Sally Gardner's new novel sees a woman born in the Regency period with an extraordinary, dangerous talent, and combines historical fiction with fantastical elements to spellbinding effect.
LONGLISTED FOR THE HWA GOLD CROWN 2023
Neva is born into a world of trickery and illusion, where fortunes are won and lost on the turn of a card. But she is also born with an extraordinary gift: she can predict the weather. In Regency England, where the proper goal for a gentlewoman is marriage and only God can foretell the future, this is a dangerous power to possess.
In order to stand up to the men of science, Neva adopts a sophisticated male disguise, created by her brilliant clockmaker father. But what will happen when she falls in love with a charismatic young man?
'Seductive' Observer
'Wildly inventive' The TImes
'Superb... joyful' New Statesman
'A delight' The Sunday Times
'Beguiling' Mail on Sunday
'Magical storytelling' Heat
'A triumph!' Caroline Lea
'Bold and original' Financial Times
'I was completely captivated' Amanda Craig
PRAISE FOR SALLY GARDNER:
'Sally Gardner has a rare ability to build worlds that are rich, strange and totally unique to her... A story that will enthral you from beginning to end'
Absolutely South East (and West).
'Readers who enjoy puzzles and problem-solving will love this absorbing, mysterious thriller... This riveting and original fantasy will compel you to keep turning just one more page until you find you haven't eaten, slept or moved from your seat for hours. Spectacular' BookTrust, on
Invisible in a Bright Light.
'Rich and haunting historical fiction with a charismatic female lead'
The Bookseller, on
Invisible in a Bright Light.
'The prize-winning Gardner is [a] dab hand at literary world-creation'
