LoveReading Says
Our November 2020 Book Club Recommendation
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A powerful, provocative, and darkly stunning debut. This is a book that tore my heart into pieces while simultaneously showing me the wonder of love and imagination. Romilly’s childhood is one of fame and isolation when her father includes her as the main character in his books for children. While the world believes that the books lead you on a treasure hunt, a more private and heartbreaking journey awaits Romilly. This isn’t an easy read, but it is a beautiful one. Polly Crosby somehow balances some incredibly difficult issues with a sense of wonder, she really does have the most eloquent pen. The prologue has huge impact, sweet, sharp, and bitter notes struck my awareness, and I reread the words before allowing them full access into my thoughts. I initially felt as though I was stepping into a half remembered mysterious photograph. As bites of reality began to appear, they caused a mental and physical ache for all that was lost and uneasy. As the ending settled and I sat back and contemplated, I concluded that it was the most pure and perfect conclusion. Romilly is so special, she has taken up residence inside my thoughts, and she is more than welcome to spend time there. The Illustrated Child is a vibrantly unique and thought-provoking read, it has been included as one of our LoveReading Star Books, and will sit as one of my favourite novels of the year.
Liz Robinson
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The Illustrated Child Synopsis
A young girl.
A hidden treasure.
A dark family secret.
'Evocative and enchanting - a future classic' Veronica Henry
'An extraordinary debut… beautiful, dark, haunting' Edward Carey
'A captivating coming-of-age story' Daily Mail
'A bewitching read' Woman & Home
Romilly Kemp has an idyllic childhood, roaming the wilderness that surrounds her father's ramshackle farmhouse. But when he makes her the star of his beautifully illustrated books, her carefree if somewhat lonely existence is threatened.
The books are thought to hold clues to an elaborate treasure hunt, and strangers turn up at their door, anxious to get a glimpse of the 'Kemp Treasure Girl'. But when her father falls ill, leaving Romilly more isolated and alone than ever, she begins to delve deeper into the books - and her past.
As she makes sense of the clues he has hidden, she finds a truth that is far darker and more devastating than any treasure hunt has a right to be. For not everything that is hidden is gold.
Praise for The Illustrated Child:
'Evocative and enchanting - a future classic and a star in the making' Veronica Henry
'An extraordinary debut… beautiful, dark, haunting and unforgettable. I loved it' Edward Carey
'A captivating coming-of-age story with memorable characters beautifully brought to life in a setting dripping with atmosphere' Daily Mail
'Part fantasy, part coming of age, the undercurrents of child neglect and mental ill health pull at you all the way through this poignant tale' Heat
'A bewitching read' Woman & Home
'Written in fine, delicate prose, this treasure of a debut takes up the palette of emotions and paints with all the colours. Beautiful' Nydia Hetherington
'Exquisitely written, stunning, totally unique. Everyone needs to read this' Jessica Ryn
'A magical tale, beautifully written, evocative and mysterious, and stitched through with a dark thread that I wasn't expecting. What a wonderful book' Anita Frank
'A beautifully written tale that evokes dreams and imagination' Daily Record
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780008358440 |
| Publication date: |
8th July 2021 |
| Author: |
Polly Crosby |
| Publisher: |
HQ an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
423 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Modern and Contemporary Fiction
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| Other Genres: |
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