LoveReading Says
From the wordplay of its title, to its riveting revelations, Lucy Barker’s The Other Side of Mrs Wood whisks readers into the enthralling world of rival spirit mediums, a realm that throngs with secrets, duplicitous chancers, ambition, falls from grace, and revenge. And all this is underpinned by a truism that has resonance beyond the world of mediums: “Illusion is everything. Once the belief in you has gone, there’s nothing anyone can do.”
The setting is Notting Hill, 1873, and widowed Mrs Wood is a medium of considerable repute who prides herself on having fine-tuned powers of perception. Currently experiencing some cash-flow issues, she discerns notable potential in a certain Miss Finch, who becomes her protégé. Though talented, Mrs Wood notes that Miss Finch is naïve to the conventions of high society, somewhat “loose-lipped”, and lacking in crucial discretion.
Nonetheless, Miss Finch charms Magnus Clore, editor of the Spiritual Times. When he hails Miss Finch to be a “pretty face with a true gift”, Mrs Wood is inundated with requests from patrons, acquaintances and fellow mediums seeking a slice of the pie just as she needs more income. Huzzah! And so Mrs Wood plans a spectacular - and potentially lucrative - gathering for a client’s birthday.
But balancing respectability, showwomanship and believability is no mean feat, and then there’s the haunting question: how has Miss Finch come by certain knowledge that might threaten Mrs Wood’s reputation?
Suspicions lead to an almighty showdown, a fall from grace, humiliating slices of humble pie and revenge, all of which adds up to a wryly funny, sharply observed, entertaining novel that runs readers through a gamut of human follies, among them greed, pride, wanton ambition and duplicity.
Joanne Owen
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The Other Side of Mrs Wood Synopsis
'Gorgeous, an utter delight' MARIAN KEYES
'A charming debut that sparks with fun and fizz' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
'A must read!' SOPHIE IRWIN
'Storytelling at its finest' STYLIST
A DAILY MAIL BOOK OF THE YEAR
LONGLISTED FOR THE HISTORICAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION DEBUT CROWN PRIZE
'I want your reputation', the girl said to Mrs Wood. 'I want everything you have…'
Mrs Wood is the London's most celebrated medium, having survived decades in the competitive world of contacting the Other Side hosting packed-out séances for Victorian high society.
But, with rival young mediums dazzling audiences across the city, the allure of London's most established star might be starting to wane. And then, at one of her routine gatherings, she hears something truly terrifying: a yawn.
So, Mrs Wood takes on a young protégé to spice up her show. But does her new pupil pose more of a threat to Mrs Wood's reputation than she could imagined?
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780008597245 |
| Publication date: |
15th February 2024 |
| Author: |
Lucy Barker |
| Publisher: |
4th Estate an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
387 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Historical Fiction
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| Other Genres: |
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| Recommendations: |
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Lucy Barker Press Reviews
'I absolutely ADORED it. Such a juicy read and written so beautifully. Charming, gorgeous, an utter delight.' Marian Keyes
'Engaging and wonderfully original' Katie Fforde
'Intriguing, witty and unique. A must read!' Sophie Irwin, author of A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting
'A joy to read, completely fresh and original with a wonderful cast of characters. The ending is absolutely perfect - so satisfying! The Other Side of Mrs Wood is an exhilarating gallop through the seances of Victorian London, featuring rival mediums, dark secrets and some truly delicious double-crossing. Witty, evocative writing and wonderfully drawn characters add up to a huge treat of a novel. I loved it!' Lucy Diamond
'Think All About Eve, but set in the spellbinding world of Victorian mediums - a brilliantly witty twist on the rivalry between an ageing star and a wide-eyed ingenue who isn't all she seems.' Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman
'Crackles with wit and mischief, a delicious read.' Louise Dean
'Storytelling at its finest' Stylist
'An excellent debut. Vivid and witty with an incredible cast of characters.' The Bookseller 'I absolutely ADORED it. Such a juicy read and written so beautifully. Charming, gorgeous, an utter delight.' Marian Keyes
'Engaging and wonderfully original' Katie Fforde
'Intriguing, witty and unique. A must read!' Sophie Irwin, author of A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting
'A joy to read, completely fresh and original with a wonderful cast of characters. The ending is absolutely perfect - so satisfying! The Other Side of Mrs Wood is an exhilarating gallop through the seances of Victorian London, featuring rival mediums, dark secrets and some truly delicious double-crossing. Witty, evocative writing and wonderfully drawn characters add up to a huge treat of a novel. I loved it!' Lucy Diamond
'Think All About Eve, but set in the spellbinding world of Victorian mediums - a brilliantly witty twist on the rivalry between an ageing star and a wide-eyed ingenue who isn't all she seems.' Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman
'Crackles with wit and mischief, a delicious read.' Louise Dean
'Storytelling at its finest' Stylist
'An excellent debut. Vivid and witty with an incredible cast of characters.' The Bookseller
