Aislinn Hunter Libri

'A tantalising mystery... beguiling and richly suggestive' Metro Jane was fifteen when her life changed for ever. In the woods surrounding a Yorkshire country house, she took her eyes off the little girl she was minding and the girl slipped into the trees - never to be seen again. Now an adult, Jane is obsessed with another disappearance: that of a young woman who walked out of a Victorian lunatic asylum one day in 1877. As Jane pieces together moments in history, forgotten stories emerge - of sibling jealousy, illicit affairs, and tragic death . . . 'Strange and absorbing . . . I relished this book' - Penelope Lively, The New York Times Book Review 'Sensitive, melancholy, sharply observant. A work of great power' - Guardian 'Ambitious, inticate . . . cleverly innovates while tipping a nod to classic Gothic tropes: dynastic rivalries, crumbling country houses, madhouses and vanished girls' National Post (Canada) 'A brilliant work of humanity and imagination, artful and breathtakingly beautiful. It will continue to haunt long after you have finished reading' Helen Humphreys, author of Nocturne 'Powerful, thought-provoking, haunting and haunted . . . Reminiscent of A.S. Byatt's Possession, it forces you to look at the world - the people around you, the objects they hold dear - in a different light' Globe and Mail (Canada)

Abbey, a Canadian woman residing in a Galway village, navigates a complex and passionate romance with Dermot, an older Irish man. Their relationship is marked by deep affection yet fraught with challenges, exploring themes of love, cultural differences, and personal growth. As Abbey adapts to her new life, the story delves into the intricacies of their bond and the impact of their contrasting backgrounds.

A compelling narrative explores complex relationships and personal struggles, highlighting the intricacies of human connections. The story delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of its characters. With rich prose and vivid imagery, it captures moments of vulnerability and resilience, making it a poignant reflection on life's challenges. As a finalist for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, it promises a captivating reading experience that resonates deeply with its audience.