Description

A haunting mystery for fans of Eve Chase, Kate Morton and Kate Mosse.

‘A poignant page-turning story, beautifully written’ Leonora Nattrass, author of Blue Water

‘Crosby succeeds in delivering a bittersweet tale of love, loss and lies that stretches across the 20th century’ Historical Novel Society

‘Hugely evocative and beautifully written’ Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork Girl

‘Polly Crosby’s writing is exquisite and this latest book is every bit as evocative as her previous novels’ My Weekly Top pick of the month May 2023

‘A thoroughly compelling mystery meets a poignant love story, all wrapped up in beautifully lyrical writing’ Frances Quinn, author of The Smallest Man

‘A beguiling mystery from a gifted storyteller’ Louise Fein, author of People Like Us

1938: Lady Vita Goldsborough lives in the menacing shadow of her controlling older brother, Aubrey. But when she meets local artist Dodie Blakeney, the two women form a close bond, and Vita finally glimpses a chance to be free.

1997: Following the death of her mother, Eve Blakeney returns to the coast where she spent childhood summers with her beloved grandmother, Dodie. Eve hopes that the visit will help make sense of her grief. The last thing she expects to find is a bundle of letters that hint at the heart-breaking story of Dodie’s relationship with a woman named Vita, and a shattering secret that echoes through the decades.

What she discovers will overturn everything she thought she knew about her family – and change her life forever.

‘Luminous and captivating … Polly Crosby’s shimmering writing veils a dark hint of the gothic’ Kate Griffin, author of Fyneshade

What readers are saying about Vita and the Birds
‘A beautiful and haunting tale of family, love, control and connections. This book and its characters will stay with me for a long time’ Netgalley reviewer

‘A lush and evocative novel of loss and forbidden love’ Netgalley reviewer

‘Beautifully written, a dark and moody yet intriguing story’ Netgalley reviewer

‘An extraordinary book that I read in a 4 hour straight session without stopping for food or drink . . . A spellbinding read’ Netgalley reviewer

Publisher Review

Praise for Polly Crosby 'Polly Crosby whips up a lush, mythical world . . . realised beautifully in vivid writing. A book worm's treat!' Eve Chase, author of The Glass House '[A] gem of a read' Good Housekeeping 'Like a surreal cabinet of curiosities - haunting, eerie, evocative.' Bridget Collins, author of The Binding 'A captivating coming-of-age story with memorable characters beautifully brought to life in a setting dripping with atmosphere' Daily Mail 'A luminous and beautiful novel that gently lures the reader into a captivating story with a mystery at its heart.' Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne 'This moving tale is set in a mesmerising world. Like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, the story emerges slowly, allowing you to immerse yourself in its wonders.' Heat 'A beautifully written tale of butterflies, secrets and silk' Sonia Velton, author of Blackberry and Wild Rose 'Dreamy image after image . . . like a series of beautiful paintings' Sara Sheridan, author of The Fair Botanists 'A bewitching read' Woman & Home 'Evocative and enchanting - a future classic and a star in the making' Sunday Times bestselling author Veronica Henry 'An extraordinary debut... beautiful, dark, haunting and unforgettable... I loved it' Edward Carey, author of Little 'A promising debut novel ... full of atmospheric tension' Mail on Sunday