright in the beginning, strange events soon begin to occur. Her niece disappears then reappears a few days later. There is a murder they are involved in. They hear strange noises. Things fall down the stairs in the middle of the night. Will Rachel solve the mysteries and how will their summer end? Find out in "The Circular Staircase". B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere. Mary Roberts Rinehart was an American writer who lived in the period 1876-1958. She wrote hundreds of short stories, novels and travelogues. She gained wide popularity with her detective stories and although her first mystery novel was published 12 years before Agatha Christie’s, Rinehart was often called the American Agatha Christie. Mary Rinehart is considered to have invented the "Had I but known" way of mystery writing, which she used for the first time in her bestselling story "The Circular Staircase".

The Classic Tales with B. J. Harrison

B. J. Harrison Reads The Circular Staircase

Missouri, 1846: In the frontier town of Independence the sound of a gunshot shatters the night. As the pistol drops from her hand and clatters to the ground, Grace knows she has no choice but to leave. Now. In this inspiring and deeply moving story of love, courage and endurance, a young woman on the run from the law sets off on a desperate journey of survival on the treacherous Oregon Trail. Terrified she’s wanted for the murder of her landlord, Grace is certain that, even though she acted in self-defence, no one will believe her. Quickly packing the few belongings she and her little brother Tom possess, they race to join the line of dusty wagons preparing to leave for Oregon. As they set off, over the perilous Great Plains, knowing the wild rivers and the Rocky Mountains they must cross, Grace vows to do whatever it takes to protect Tom and get them both to safety. She will prove herself capable of surviving the hardest journey of her life. This unputdownable and heart-wrenching historical novel shows the true strength and resilience of a woman’s heart, even when she has everything to lose and the odds are stacked against her. Fans of Kristin Hannah, Amy Harmon and Olivia Hawker will lose themselves in To the Wild Horizon. Readers are captivated by Imogen Martin’s historical novels: “Absolutely LOVED this book. I was reading it far too late into the night to find out what happened next.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wonderful… I genuinely struggled to put this book down, in the end giving up completely and staying exactly where I was until I’d finished it.” Eva Glyn, author of The Olive Grove, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Captivating… will leave an indelible mark on your heart." Rachel Wesson, author of Darkness Falls “Stayed awake half the night to finish this book – I couldn’t put it down!” Sue MacDonagh, author of The Sea Sisters Swimming Club, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I adored this book.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Enthralled from the very first page. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone.” Luisa A. Jones, author of The Gilded Cage, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A great read… I just couldn’t put it down.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wonderful. I loved every minute.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

To the Wild Horizon

A National Bestseller A New Yorker Best Book of 2022 Fifteen years after the publication of Evidence of Things Unseen, National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize finalist Marianne Wiggins returns with a “big, bold book” (USA TODAY) destined to be an American classic: a sweeping masterwork set during World War II about the meaning of family and the limitations of the American Dream. Rockwell “Rocky” Rhodes has spent years fiercely protecting his California ranch from the LA Water Corporation. It is here where he and his beloved wife Lou raised their twins, Sunny and Stryker, and it is here where Rocky has mourned Lou in the years since her death. As Sunny and Stryker reach the cusp of adulthood, the country teeters on the brink of war. Stryker decides to join the fight, deploying to Pearl Harbor not long before the bombs strike. Soon, Rocky and his family find themselves facing yet another incomprehensible tragedy. Rocky is determined to protect his remaining family and the land where they’ve loved and lost so much. But when the government decides to build a Japanese American internment camp next to the ranch, Rocky realizes that the land faces even bigger threats than the LA watermen he’s battled for years. Complicating matters is the fact that the idealistic Department of the Interior man assigned to build the camp, who only begins to understand the horror of his task after it may be too late, becomes infatuated with Sunny and entangled with the Rhodes family. Properties of Thirst is a “magnificent” (Colum McCann) novel that is both universal and intimate. It is the story of a changing American landscape and an examination of one of the darkest periods in this country’s past, told through the stories of the individual loves and losses that weave together to form the fabric of our shared history. Ultimately, it is an unflinching distillation of our nation’s essence—and a celebration of the bonds of love and family that persist against all odds.

Properties of Thirst

Saturn is a fictionalised version of the personal life of the great Spanish Painter Goya. The story is narrated by Goya, his son Javier and his grandson Mariano. The deeply flawed relationship between the three generations produce an atmosphere of psychological tension.The story is built around the theory that Goya's horrific series of Black Paintings were in fact the work of his son Javier, and were Javier's way of expressing his feelings about his father. Each of the paintings features as an illustration within the book. Saturn will appeal to readers of historical novels and anyone interested in Goya, his work and art in general.

Dedalus Europe 2012

Saturn

From the war-torn streets of Odense to the devastated warzone of South Korea, destiny calls... Nurse Molly Dahl wants to escape the trauma of wartime Denmark by joining the hospital ship, Jutlandia, set for the battlefields of Korea. Yun, an eleven-year-old North Korean girl, flees her village which was destroyed by Napalm, seeking sanctuary from the havoc. Both Molly and Yun abandon their pasts, hopeful for a brighter future in South Korea. However, their journey becomes more treacherous than they could ever have anticipated. When their lives converge in the vibrant port city of Pusan, there is an unforeseen intertwining of fates. An inspiring historical drama set in the aftermath of World War II, this tale of resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit is sure to captivate readers who were swept away by "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah and "Sarah’s Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay." Mich Vraa is an acclaimed Danish novelist, journalist and literary translator, best known for his historical trilogy of novels about the Danish West Indies. Jesper Bugge Kold is a Danish journalist and author of historical novels such as "Vintermænd".

The Nurse from the Big White Ship

Eddie and Eva meet on the eve of the Second World War. Eddie only wants to be a flyer, to find escape in the clouds from his own complicated family. However, the Battle of Britain makes a pilot's life a dangerous way to flee reality. Eva has her own passionate longing: to become a painter. When Eva's Jewish mother disappears to Germany, she is left alone with her elderly father. Both Eddie and Eva come of age at a time that teaches them that happiness is always fleeting, but there are things worth living – or dying – for.

Clouds of Love and War

1931. Fifteen-year-old Kate witnesses her mother Millicent push a stranger from a station platform into the path of an oncoming train. There was no warning, seemingly no reason, and absolutely no remorse. 1940. Exactly nine years later, Kate returns to the station and notices a tramp laying flowers on the exact spot that the murder was committed; the identity of the victim still remains  unknown. With a country torn apart by war and her family estate and name in tatters, Kate has nothing to lose as she attempts to uncover family secrets that date back to the Great War and solve a mystery that blights her family name.

The Murderess

England, 2001. Elizabeth has always suspected her mother harbours a secret from her time as a young woman in Nazi Germany. But her mother, suffering from dementia, is lost to her now. When Elizabeth stumbles across a Nazi certificate amongst her parent's paperwork, it forces her to question the very foundations of her 1950s childhood and her first love. . . Elizabeth's quest to find the truth leads her to Germany where she's met with a wall of silence. Germany, 1944. 18-year-old Hannah, beautiful and naive, volunteers to work in a home for evacuated children. But Doctor Heinkel, a loyal Nazi, decrees that there's a better way for Hannah to serve the Fatherland. Drawn further into the doctor's distorted world, Hannah only realises what's expected of her when it's too late. Confronted with evil, Hannah is faced with an impossible choice. . .

The Lost Daughter

The endless Texas landscape hides all manner of sins… Special Agent Tucker Snow knows there's big money roaming the fields under the wide Texas sky—and the cattle rustlers committing large-scale thefts on remote ranches know it, too. But when a prominent local rancher dies unexpectedly and his property is quietly sold to an unknown buyer, Tucker suspects there's something more sinister going on in his jurisdiction than the usual steal-and-resell racket. Still raw after the tragic death of his wife and young daughter, the lawman can't bear the thought of more innocent lives destroyed by people whose greed poisons everything around them. Working alongside his brother, Harley, Tucker uncovers a dark ring of organized crime that goes well beyond cattle rustling—a breed of deception and greed that has turned into a silent killer and will take down anyone who crosses its path. The question is whether Tuck and Harley will be able to shut it down before it finds the people they love the most… New York Times bestselling author Reavis Wortham brings readers deep into the heart of Texas in the latest book in his acclaimed thriller series.

Tucker Snow Thrillers

Broken Truth

Babylon, 323 BC: Alexander the Great is dead, leaving behind him the largest empire the world has ever seen. As his final breaths fade in a room of seven bodyguards, Alexander refuses to name a successor. But without a natural heir, who will take the reins? As the news of the king's death ripples across the land, leaving all in disbelief, the ruthless battle for the throne begins. What follows is a tangled web of scheming and plotting, with alliances quickly made and easily broken, each rival with their own agenda. But who will emerge victorious: the half-chosen; the one-eyed; the wildcat; the general; the bastard; the regent? In the end, only one man, or indeed woman, will be left standing…

Alexander's Legacy

Alexander's Legacy: To the Strongest

The Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757 is a historical novel by James Fenimore Cooper, first published in February 1826. It is the second book of the Leatherstocking Tales pentalogy and the best known. The Pathfinder, published 14 years later in 1840, is its sequel.

Svenska Ljud Classica

The Last of the Mohicans

From Dorothy West, the last surviving member of the Harlem Renaissance, The Wedding is an intimate glimpse into African American middle class. Set on bucolic Martha's Vineyard in the 1950s, this is the story of life in the Oval, a proud, insular community made up of the best and brightest of the East Coast's black bourgeoisie. Within this inner circle of "blue-vein society," we witness the prominent Coles family gather for the wedding of the loveliest daughter, Shelby, who could have chosen from "a whole area of eligible men of the right colors and the right professions." Instead, she has fallen in love with and is about to be married to Meade Wyler, a white jazz musician from New York. A shock wave breaks over the Oval as its longtime members grapple with the changing face of its community. With elegant, luminous prose, Dorothy West crowns her literary career by illustrating one family's struggle to break the shackles of race and class.

The Wedding

A famine in Rome among the common people is causing problems for the aristocrats too, including the arrogant Caius Martius, who is particularly despised by people and makes no secret of his own hatred in return. After earning the honourable title of "Coriolanus", however, Martius decides to seek office, but he soon realises that he will need the support of the people who hate him the most. One of William Shakespeare’s darker, bloodier, and more disturbing plays, ´Coriolanus´ has been performed by a plethora of wonderful contemporary actors including; Sir Ian McKellan, Morgan Freeman, and Tom Hiddleston. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. Known as ‘The Bard’, he is still regarded as the greatest playwright in the world and the greatest English language writer. He wrote poems and sonnets, but is probably best known for his comedic, tragic and historical plays such as ‘Hamlet’, ‘Othello’, ‘King Lear’, ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, and ‘Macbeth’. Incredibly influential and popular, his works are still performed at the renowned 'Globe Theatre' and the 'Royal Shakespeare Company' in Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born and lived much of his life.

Coriolanus

First published in Polish under its Latin title in 1896, "Quo Vadis" is a historical novel by Polish journalist, novelist and Nobel Prize laureate Henryk Sienkiewicz. The title means “where are you going?” and alludes to a New Testament verse (John 13:36). The popular novel was widely translated. Set in ancient Rome during the reign of the emperor Nero, "Quo Vadis" tells the story of the love that develops between a young Christian woman and a Roman officer who, after meeting her fellow Christians, converts to her religion. Underlying their relationship is the contrast between the worldly opulence of the Roman aristocracy and the poverty, simplicity, and spiritual power of the Christians. The novel has as a subtext the persecution and political subjugation of Poland by Russia.

Quo Vadis

The Wind in the Willows is a classic of children's literature by Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908. Alternately slow moving and fast paced, it focuses on four anthropomorphised animal characters in a pastoral version of England. The novel is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie and celebrated for its evocation of the nature of the Thames valley. The classic story of how Rat, Mole, and the other river bankers saved Toad from his excesses. This book has it all: excitement, sentiment, destruction of private property (plenty of that), paganism, and a happy ending. The prose is beautiful and occasionally requires the use of a dictionary. Written as a children's story, The Wind in the Willows is enjoyed by many grown ups who relish Grahame's ability to evoke the long summer days of childhood.

The Wind in the Willows

Stephen Crane's 'The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky' is a short story that explores the theme of change and the clash between traditional values and modernity. Written in Crane's characteristic naturalistic style, the story vividly captures the rugged landscape of the American West and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of a small frontier town, the narrative unfolds with a sense of tension and irony, keeping the reader engaged till the end. Crane's use of vivid imagery and realistic dialogue adds depth to the characters and the overall setting, making it a timeless piece of American literature. It is considered a reflection of the changing social landscape during the late 19th century. Stephen Crane, known for his realistic and gritty portrayals of life, drew inspiration from his own experiences as a war correspondent and his observations of societal norms. 'The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky' showcases Crane's keen eye for detail and his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. I recommend this short story to anyone interested in American literature and the exploration of timeless themes.

THE BRIDE COMES TO YELLOW SKY

Though Northanger Abbey is one of Jane Austen's earliest novels, it was not published until after her death--well after she'd established her reputation with works such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility. Of all her novels, this one is the most explicitly literary in that it is primarily concerned with books and with readers. In it, Austen skewers the novelistic excesses of her day made popular in such 18th-century Gothic potboilers as Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho. Decrepit castles, locked rooms, mysterious chests, cryptic notes, and tyrannical fathers all figure into Northanger Abbey, but with a decidedly satirical twist. Consider Austen's introduction of her heroine: we are told on the very first page that "no one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy, would have supposed her born to be an heroine." The author goes on to explain that Miss Morland's father is a clergyman with "a considerable independence, besides two good livings--and he was not in the least addicted to locking up his daughters." Furthermore, her mother does not die giving birth to her, and Catherine herself, far from engaging in "the more heroic enjoyments of infancy, nursing a dormouse, feeding a canary-bird, or watering a rose-bush" vastly prefers playing cricket with her brothers to any girlish pastimes. Catherine grows up to be a passably pretty girl and is invited to spend a few weeks in Bath with a family friend. While there she meets Henry Tilney and his sister Eleanor, who invite her to visit their family estate, Northanger Abbey. Once there, Austen amuses herself and us as Catherine, a great reader of Gothic romances, allows her imagination to run wild, finding dreadful portents in the most wonderfully prosaic events. But Austen is after something more than mere parody; she uses her rapier wit to mock not only the essential silliness of "horrid" novels, but to expose the even more horrid workings of polite society, for nothing Catherine imagines could possibly rival the hypocrisy she experiences at the hands of her supposed friends. In many respects Northanger Abbey is the most lighthearted of Jane Austen's novels, yet at its core is a serious, unsentimental commentary on love and marriage, 19th-century British style

Northanger Abbey

A stunning novel of the Tudors from the best-selling author of The Agincourt Bride. Jasper Tudor, son of Queen Catherine and her second husband, Owen Tudor, has grown up far from the intrigue of the royal court. But after he and his brother Edmund are summoned to London, their half-brother, King Henry VI, takes a keen interest in their future. Bestowing Earldoms on them both, Henry also gives them the wardship of the young heiress Margaret Beaufort. Although she is still a child, Jasper becomes devoted to her and is devastated when Henry arranges her betrothal to Edmund. He seeks solace in his estates and in the arms of Jane Hywel, a young Welsh woman who offers him something more meaningful than a dynastic marriage. But passion turns to jeopardy for them both as the Wars of the Roses wreak havoc on the realm. Loyal brother to a fragile king and his domineering queen, Marguerite of Anjou, Jasper must draw on all his guile and courage to preserve their throne − and the Tudor destiny…

First of the Tudors

The Earl of Hillingwood calls his great friend, Lord Waverstone, to an urgent meeting with him at White’s Club in St. James’s for a serious discussion. The Earl is determined that his only son, Royden, is married to his friend’s daughter, Malva, as he feels that it is time Royden produced an heir to Hillingwood Towers and all its fabulous treasures and carry on as well his ancient and illustrious lineage. The beautiful fair-haired Malva and Royden do not wish to marry and anyway they are definitely not in love with each other. They are both seeking an ideal love that will sweep them off their feet and they will be gloriously happy for ever. To circumvent their fathers’ ambitions for them they devise an ingenious plan to pretend to their fathers that they are indeed married, but they want it kept secret until they return from their honeymoon because Queen Victoria would not approve of anyone marrying while they are still in mourning as Malva is for her mother. When they do return from their honeymoon, they will then say that they have found that they are totally unsuited to each other and will divorce immediately. Because both fathers would be horrified at the Social shame and scandal of the mere idea of a divorce, they will be delighted and relieved to be informed that no wedding has actually taken place. And then they will take the pressure off them and leave them alone. Malva and Royden set off for their pretend honeymoon in his new yacht for West Africa telling the Captain that they are brother and sister. It is when they anchor in a quiet bay off the African coast and decide to visit the Palace of the local Vizier that their adventure really begins. How Malva, because of her beautiful golden hair is kidnapped by the Sultan for his harem and how she is daringly rescued by Royden. And how love comes to them both in a most unexpected way is all told in this exciting tale by BARBARA CARTLAND. Barbara Cartland was the world’s most prolific novelist who wrote an amazing 723 books in her lifetime, of which no less than 644 were romantic novels with worldwide sales of over 1 billion copies and her books were translated into 36 different languages. As well as romantic novels, she wrote historical biographies, 6 autobiographies, theatrical plays and books of advice on life, love, vitamins and cookery. She wrote her first book at the age of 21 and it was called Jigsaw. It became an immediate bestseller and sold 100,000 copies in hardback in England and all over Europe in translation. Between the ages of 77 and 97 she increased her output and wrote an incredible 400 romances as the demand for her romances was so strong all over the world. She wrote her last book at the age of 97 and it was entitled perhaps prophetically The Way to Heaven. Her books have always been immensely popular in the United States where in 1976 her current books were at numbers 1 & 2 in the B. Dalton bestsellers list, a feat never achieved before or since by any author. Barbara Cartland became a legend in her own lifetime and will be best remembered for her wonderful romantic novels so loved by her millions of readers throughout the world, who have always collected her books to read again and again, especially when they feel miserable or depressed. Her books will always be treasured for their moral message, her pure and innocent heroines, her handsome and dashing heroes, her blissful happy endings and above all for her belief that the power of love is more important than anything else in everyone’s life.

Barbara Cartland's Pink Collection

Danger in the Desert (Barbara Cartland's Pink Collection 110)

SHORTLISTED FOR THE HWA SHARPE BOOKS GOLD CROWN AWARD The thrilling new series from the bestselling author of the 'Outlaw Chronicles'. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. AFTER THE TUDORS CAME THE STUARTS . . . London, Winter 1670. Holcroft Blood has entered the employ of the Duke of Buckingham, one of the most powerful men in the kingdom after the king. It is here that his education really begins. With a gift for numbers and decoding ciphers, Holcroft soon proves invaluable to the Duke, but when he's pushed into a betrayal he risks everything for revenge. His father, Colonel Thomas Blood, has fallen on hard times. A man used to fighting, he lives by his wits and survives by whatever means necessary. When he's asked to commit treason by stealing the crown jewels, he puts himself and his family in a dangerous situation - one that may end at the gallows. As the machinations of powerful men plot to secure the country's future, both father and son must learn what it is to survive in a more dangerous battlefield than war - the court of King Charles II. 'Instantly engaging' The Sunday Times '[An] entertaining adventure' Daily Express 'Utterly delicious' The History Girls, Books of the Year

Holcroft Blood

Blood's Game

In "Carmen," Prosper M√©rim√©e serves a compelling narrative intertwining passion and fate within the vibrant context of 19th-century Spain. Through a rich tapestry of lyrical and evocative prose, M√©rim√©e presents the story of a fiery Romani woman, Carmen, whose irresistible allure and defiance of social norms bring both enchantment and tragedy. The novella masterfully employs a first-person perspective, enhancing the immediacy of the tale as the narrator, a captivated Frenchman, recounts his intense encounters with the titular character. This work reflects the Romantic literary movement while foreshadowing elements of realism, showcasing the cultural tensions of the time, particularly the struggles between freedom and social constraints. Prosper M√©rim√©e, a prominent French playwright, novelist, and historian, was deeply influenced by his travels and fascination with Spanish culture, which profoundly informed his writing. His diverse background in law and passion for anthropology shed light on character motivations and societal dynamics. M√©rim√©e'Äôs expertise in historical research allowed him to portray the life and customs of the Andalusian gypsies with authenticity and depth, leading to the nuanced portrayal of Carmen as a symbol of both liberation and destruction. This novella is a must-read for those intrigued by complex female characters and the exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, and the search for identity. "Carmen" captivates readers not only through its dramatic narrative but also through its rich exploration of cultural contrasts. Readers will find themselves both enchanted and provoked to reflect on the dualities of human temperament, making it a pivotal work in understanding the foundations of modern narrative.

Carmen

In "Tales of South Africa," H. A. Bryden presents a vibrant collection of narratives that intertwine folklore, history, and personal anecdotes, shedding light on the rich tapestry of South African life. The book employs a lyrical prose style that is both evocative and immersive, capturing the diverse cultures and landscapes of the region. Bryden'Äôs work sits at the intersection of travel literature and oral storytelling, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the lives and traditions of South Africans, thereby contributing significantly to the corpus of literature that celebrates the continent's unique heritage. H. A. Bryden was a passionate traveler and keen observer of human behavior, whose experiences in South Africa profoundly shaped his literary voice. An ardent advocate for cultural preservation, his time spent living among various tribes and communities allowed him to gather tales that are not only entertaining but also serve as a social commentary. Bryden'Äôs commitment to portraying the intricacies of South African culture reflects the socio-political climate of his time, lending depth to his storytelling. "Tales of South Africa" is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of South African identity and culture. Bryden'Äôs narratives invite readers to engage with the vibrant emotions and profound wisdom embedded in each tale, making this book a significant contribution to both literary and cultural studies.

Tales of South Africa

National Bestseller Canadian Indies Bestseller Indigo Top Ten Canadian Reads Indigo's Most Anticipated Books of 2022 Finalist Saskatchewan Book Awards, Book of the Year Finalist City of Saskatoon Book Award Victorian Canada: Touring circuses, seances, and a world powered by steam engines. But in Belleville, Ontario, a twenty-eight-year old spinster, Lavender Fitch, barely scrapes by, selling flowers from her garden at the train station, her position in life greatly diminished after the death of her father, the local apothecary. Then, one day, a glamorous couple step off the train. The lady is a famed spirit medium, Allegra Trout, who has arrived for a public show of her mediumship, accompanied by her handsome but disfigured assistant, Robert. With her striking beauty and otherworldly charms, Allegra casts a spell over Belleville from the moment she arrives. Lavender is captivated by the medium as well. She’s been searching for a secret cache of money and hopes Allegra might be able to contact her dead mother for clues to its hidden location. As the Trouts remain in town, preparing for their Mystical Extravaganza, Robert and Lavender grow close, much to Allegra’s disapproval. Will Robert and Lavender's relationship blossom or will it be abandoned when he leaves for the next town? Will Lavender find her mother's gift or be forced from her home and beloved garden? The Apothecary’s Garden is a magical story about the mysteries of life, the enchantment of flowers, and wonders of love

The Apothecary's Garden

'Haunting, thrilling, wonderful. I loved it' Stacey Halls, bestselling author of The Familiars 'Fierce and touching' Jennifer Saint, bestselling author of Ariadne 'Your next obsession. . . Unique and captivating' Cosmopolitan Discover the extraordinary, luminous novel that everyone is talking about, perfect for fans of The Binding, The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock and The Doll Factory It will take something extraordinary to show four women who they truly are . . . October 1840. A young woman staggers alone through a forest in Shropshire as a huge pair of impossible wings rip themselves from her shoulders. Meanwhile, when rumours of a 'fallen angel' cause a frenzy across London, a surgeon desperate for fame and fortune finds himself in the grips of a dangerous obsession, one that will place the women he seeks in the most terrible danger . . . THE GIFTS is the astonishing debut adult novel from the lauded author of BEARMOUTH. A gripping and ambitious book told through five different perspectives and set against the luminous backdrop of nineteenth century London, it explores science, nature and religion, enlightenment, the role of women in society and the dark danger of ambition. 'A boldly feminist novel that lingers long after the last page' Susan Stokes Chapman, Sunday Times bestselling author of Pandora 'Imaginative, extraordinary . . . Brimming with historical detail and beautifully written, the soulful prose soars' Daily Express 'Remarkable . . . for fans of fantasy-inflected historicals such as The Essex Serpent' Publishers Weekly STARRED review 'A stirring tale of female empowerment, full of vivid imagery and evocative settings' Observer 'Extraordinary . . . For any who loved The Essex Serpent, this is one that will sing to your soul' Jackie Morris, The Lost Words 'Bewitching . . . addictive' Essie Fox 'I loved The Gifts. Brilliant storytelling, magical realism, historical fiction that discusses feminism, religion, art and motherhood' Kate Sawyer, Costa shortlisted author of The Stranding 'I devoured The Gifts, eager to find out the fate of its wonderfully drawn characters . . A real gem' Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City 'A stunning book . . . Captivating and thrilling. Hyder's writing really is magnificent. I was drawn inexorably into the narrative and completely bewitched by it. I didn't so much read this book as live it with the characters' My Weekly 'A glorious, evocative read, ripe for a movie adaptation. Victorian girl power? You bet' Apple Books 'In this glorious novel both women and words take flight. Don't miss it' Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily DON'T MISS LIZ HYDER'S EXTRAORDINARY NEW NOVEL THE ILLUSIONS OUT NOW!

The Gifts

The wonderful new novel from the much loved author of Girl with a Pearl Earring and Falling Angels. Flames and funerals, circus feats and seduction, neighbours and nakedness: Tracy Chevalier's new novel ‘Burning Bright’ sparkles with drama. London 1792. The Kellaways move from familiar rural Dorset to the tumult of a cramped, unforgiving city. They are leaving behind a terrible loss, a blow that only a completely new life may soften. Against the backdrop of a city jittery over the increasingly bloody French Revolution, a surprising bond forms between Jem, the youngest Kellaway boy, and streetwise Londoner Maggie Butterfield. Their friendship takes a dramatic turn when they become entangled in the life of their neighbour, the printer, poet and radical, William Blake. He is a guiding spirit as Jem and Maggie navigate the unpredictable, exhilarating passage from innocence to experience. Their journey inspires one of Blake's most entrancing works. Georgian London is recreated as vividly in Burning Bright as 17th-century Delft was in Tracy Chevalier's bestselling masterpiece, Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Burning Bright

This audiobook includes a touching acknowledgements chapter read by the author, Tricia Cresswell. A haunting and moving historical fiction, The Midwife by Tricia Cresswell is perfect for fans of The Familiars and The Binding. 1838. After a violent storm, a woman is found alone, naked and near death, on the Northumberland moors. She has no memory of who she is or how she got there. But she can remember how to help a woman in labour and how to expertly dress a wound, and can speak fluent French. With the odds against her, a penniless single woman, she starts to build her life from scratch, using her skills to help other women around her. She finds a happy place in the world. Until tragedy strikes, and she must run for her life . . . In London, Dr Borthwick lives a solitary life working as an accoucheur dealing with mothers and babies in the elegant homes of high society together with his midwife, and volunteering in the slums of the Devil’s Acre alongside a young widow, Eleanor Johnson. His professional reputation is spotless and he keeps his private life just as clean, isolating himself from any new acquaintances. But he is harbouring a dark secret from his past – one that threatens to spill over everything.

The Midwife

Niels Lyhne, a seminal work by Danish author Jens Peter Jacobsen, delves into the complexities of existential longing and the quest for artistic authenticity in a world filled with superficiality. Written in a richly lyrical style, the novel interweaves philosophical musings with poignant character development, offering a profound exploration of the human condition. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Denmark, Jacobsen's narrative deftly captures the tumultuous emotions of its protagonist, Niels Lyhne, as he grapples with his disillusionment in both love and life, ultimately contemplating the role of the artist in society. Jens Peter Jacobsen, a prominent figure in the Danish literary renaissance, was influenced by the naturalist movement and a deep interest in philosophy and aesthetics. His personal struggles with health and identity deeply inform his work, and Niels Lyhne serves as a manifestation of his own existential inquiries. The book reflects Jacobsen's interactions with various philosophical ideas of his time, evoking the tensions between idealism and realism that permeated European literature. Highly recommended for readers interested in existential literature, Niels Lyhne offers a profound reflection on the burdens and beauties of artistic aspiration. Jacobsen's innovative narrative style and deep thematic exploration make this novel a timeless piece that resonates with those seeking deeper understanding of the self and the world.

Niels Lyhne

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Historical Novels

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