The Gifts
The award-winning historical novel about women who sprout wings - for fans of THE BINDING and THE MERMAID AND MRS HANCOCK
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Bonnier Books Ltd
Published:17th Feb '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This novel intricately weaves the lives of four women in 1840s London, exploring themes of ambition and empowerment. The Gifts is a captivating debut.
In The Gifts, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1840s London, four women navigate a world dominated by men. As one young woman experiences a surreal transformation in the Shropshire forest, rumors of a 'fallen angel' ignite a frenzy in the city. A surgeon, driven by ambition and the desire for fame, becomes dangerously obsessed with uncovering the truth behind these extraordinary events. His pursuit threatens the very lives of the women he seeks, weaving a tale of peril and discovery.
This debut adult novel by Liz Hyder is a captivating exploration of female empowerment, ambition, and the societal constraints of the time. Told through five distinct perspectives, The Gifts intricately examines themes of science, nature, and religion, while also highlighting the strength and resilience of women in a patriarchal society. The narrative is rich with historical detail and infused with a sense of magical realism, making it not only a gripping read but also a profound commentary on the roles women played in the past.
As the characters' lives intertwine, the novel delves into the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the search for identity. With its lush prose and evocative imagery, The Gifts promises to leave a lasting impression, resonating with readers long after the final page is turned. It is a remarkable story that celebrates the power of female solidarity and the extraordinary lengths to which women will go to reclaim their voices and destinies.
Liz Hyder won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for the brilliantly original Bearmouth, and The Gifts is just as impressive - an imaginative, extraordinary flight of fancy firmly grounded in the grim realities of Victorian England. Brimming with historical detail and beautifully written, the soulful prose soars. It's an insightful, mysterious read celebrating female friendship and solidarity. * Daily Express *
Your next obsession. . . A unique and captivating read that we truly adored. * Cosmopolitan *
Haunting, thrilling, wonderful. I loved it. * Stacey Halls *
Fierce and touching... a beautiful, riveting novel suffused with luminous magic against the grimy backdrop of 19th century London. Wild female power clashes with dark scientific ambition in this compelling story. * Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne *
A strong and powerful novel of identity and ambition, it's a boldly feminist novel that lingers long after the last page. * Susan Stokes Chapman, Sunday Times bestselling author of Pandora *
In this glorious novel both women and words take flight. Don't miss it. * Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily *
An extraordinary weaving together of the lives of four women. One is an artist who loves the names of colours, another a botanist who loves the shapes of plants. One of its fascinations is the blend of myth and magic, city and country, urban and wild. There are threads that spin a yarn and make this book a page turning success. For any who loved The Essex Serpent, this is one that will sing to your soul. For myself, I found it to be a dream of a book, one that I could lose myself in and escape from these curious times we live in. There's a darkness to it also, but also a fierce light, passion. It is utterly absorbing. * Jackie Morris, The Lost Words *
I devoured The Gifts, eager to find out the fate of its wonderfully drawn characters. A wonderful, atmospheric book that immersed me in the dirty streets of nineteenth century London and swept me away to the hills of Shropshire. A real gem. * Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City *
I loved The Gifts. Brilliant storytelling, magical realism, historical fiction that discusses feminism, religion, art and motherhood. Shades of Angela Carter and fans of Elizabeth MacNeal will enjoy it too. * Kate Sawyer, author of The Stranding *
A stirring tale of female empowerment, full of vivid imagery and evocative settings. The Gifts' scope is impressive and it's sure to win Hyder new fans and, quite possibly, another film deal. * Observer *
ISBN: 9781786580733
Dimensions: 222mm x 144mm x 43mm
Weight: 605g
496 pages