The Unpicking

Donna Moore author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Fly on the Wall Press

Published:27th Oct '23

Should be back in stock very soon

The Unpicking cover

Three generations of ‘hysterical women’ take on systemic corruption and injustice, despite all odds.

Follow three plucky generations of Gilfillan women as they navigate the dangers of Victorian Scotland and battle against a systemically corrupt police force.

Open-hearted but naive Lillias Gilfillan is sixteen when she elopes with an older man with ulterior motives. When her expectations of married life are shattered, Lillias must hold onto her sanity in the face of imprisonment.

Follow three plucky generations of Gilfillan women as they navigate the dangers of Victorian Scotland and battle against a systemically corrupt police force.

"Phenomenally good. Donna Moore's third novel is deadly serious. The three characters are strong and brave, for the situations they find themselves in. They use all their energy on trying to make things better; staying alive; but the world isn't cooperating with them. But working together, women can do a lot." – Ann Giles, The Bookwitch


'The characters have been portrayed by the author in a way that is thoughtful, with incredible bravery and determination. If you want to read three heartfelt stories of courage along with their struggle and the fight for their voices to be heard amongst the dangers of Victorian Scotland while they also battle against a systemically corrupt police force then the Unpicking is the one to read. A brilliant book.' - Shots Magazine


Some of the best characters that I have met in a novel, alongside the alluring, descriptive writing and remarkable sense of place.’ – Anne Cater, Random Things Through my Letterbox


"The air hangs heavy with constant menace, and Moore evokes the wariness and vigilance of women and girls who have learned never to let their guard down: the heightened senses of the oppressed and vulnerable. There are villains here, of almost stereotypical moustache-twirling wickedness, but at every turn Moore highlights the institutional and societal misogyny that enables them, the collusion they can always rely on, whether in an asylum, a girls’ home or the police force." - Alistair McAbbott for The Herald


"You need a strong stomach to follow these three generations of women, as you endure their torment with them... Enthralling? Definitely. I read this in two sittings." - The Yorkshire Times


An utterly compelling story with three glorious women protagonists you're rooting for as soon as you meet them. I loved it.' - Sarah Ward, author of The Birthday Girl

ISBN: 9781915789051

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 247g

290 pages