The Radleys
A darkly humorous tale of a vampire family
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Canongate Books
Published:10th Oct '24
Should be back in stock very soon
The Radleys is a darkly comic tale about a vampire family struggling to maintain normalcy while their secrets unravel amidst chaos and danger.
In The Radleys, we delve into the lives of a seemingly normal family living in Bishopthorpe, who harbor a dark secret. The story unfolds with the Radley family navigating the complexities of suburban life, complete with dinner parties and interactions with their neighbors. However, their existence is marred by an overwhelming sense of self-denial, which becomes increasingly difficult to maintain as events take a turn for the chaotic. When teenage daughter Clara experiences a harrowing attack, the family's hidden truths begin to surface, forcing them to confront their true nature.
As Clara and her brother Rowan grapple with their unusual circumstances, they uncover the reasons behind their peculiar aversions—such as their inability to enjoy a simple Thai salad or venture outside without heavy sun protection. The arrival of their enigmatic Uncle Will adds to the tension, bringing with him a lifestyle that contrasts sharply with the Radleys' attempts at normalcy. The family's secrets are further threatened by an inquisitive police force, which heightens the sense of impending doom.
The Radleys masterfully blends dark humor with elements of horror, exploring themes of family, identity, and the challenges of embracing one's true self. As the Radleys navigate their shifting realities, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists and a poignant commentary on the nature of belonging and acceptance.
Addictive * * Daily Mail * *
Highly recommended * * Observer * *
Great fun * * Vogue * *
Red-blooded fiction at its most seductive * * Sunday Telegraph * *
Haig's very original spin on the [vampire] myth is insightful, frightening and uplifting * * Guardian * *
Delightfully eccentric . . . a strangely moving portrait of a marriage * * Financial Times * *
Delightfully new and, unusually, rather English . . . An enjoyably twisty and self-aware tale * * Metro * *
Haig writes in addictive, bitesize chapters that pump the action along . . . All vampire fiction has a strong sexual element, but in this book, the passion's not just for the pale-faced teens * * Daily Mail * *
Beautifully written . . . I just loved The Radleys -- JO BRAND
A sharp, bloody tale of abstinence and indulgence (and trying not to eat the neighbours) -- STEVEN HALL
ISBN: 9781837262328
Dimensions: 204mm x 135mm x 22mm
Weight: 254g
368 pages
Tie-In - Film Tie-In