"In the wake of Hilary Mantel's brilliant conclusion to her award-winning Wolf Hall trilogy, this collection of loosely autobiographical stories locates the transforming moments of a haunted childhood. Sharp and funny, these drawn-from-life stories begin in the 1950s in an insular northern village "scoured by bitter winds and rough gossip tongues." For the child narrator, the only way to survive is to get up, get on, get out. In "King Billy Is a Gentleman," the child must come to terms with the loss of a father and the puzzle of a fading Irish heritage. "Curved Is the Line of Beauty" is a story of friendship, faith, and a near-disaster in a scrap-yard. The title story sees our narrator ironing out her northern vowels with the help of an ex-actress with one lung and a Manchester accent. In "Third Floor Rising," she watches, amazed, as her mother carves out a stylish new identity. With a deceptively light touch, Mantel illuminates the poignant experiences of childhood that leave each of us forever changed"--
Hilary Mantel
Hilary Mantel is an award-winning British writer known for her historical fiction novels. She is best known for her Thomas Cromwell trilogy, which includes "Wolf Hall," "Bring Up the Bodies," and "The Mirror and the Light." Mantel's works are characterized by their richly detailed historical settings, complex characters, and intricate storytelling. She has been praised for her ability to bring history to life and challenge traditional narratives. Mantel's contributions to literature have had a significant impact on the historical fiction genre, earning her two Booker Prize wins and cementing her place as one of the most respected writers of her generation.
Other related
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde
The epic new romance from the author of Seven Days in June
The Atlas Complex
The devastating conclusion to the story that started with The Atlas Six - now an international bestseller
