The Attic Child
A dual-narrative exploration of childhood and confinement
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Pan Macmillan
Published:28th Apr '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This emotionally charged novel tells the intertwined stories of Celestine and Lowra, two children trapped in the same attic across generations.
In The Attic Child, Lola Jaye masterfully weaves together the poignant stories of two children separated by nearly a century but connected by their shared confinement in an attic. Set against the backdrop of Black History, the novel explores themes of identity, loss, and the enduring impact of family secrets. The narrative is rich with emotion, inviting readers to reflect on the histories that shape us and the legacies we inherit.
The story begins in 1907 with Celestine, a twelve-year-old boy whose life is a stark contrast to the freedom he once knew in Africa. Locked away in a large seaside house, he grapples with the fading memories of his family and the harsh realities of being treated as an unpaid servant. His attic room becomes both a prison and a sanctuary, where dreams and memories blur together, leaving him to question his identity and place in the world.
Decades later, Lowra, a young orphan girl of privilege, finds herself confined to the same attic, discovering remnants of Celestine's past. The old porcelain doll, the beaded claw necklace, and the mysterious writing on the wall serve as haunting reminders that she is not alone in her suffering. As Lowra uncovers the attic's secrets, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately revealing the deep connections that transcend time and circumstance in The Attic Child.
Bruising, yet hopeful epic novel. . . Emotional and evocative, The Attic Child is a powerful tale of trauma, identity and survival. * Daily Mail *
An incredibly important book giving breath to voices we sadly seldom hear, Lola Jaye’s The Attic Child is a beautifully crafted, compelling story crossing continents and time which will undoubtedly break your heart but also make it sing. -- Mike Gayle, author of Dinner for Two
The Attic Child is an impressive feat of imagination, and a great example of how one photograph can inspire a whole world. The interlinked stories of two children moved and upset me in all the right ways. This is important storytelling about issues of race and privilege and abuse, and a book that will stay with me for a long time. -- Tracy Chevalier, author of A Single Thread
The Attic Child could be Lola’s best book yet. Her writing is on another level, with characters and a story that grab you from the first page and don't let go until the very end. Just brilliant. -- Dorothy Koomson, author of My Other Husband
I was definitely in tears by the end! There is so much to say about this story. Lola Jaye has given us such a creative way of examining privilege, identity, trauma and whiteness in both eras. -- Afua Hirsch, author of Brit(ish)
A powerful and emotional journey, that will break your heart and put it back together again. -- Lisa Jewell, author of The Family Remains
Heart-breaking and timely - Lola Jaye's first epic historical novel is an emotional roller coaster of a ride -- Trisha Ashley, author of The Wedding Dress Repair Shop
An evocative, emotional, beautifully written and captivating novel. -- Rowan Coleman, author of The Red Monarch
Strong, memorable characters and an unputdownable story . . . Powerfully affecting -- Gill Paul, author of The Manhattan Girls
As educational as it was exceptional. I was nowhere near ready for it to end. It was heartbreakingly sad yet life affirming and full of hope. One of the most important books you’ll read all year. -- John Marrs, bestselling author of the Netflix sensation The One
With The Attic Child, Lola Jaye has created something truly special. An epic, historical novel that is as informative and fascinating about a period in history, as it is deeply moving. Above all, it’s a beautiful testament to the strength of the human spirit. I’ve been telling everyone I know about it. -- Katy Regan, author of How to Find Your Way Home
An ambitious novel carried out to perfection. This epic tale had me utterly engrossed from first page to last. It's heart-breaking yet powerful and inspiring and so, so wonderful. Dikembe is a hero I will never forget -- Tracy Rees, Bestselling author of Amy Snow and The Rose Garden
A powerful and timely book, compelling, heart-breaking yet hopeful and very, very special. -- Alex Brown, author of A Postcard from Capri
Hauntingly powerful. * New Magazine *
ISBN: 9781529064568
Dimensions: 234mm x 153mm x 36mm
Weight: 714g
480 pages