DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

The Death House

A dark and bittersweet tale that will break your heart and make you smile in equal measure

Sarah Pinborough author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Orion Publishing Co

Published:29th May '17

Should be back in stock very soon

The Death House cover

In The Death House, Toby and Clara navigate a world filled with uncertainty, exploring themes of love, loss, and the struggle for hope amidst despair.

In The Death House, readers are introduced to Toby, a boy grappling with the harsh realities of life in a place where hope seems to fade. Taken from his family, Toby now resides in the Death House, a facility that isolates its inhabitants while they await news of a mysterious illness that looms over them. His once normal life has transformed into an existence filled with uncertainty and fear, leaving him feeling as though he has forgotten how to truly live.

Clara, on the other hand, enters the Death House with a different perspective. Born to a life of promise, she was adored by family and friends, destined for greatness. However, her arrival at the Death House marks a turning point, as she resolves to fight against the fate that seems to be closing in on her. Clara's determination adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as she and Toby's paths intertwine in unexpected ways.

The Death House is not just a story of survival; it delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of love, loss, and the struggle for hope in the face of despair. As Toby and Clara navigate their intertwined destinies, readers are taken on an emotional journey that examines the fragility of life and the bonds that can form even in the darkest of circumstances.

shocking and gripping, albeit ultimately hopeful and utterly moving, and it's Sarah Pinborough's finest novel to date * Sci-Fi Now *
A bleak but compulsive tale...The Death House could be her finest novel yet * The Big Issue *
The Death House is a stunning novel, and a harsh reminder that our lives are simply fragile, fleeting, heart-breaking and most likely destined to end long before we want * Starburst *
First things first: Sarah Pinborough's latest novel, The Death House, made me cry...The Death House is the best book you'll read in 2015, guaranteed, and Sarah Pinborough cements her place as one of our finest living novelists * Reader Dad *
The Death House is a dazzlingly emotional account of growing up, death and bits in between as well as an early contender for the book of the year * Upcoming 4 Me *
The Death House is something completely different and doesn't fall into one definite category. There are many thoughts underlying the storyline but the most prominent ones are an extraordinary love story...it won't let you go without breaking your heart * The Book Plank *
The attraction of The Death House is its tragedy. This book is bleak and horrible and you will love it * Geek Native *
The Death House was a marvel of a read, beautifully emotional, so terribly addictive that I read it in one afternoon and just as a warning, will stomp all over your heart and make it bleed * Liz Loves Books *
Death becomes her - Sarah Pinborough's most powerful work to date * Sf Bulletin *
The Fault in Our Stars for the dystopian fan?....brilliantly written and moving, this is definitely recommended * Civilian Reader *
The Death House is emotive, thoughtful and memorable - remarkably subversive in its complex nature all wrapped up in a superb ending" - one to read in 2015 * SF Book *
Sarah Pinborough has created an incredible book with The Death House. Ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances highlighting the power of humanity....The writer's deft touch leaves the reader emotional. You might feel like your heart has been stomped on * Geek Syndicate *
The Death House is sad, stealthily creepy, emotionally haunting and quite brilliant * SFF World *
fascinating characters, sinister undertones and mysterious circumstances it makes for an incredibly addictive read * Fizz and Tattle *
Sarah Pinborough has managed to write one of the saddest love stories I have read in a while, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet by being tragic and yet also triumphant * Fantasy Book Review *
Unsettling, frightening and in the end uplifting, The Death House has stayed with me * Jenny Colgan *
Impressive and moving * SFX *
fascinating characters, sinister undertones and mysterious circumstances it makes for an incredibly addictive read * FIzz and Tattle *
Sarah Pinborough has managed to write one of the saddest love stories I have read in a while, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet by being tragic and yet also triumphant * Fantasy Book Review *
[Pinborough] deftly manages to pull elements from various places, from horror tropes to science fiction or thriller or crime and re-weaves them into something far more compelling... she also manages to craft a book which functions perfectly well as an engrossing tale for an adult or for a YA reader. * Forbidden Planet International *
It surprised me, it warmed me, it charmed me and shocked me both, and it's brilliant. * The Book Bag *
This is a touching tale that will linger long after you've finished reading, haunting and heartbreakingly sad * The Eloquent Page *
A very evocative, quick read - I really recommend it if you're looking for a very chilling, mysterious standalone novel * Books and Writers JNR *
Pinborough layers a beautiful account of that first, maddening, youthful love, alongside the friendship and brotherhood only found in those doomed to die together. It's poignant and tear-jerking: the ending is stunning, and I haven't cried this much at a book in a long time * Strange Horizons *
There are curveballs and plot twists galore, and more than a handful of tear-jerkers as the story progresses, but all of it is crafted with a care and attention to detail that defines what a good narrative and cracking tale it really is * British Fantasy Society *
Situated somewhere between Margaret Atwoods' The Handmaid's Tale and William Golding's Lord of the Flies, The Death House is a moving triumph with a gut-punch of a denouement * The Independent on Sunday *
In a world where detah is everywhere, every breath, every heartbeat becomes previous. Pinborough's vivid writing ensures her readers feel every one * The Telegraph *
Moving and totally involving. I couldn't put it down * Stephen King *
Compelling, heat braking, yet sinister this novel is beautifully written and thought-provoking * Telegraph and Argus *
This is a powerful book; emotional and frightening with a killer ending. An absolute must read. * Terror Tree *
you turn the pages begging for the story to continue ever further and not reach its poetic but terrible conclusion so fast. It will leave you in tears. * Love Reading *

ISBN: 9781473222847

Dimensions: 196mm x 126mm x 26mm

Weight: 270g

288 pages