An engaging and touching story.
WHAT’S THE BOOK ABOUT
A young woman staggers through the woods. Something is happening deep inside and as she’s thrown to her knees in agony, the world around her stops. When she comes to, she is astonished at the sight of her shadow – it has wings.
Meanwhile when rumours of ‘fallen angels’ cause a frenzy across London, a surgeon desperate for fame and fortune will find himself in the grip of a dangerous obsession, and the women he seeks in the most terrible danger . . .
The Gifts is the astonishing debut adult novel from the lauded author of Bearmouth. A gripping and ambitious book told through several female voices and set against the luminous backdrop of nineteenth century London, it explores science, nature and religion, enlightenment, the knife-edge roles of women in society and the dark danger of ambition.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK
There are five point of views in this novel which did make it difficult for me to get absorbed into the story initially. But, I am glad I persevered.
The Gifts is a combination of historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy which made for an engaging story overall. The author has beautifully captured 1840s London. The scenes involving the eruption of wings from women’s bodies were surreal, to say the least.
The Gifts is a poignant read as it explores the subservient position of women in the nineteenth-century Britain. It was tough to read for me, but it was a moving tale.
This is a tale of obsession, human greed, and women finding their inner strength. Recommended for lovers of historical fiction combined with magical realism. Just be patient with the beginning.
BOOK DETAILS
Genre: Historical Fiction / Magical Realism || Pages: 400 || Published on 1st September 2022 by Manilla Press, Bonnier Books UK
Many thanks to Rachel @ Rachel’s Random Resources for organizing this blog tour. Many thanks to the publisher for my copy of the book. This does not affect my opinion on the book. I opted to provide an honest review on my blog. My apologies for posting this review late.
AUTHOR BIO
Liz Hyder is a writer and creative workshop leader. In early 2018, she won The Bridge Award/Moniack Mhor Emerging Writer Award. Her debut novel for young adults, Bearmouth, was named The Times Children’s Book of the Year in 2019, won the Waterstones Children’s Book for Older Readers 2020 and the Branford Boase Award 2020. It was also shortlisted for the UKLA Awards and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal. Her debut book for adults, The Gifts, published in hardback in February 2022 (UK and Commonwealth). Originally from London, she now lives in South Shropshire in a small medieval market town surrounded by hills, books and plants.
Author Link(s): Website || Twitter
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Debjani's Thoughts 
What an unusual idea, I’m so tempted to read this. Thanks for sharing, Debjani😁
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Thanks 🙂
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This sounds fascinating and that cover is gorgeous! Great review, Debjani💜
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Thanks! 🙂
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