From the Booker Prizeβwinning author of Possession, a dazzling new novel that spans the years from the Victorian era through World War I and centers around a famous childrenβs book author and the passions, betrayals, and secrets that tear apart the people she loves. When Olive Wellwoodβs oldest son discovers a runaway named Philip sketching in the basement of the Victoria and Albert Museumβa boy who could be a character out of one of Oliveβs magical talesβshe takes him into the storybook world of her family and friends. But the midsummer bacchanals the Wellwoods host at their rambling country houseβand the private books that Olive writes for each of her seven childrenβconceal more treachery and darkness than Philip has ever imagined. As these livesβof adults and children alikeβunfold, lies are revealed, hearts are broken, and the damaging truth about the Wellwoods is slowly uncovered. Yet a far larger danger awaits: the Great War lies ahead, and it will leave no one unscathed. Suspenseful, seductive, at once sweeping and intimate, The Childrenβs Book is a masterly literary achievement by one of our most essential writers.
Media Buzz
On The Media - September 3, 2011 Diane Rehm Show - NPR - October 5, 2009
© 2003-2026