Description

‘A darkly scattered fable told with beauty, magic, love but also heart-wrenching realism … Fans of The Familiars and The Binding will love this’ MY WEEKLY

‘It’s fabulous, we should all have copies’ Simon Mayo, Scala Radio

‘A glorious love story, a spellbinding fable’ Adele Parks

Women imprisoned by superstition, chained by guilt.

Perched on a mountain in a land of ancient forests is a village, rife with secrets. Cut off from the outside world it is run by the elders, men to whom tradition is all.

Edith lives alone with her alcoholic father who is forcing her to marry the village butcher. But she is in love with a shepherd who promised to return to her.

As the village becomes isolated in a sea of snow, Edith loses her power of speech. And it is this enchantment that will have far-reaching consequences, not only for Edith but for the whole village.

‘An enchanting and timeless feminist fable’ Mail on Sunday

‘A gorgeous love story … with more than a touch of magical realism’ Independent

Publisher Review

'A glorious love story, a spellbinding fable' Adele Parks, Platinum 'A gorgeous love story ... with more than a touch of magical realism' Independent 'Many writers have created updated versions of classic stories, but few can create entirely new books with the disarming directness and mythical truth of those original tales. Sally Gardner happens to be one such talented author ... this is a beautiful, haunting book ... an atmospheric tale that will stay with you long after the pages are closed' SFX 'A truly enchanting fairy tale that pulled me into another world and kept me there long after reading the last word. An utterly bewitching story about the strength and power of women and their voices' Jessica Ryn 'I loved this thought-provoking fable. A story of love, courage and rebellion, perfect for book groups' Anita Frank Praise for Sally Gardner: 'An imaginative novel with a vivid backstage world of intrigue and romance ... Original and rich' Sunday Times Book of the Week. 'With shades of Sarah Waters ... irresistable' Guardian 'Arresting and original and written in a singular voice' Telegraph 'This heartbreaking, brilliantly written novel is the most original publication for years' The Times 'The prize-winning Gardner is [a] dab hand at literary world-creation' Observer 'Beautiful, twisted and dark. A masterpiece' Big Issue 'With elements of magical realism, plenty of sexy scenes, and a good dollop of drama, this is one hell of a read' Sun 'This is an inspirational piece of writing' New Statesman 'A truly original voice ... a thrilling read' Spectator 'Combines magical realist flights of fancy with a smattering of punchy feminist politics' Metro 'A compelling mix of bawdy romp and magical realism' Red 'Will have you trying to finish this book in one sitting" Stylist