"Coming face to face with herself leaves Iris examining her very essence in this wonderfully unique and thought-provoking novel. "
Gosh, this original and thought-spinningly intricate yet quietly simple read speared my emotions. I found myself utterly consumed by The Origins of Iris and absolutely adored every word. When Iris leaves her abusive wife for the wilds of the mountains, she quite literally finds herself when she comes face to face with another version of Iris. Being described by Hodder Studio as Wild meets Sliding Doors was an immediate hook for me, yet there is so, so much more on offer here. Love of course isn’t simple, it can be complex, cruel, even dangerous, and as this novel allowed me access to the layers of emotions within Iris, it entered my inner thoughts too. Beth Lewis skirts the obvious to open unrecognised pathways, she gradually opens up the story and sets information free. Goosebumps skittered down my arms as I felt understanding enter my awareness. I love the way you’re left to explore the complexities, I didn’t question, just let myself and my feelings go. Come the end, the fascinating, wonderful end, I didn’t make a decision as to exactly where I had travelled, I just knew that I had. Delving deeply into what it is to be human, The Origins of Iris is a truly unique and wonderful read.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
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Closing date: 04/07/2026
Author of the critically-acclaimed debut The Wolf Road, Beth Lewis returns with her brand new novel The Origins of Iris where Wild meets Sliding Doors.
'I opened my eyes and the woman wearing my face opened hers at the same time.'
Iris flees New York City, and her abusive wife Claude, for the Catskill Mountains. When she was a child, Iris and her father found solace in the beauty and wilderness of the forest; now, years later, Iris has returned for time and space to clear her head, and to come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here. But what Iris doesn't expect in her journey of survival and self-discovery is to find herself - literally.
Trapped in a neglected cabin deep in the mountains, Iris is grudgingly forced to come face to face with a seemingly prettier, happier and better version of herself. Other Iris made different choices in life and love. But is she all she seems? Can she be trusted? What is she hiding?
As a storm encroaches, threatening both their lives, time is running out for them to discover why they have been brought together, and what it means for their futures.
An important, searing novel about one woman's journey in fleeing an abusive relationship and confronting the secrets of her past.
The Origins of Iris features in the following genres: Family Drama, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Speculative fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Sharing Diverse Voices, Narrative theme: Social issues, Relating to lesbians, Relating to gay people, Relating to LGBTQ+ people, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Fiction: narrative themes, Relating to specific groups and cultures or social and cultural interests, Interest qualifiers, LGBTQ+ Fiction
The Origins of Iris is available in Paperback, Hardback
The Origins of Iris was written by Beth Lewis and published by Hodder Studio an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton General Division
The Origins of Iris has 321 pages
£13.49
