Set in England in 1911 – a young woman arrives in a small village to work as a maid in a country house belonging to a Reverend and his wife. Bringing a secret past with her into her new employment, the young woman’s independent and free-spirited nature causes discord in the household, forcing other household [...]
This collection of short stories reveals the complexities of human relationships and lives, by allowing the reader access to the hidden moments and thoughts of her characters. Through a blend of psychological insight, the close observation of everyday, and the focus on examining how we think and feel, as much as what we say and do; Hadley excels in [...]
This wonderful novel examines the intricacies of love, relationships and marriage in a unique and ultimately truthful way. Taking the small incidental moments of everyday life, Lively looks at the impact these seemingly trivial moments have upon the novel’s central characters; revealing how lives, relationships and love are irredeemably changed forever because of them. In examining the [...]
This is an absorbing and gripping re-imagining of Austen’s classic. James returns the reader to Pemberley, six years after the marriage of Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy, when suddenly their harmonious lives are disrupted by the arrival of Lydia, Elizabeth’s errant sister, following the murder of her husband. This novel, captures all the language, characterisation and [...]
This new translation of a fabulous classic proves just how modern and timeless the story of Madame Bovary is. Flaubert’s complex and compelling tale of a thoroughly modern woman, whose life spirals out of control through deep unhappiness, destructive desire and the pursuit of material pleasure, is as poignant today as when it was first [...]
This is a quirky, funny, often moving account of the lives of the great hotels of London during the Second World War and the people who inhabited them. While the bombs hit London an eclectic mix of staff, guests and entertainers lived, worked and survived, maintaining all the while a curiously British trait of humour, eccentricity [...]
Author: Erica James Publisher: Orion I have a real soft-spot for this author. Her stories are always driven by unique and charming characters, whose lives intermingle and come together with great storylines and journeys. James’ latest novel is no exception – it centres on a young woman, whose assured view of herself and the world around [...]
Author: Michael Morpurgo Publisher: Egmont children’s books The main character, Gracie, likes building boats with Daniel and sailing them with him, going to see the birdman (Mr Woodcock) and walking the birdman’s dog, Prince. The setting for this story is on the Isles of Scilly. The Isles of Scilly is made up of lots of [...]
Author: Carol Ann Duffy Publisher: Picador This is a wonderful collection of poetry. Duffy’s new book has the clear, accessible and acute language, which makes her writing so remarkable and relatable. Her poetry has the capacity to be both traditional and progressive - following the form and flow of the past and yet exploring contemporary thought and expression to which [...]
