Set in nineteenth-century Oxford, and shot through with a powerful sense of magic, Elizabeth Garner's new novel will appeal both to fans of historical fiction and to the huge Susanna Clarke/Philip Pullman fanbase.
In nineteenth-century Oxford, an extraordinary child is born - Edgar Jones, a porter's son with a magical talent. Though his father cannot see beyond his academic slowness, his abilities as a metalworker and designer are quickly noticed, and become a source of tension within the family. When Edgar comes to the attention of a maverick professor at work on a museum of the natural sciences, Edgar is at once plucked from obscurity and plunged into the heart of a debate which threatens to tear apart the university. Edgar's position is a dangerous one - will he be able to control the rebellious spirit that fires his inventiveness, but threatens to ruin him, and to break up his family once and for all?
Reviews
'Garner's imagination is compelling and the novel has real narrative drive... enjoyable and eloquent' Helen Dunmore, The Times -- The Times 'Darkly atmospheric, Garner's clean, spare prose conjures a strong ,simple narrative... a delight to curl up with' Metro -- Metro daughter of renowned children's author Alan Garner, Elizabeth displays similar inventiveness and command of atmosphere...it's a sad, sweet tale of the love and misunderstanding between a father and son who dare to aim for a higher place in the world' -- Daily Mail
Author description
Elizabeth Garner was born in Cheshire, and now lives in Oxford. She is the author of the acclaimed NIGHTDANCING, which won a Betty Trask Award, and was shortlisted for the Authors' Club First Novel Award.
