Najnovšie - Historické romány strana 204 z 270

Perfect for Bridgerton and Jane Austen fans! Fall in love with the Fairfax family and make this your favourite new Regency series… ‘And you’ve come here today to read me a lecture in all my deplorable habits?’ ‘No…’ she stalled, wracking her brain for inspiration and failing, ‘I’ve come here to ask you to marry me!’ After three disastrous seasons, bookish Josephine Fairfax believes that she is long past the age of finding her perfect fictional hero. But when her brother’s loathsome Monstrous Marriage Masterplan results in her youngest sister Matilda’s engagement to the vastly unsuitable Lord Huntingly, even she must draw the line. Josephine may be the bluestocking sister, but she is still a Fairfax who will sacrifice anything for family, even proposing marriage to a man who may be the most dangerous gentleman in the ton… Each book in the Fairfax Sisters series can be read as a standalone. Praise for The Proposition of the Season: 'A delightfully lighthearted regency romp. Five stars from me' ? 'Lord Huntingly is the regency bad boy of my dreams' ? 'This book will keep you coming back for more' ? 'This book is a rollercoaster, evoking classic Bronte and Austen works, and keeping the reader gripped until the last page' ? 'A historical romance with a bit of mystery and a strong heroine who asks questions instead of waiting around for answers' ? 'Lighthearted and charming, it’s the perfect nostalgic read' ? 'The perfect mix between Bridgerton and a Katrina Kendrick book - and I ATE this up' ? 'How I love a story of sisters, and Michelle Kenney has conjured up four sparky modern-minded Fairfax girls. The dialogue is quick-fire, plot complex and satisfying, the men heroic and rich' Jane Dunn, Sunday Times bestselling author

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek comes a triumphant tale of a librarian’s fight to bring literacy to the prisons of Kentucky and the underserved neighborhoods of downtown Louisville, revealing a story of fierce love, quiet strength, and the healing power of books. When Cussy Lovett, a Packhorse Librarian famed for bringing books to the people of Appalachia, is unjustly incarcerated, she finds a new calling as a prison librarian, bringing hope to downtrodden women and voiceless city residents alike, finding a home even while separated from those she loves. A vivid portrait of mid-century Kentucky, from the hills and hollers of Appalachia to a vibrant city neighborhood on the cusp of urban renewal, The Mountains We Call Home explores the effects of criminalization and incarceration on the poor and powerless, while tracing the societal consequences of fractured family bonds. Gritty, heartbreaking, yet infused with hope, The Mountains We Call Home is an authentic American tale and a powerful testament of strength, survival, and the magic of the written word. "Woven so seamlessly of important themes that it has the potential for changing lives." —William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author

Byla to padesátá léta – doba, kdy se sousedé měnili v dozorce a z poctivých živnostníků se přes noc stávali nepřátelé lidu. Na pozadí kolektivizace a zinscenovaných procesů se odehrává příběh mlynáře Josefa Nýdrleho, který odmítl systému odevzdat své hospodářství i důstojnost. Román Řešeto je citlivou rekonstrukcí skutečného osudu sedláka Miroslava Šnýdra. Autorka kombinuje archivní fakta se vzpomínkami a podává syrové svědectví o časech, kdy se rozsudky psaly předem, ale někteří přesto zůstali čistí.

'Wonderful. A fresh and lively take on a well-known tale' The Times'A sensuous tale, richly drawn' Daily MailTHE UNMISSABLE NEW RETELLING OF THE LIFE OF ONE OF HISTORY'S MOST POWERFUL, ENTICING AND MISREPRESENTED FEMALE FIGURES - THE LEGENDARY QUEEN CLEOPATRACleopatra, Egyptian Princess, grows up the favoured daughter of the Pharoah, hiding amongst the scrolls in the great library of Alexandria with her beloved slave Charmian, longing for the chance one day to write her own story. Then when her father dies, willing that Cleopatra rule with her selfish brother Ptolemy, danger stirs. As the young Egyptian Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, he plots to destroy her and take the throne for himself. But while Ptolemy has the power of Egypt behind him, Cleopatra has her wits. And when the great Caesar arrives from Rome, she realises he could be the key to her salvation - though courting this powerful man could cost her everything. Can Cleopatra save her life, her throne, her beloved Egypt and finally command her own history? A powerful, sensuous new retelling, this is a captivating story of female power and vulnerability, of love and loss, fierce friendship and terrible betrayal. It's time to meet the real Cleopatra. 'Vibrant and enthralling. A glorious retelling of one of the most misrepresented female figures in history' Platinum magazine'The fabled Egyptian queen bursts into fierce and complex life' Caroline Lea'Vivid and compelling' Anya Bergman'Shows us the true Cleopatra in all of her pride and glory' Luna McNamara'As glorious and enthralling as its heroine' Naomi Kelsey'A dazzling tale writhing with tension like a desert snake' Rachel Louise Driscol'Thrilling. . . brings the ancient world vividly to life' Cathryn Kemp'Solomons breathes life into the myth. Gripping' Elizabeth LeeREADER REVIEWS***** "I was absolutely bewitched"***** "This book was both intimate and refreshing, vivid. I felt both the sticky heat of Egypt, and the cool breeze of the Queen's apartments at night."***** "10/10 a much needed exploration into one of the most infamous women in ancient history"***** "It shows her not so much as the beautiful seductress we see in other stories but clever and young ruler, and later mother. I liked seeing her grow as a person and ruler, but what I enjoyed most was her relationship with her slave and companion, it added a vulnerable side to her character that we rarely see."***** "Solomon's gift is to immerse you in an immediately believable world and to connect you with character from the start. I found myself constantly wanting to check details reading Cleopatra, fascinated by the woman coming alive before me."***** "I raced through the final section, heart wrung for the women whose story is forgotten in the plays. Just brilliant!"

Jilted bride. Vengeful heart. Hopeless romantic. ‘Dazzling’ HEAT MAGAZINE ‘This is a novel of enormous élan’ THE TIMES *From the Observer Top Ten Debut novelist* Charlotte Havisham has a secret. She's been underestimated for too long: by her former fiancé, Compeyson; by her family; and by society. But now her true heart's desire is within reach for the first time. And she will stop at nothing to get it. This is the story of Miss Havisham as you've never heard it before. And she will exceed all expectations. A thrilling and immersive historical novel, Havisham is a queer feminist reimagining in which Dickens' most infamous female character tells her side of the story at last. PRAISE FOR HAVISHAM ‘Deftly woven and alive with rage’ KAT DUNN ‘I was completely engrossed’ STACEY THOMAS ‘A fearless historical fiction writer’ EMMA HINDS ‘Will make you weep before punching the air’ LOUISE HARE ‘Original, bold and fierce’ HESTER MUSSON ‘This is Havisham as she has never been seen’ HANNAH KANER ‘A glorious feminist reimagining’ NAOMI KELSEY ‘Left me breathless’ MARY CHAMBERLAIN ‘Spectacularly daring’ ANNA CAIG ‘I was completely hooked’ AMÉLIE SKODA ‘A triumphant mix of reimagined classic and bold, ambitious storytelling’ LIANNE DILLSWORTH ‘Shouting-at-the-page levels of investable’ CHARLOTTE PARADISE ‘Wonderfully immersive and deeply satisfying’ LUCY BARKER 'Compelling’ SCOTTISH FIELD

By command of the Queen, you are hereby directed to be present at . . . There’s a lot to get done ahead of the queen’s coronation – and even more so when your livelihood is at stake. Lucy Jones is Junior Wardrobe Assistant to the queen, but dreams of being a singer. Caroline Brimstone loves her role as the queen’s Assistant Dresser, but behind closed doors fights for a better life for herself and her daughter. Meanwhile, Miranda Miller, an undercover journalist in the Coronation Office’s planning committee, needs an inside scoop to keep her job – the only thing she has left. They are all running away from their own demons but, in order to succeed, they must shed their feelings of shame, trust themselves and reclaim their lives. As Queen Elizabeth II takes the throne, will these three women also be able to take their rightful places in the worl? he Queen's Coronation is an unforgettable tale of female resilience, friendship and having the courage to seize your future. Praise for Jennifer Ryan ‘An enchanting hug of a novel’ – Cathy Kelly‘A deliciously warm and heart-rending tale’ – Martha Hall Kelly‘The writing glows with emotional intelligence’ – Daily Mail

'Compulsive, heartbreaking' Clare Leslie Hall'Gorgeously written' Jennie Godfrey'A tale of dazzle and determination' Daily MailFOUR WOMEN. A MILLION DREAMS. Scotland, 1910. Born into the world of the circus, Lena now stands at a crossroads. With the sudden death of her father, she faces a stark choice: get married or get a job. The fairgrounds are no place for a woman to go it alone. Until flame-haired Violet, known to all as 'the greatest trapeze artist that ever lived', suggests they do exactly that. With her outspoken ways and her refusal to marry, Violet is as much an outcast as Lena. What do they have to los? ecruiting new performers including bareback horse-rider Rosie and acrobat Carmen, the four women take charge of their own show, their own finances and their own destinies. But the fairgrounds are a dangerous place: misogyny is rife, violence a continual threat, and buried secrets are beginning to threaten all they hold dear. Together, they must forge their own path to freedom. FOR THEY ARE THE SHOW WOMEN. AND THE SHOW MUST GO ON. READERS LOVE THE SHOW WOMAN? 'Held my interest to the very last page'? 'Complete sensory immersion, such is the depth and breadth of the descriptive narrative'? 'Beautifully written, lovable characters, gripping narrative'? 'This extraordinary debut is bursting with energy and imagination'? 'A terrific read'

From Ali Smith: “The Hyena’s Daughter tells the far-too-untold story of a c19th sisterhood, thedaughters of Mary Wollstonecraft: Fanny Imlay and Mary Shelley, the famedwriter of Frankenstein, plus their step-sister Claire Clairmont, lover of LordByron. Are they the three graces? The fates? They’re women, as alive and breathingand rebellious and analytical as you and me, and well aware and critical of thehemmed-in nature they’re expected to accept as women of their time – a timeof “a new way of thinking, a new-world independence, a revolutionary world.” It features their connection to Percy Bysshe Shelley – “how could we not lovehim, with his lofty ethics and words that flew like birds?” –and many of theother contemporary poets and thinkers of the time. Pacy and assured, it turns its history to life from fragment to sensuousfragment. If the dead brought to life is to be Mary Shelley’s theme, this novellaasks what the real source of life spirit is, the vital spark. This book, full of detailand richesse, is a piece of vitality in itself.”

On 10 August 1944, with Germany on the verge of a crushing and humiliating defeat, Heinrich Himmler, the second most powerful Nazi and head of the notorious SS, holds a clandestine meeting in Strasbourg with a handful of elite industrialists and bankers. A covert organisation is born, codenamed 'Die Spinne' - The Spider. The network is tasked with helping senior SS officers escape the clutches of advancing allied forces. New identities are created, bankrolled by illicit funds, allowing notorious criminals to begin new lives in Europe and South America. Many of them land key roles in the worlds of politics, banking and industry. Decades later, they're able to pass on a privileged and influential birth right to their descendants. Himmler's secret lovechild, Amelie, is also spirited out of Germany by 'Die ,armed with a Nazi nest egg of fifty million dollars. Eighty years on, Amelie's adopted son becomes the head of the Spider network, which has evolved, survived and prospered over the decades under a cloak of secrecy. Employing a level of AI technology years ahead of anything currently known, the Spider network operates a secret facility based in Strasbourg, capable of creating undetectable Deepfakes of their own extremist politicians: perfect avatars, capable of conducting live interviews on a video stream with any news outlet in the world. The computer 'brain' of the Deepfakes is linked to state-of-the-art AI machines, programmed to create the perfect politician, spouting extreme right-wing rhetoric, aimed at winning over the masses. At a time of world disorder, with bitter wars across and the Middle East, the leaders of the Spider network look to seize their opportunity of grabbing control of the levers of political power.

Penniless and newly orphaned, Briar Monroe finds shelter at Thornby Manor, a brooding estate above a mist-shrouded lake. But whispers of a dead wife, an estranged son and locked-away secrets haunt its corridors … Atmospheric, intoxicating and laced with peril, this is a spellbinding historical mystery of love, betrayal, obsession and a house that will not forget…‘With echoes of many gothic romances, Thornby Manor nonetheless has its own take on the genre … a compelling tale’ Sunday Times‘Gloriously and traditionally gothic, rich in mist, rattling windowpanes, hidden missives and feverish dreams … an addictive Victorian mystery’ Joanna Miller‘A gripping gothic tale, simmering with menace’ A.J. West‘Oozing with menace, this intoxicating mystery reveals just how dangerous it was to be a woman in a time when her every move could be turned against her’ Heat magazine Book of the Week‘Fuses the brooding sense of menace of a Brontë novel with the twisty notes of a suspense thriller. A deliciously absorbing gothic mystery’ Vaseem Khan‘Atmospheric and accomplished … steeped in the gothic tradition of mystery and grief’ Essie Fox–––––––––There – suddenly – was Thornby Manor. I would never forget the first time I saw it…A talisman of darkness, an emblem of death. Warwickshire, 1891. Recently orphaned and left destitute, Briar Monroe accepts the protection of Lord Danville and the shadowed sanctuary of Thornby Manor. The great house looms above a mist-shrouded lake, its corridors heavy with secrets – not least the mysterious death of Lady Elizabeth Danville, and the unspoken tensions between her formidable widower and his magnetic son, Gabriel. As Briar navigates the undercurrents of a household ruled by watchful servants and locked doors, she is drawn ever deeper into a web of suspicion, desire and fear. Whispers in the night, figures at windows, and a constant sense of being watched leave her questioning not only the truth about Thornby, but her own safety within its walls. Atmospheric, intoxicating and laced with peril, Thornby Manor is a gothic tale of betrayal, obsession and a house that never forgets. A simmering, haunting debut for readers who loved Jane Eyre, Rebecca, The Woman in White and The Silent Companions. –––––––––‘An enthralling gothic debut … beautifully written, brimming with tension and full of intriguing, morally grey characters. A wonderfully dark historical mystery that kept me reading until 1am!’ Caroline Lea‘Gothic fiction has a new star’ Annie Garthwaite‘Dark, deliciously unsettling … a spellbinding, emotionally intense, intelligent tale dripping with betrayal and obsession’ Barbara Havelocke‘Darkly dramatic, delicious fun. If you love a gothic novel full of secrets to be unpacked, this is one for you …’ Liz Hyder‘Full of darkness and twisted secrets…’ Kate Griffin‘This tale of mystery and madness, of deception and defiance, of scandal and suspicion, will have readers compulsively turning pages deep into the night’ Naomi Kelsey‘A chilling gothic mystery … as unsettling as the mist that swirls around the manor. The final twist took my breath away’ Emma Cowing‘Immersive and chilling gothic novel with a mystery that keeps you guessing until the final chapter’ Rachel Louise Driscoll‘A tense, atmospheric and masterful work of gothic fiction … as chilling as it is intoxicating’ Cathryn Kemp‘A gripping gothic masterpiece’ Gill Paul‘A gothic mystery written with beauty and elegance’ Liv Matthews‘Beautifully written, moody, haunting’ Louise Swanson‘Unsettling, intoxicatingly gothic, highly original and laced with dread … a must-read debut’ Dan Bassett‘Think Jane Eyre meets Rebecca meets Northanger Abbey with a sprinkling of Wilkie Collins. I absolutely loved it’ Joanna Miller

'Gritty, pacy historical fiction. The action never lets up and it's a real pleasure to share the perilous adventures of Will and his hard-fighting band of followers.' SIMON SCARROW, #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER1191. For Will Bowman, newly restored to the service of King Richard 'Lionheart', the war against Saladin in the Holy Land now reaches its bloody climax. HERONo soonder is it over than the skulduggery of traitors conspiring against Richard's kingdom threatens the outbreak of yet more conflict. WARRIORTorn between his destiny and his allegiance, Will yearns for a life of peace. But when a deadly new danger threatens the king, only one man can save him. RESCUERNow, Will and his companions must embark on their most dangerous voyage yet, a covert rescue mission deep into the heartlands of a ruthless foreign power. Is Will's loyalty to Richard strong enough to die for him? PRAISE FOR SCOTT MARIANI'S STUNNING WILL BOWMAN SERIES'A joyride of a story. My new favourite series' ?'A truly excellent book' ?'A true craftsman of his profession' ?'A master storyteller' ?'A gripping tale of honourable survival' ?'Scott Mariani has taken to historical fiction like a duck to water' ?

Láska Johanky Sládkové je ve vzkvétajícím Štěpánově cenou, po které touží ti nejmocnější muži, avšak ona miluje prostého Vondru Křivohlava – i přesto, že je zasnoubená s majetným soukeníkem Blažkem. Jejím opakem je Anna Rudelka, která má sice špatnou pověst a nízké společenské postavení, ale zároveň i nezkrotnou ctižádost a odvahu riskovat. Touží se provdat za váženého soudce Petra Bílého, jenže ten si dělá zálusk na jinou. Když je za záhadných okolností zavražděn Johančin snoubenec, obviní soudce z tohoto zločinu nevinného Vondru. Pohnutky Johanky a Anny Rudelky jsou odlišné, cíl obou dívek je však stejný: musí Vondrovi zachránit život. A tak Anna rozehraje spolu s kaplanem Mikulášem, katem Bartolomějem a několika dalšími nebezpečnou partii nejen o spravedlnost, ale i o vlastní srdce. Dokáže se vypořádat s citem, jejž dosud odmítala poznat? Jak může tajemství purkrabího Miloty souviset se zločinnými hlásnými? Podaří se kaplanu Mikulášovi prosadit spravedlnost, kvůli které se vydává až za samotným arcibiskupem Janem z Jenštejna?

Birmingham, 1858. Dora, a spirited young maid with a vivid imagination, finds solace in the library of the esteemed family she works for. But when a forbidden love leads to a secret that could ruin her, Dora has no choice but to leave the only place that has ever offered her security and kindness. Alone in Birmingham’s teeming industrial streets, Dora reinvents herself as a washerwoman – each stitch and scrub a testament to her fierce determination to protect her daughter, Rose. But, snatching any free moment in her exhausting days, Dora begins to write her own stories, dreaming that one day, she will see her words in print. As fate reunites Dora with long-lost family, she must face fresh challenges and personal heartache. Can this woman, armed with grit, love and a pen, defy her past and write her own destin? ora's Dream is a gritty and heartfelt saga from beloved author, Annie Murray and is the second book in the original Children of Birmingham series after The Pearl Button Girl. The Birmingham Rose by Annie Murray was a Sunday Times bestseller in Feb 1995.

? Longlisted for the Stella Prize? Shortlisted for the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year award'A complex heroine who wrestles with the demands of faith, lust and ambition... A forceful wonder'The Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month'A gripping, gorgeous story of faith and feminism... A rapturous read'Daily Mail'Mesmerising from beginning to end'Glamour'A spectacular story of shape-shifting, love and faith . . . It enthralled me'Jessie Burton, author of The Miniaturist and The House of Fortune'Astonishing . . . a scorching vision of a book'Charlotte Wood, Booker-shortlisted author of Stone Yard Devotional'A fierce, sexy, heady maelstrom of a book. It sucked me in from the first page'Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The MerciesThe legend is only the beginning . . . Ninth-century Mainz, in the heart of the Holy Roman Empire. Agnes is the motherless child of an English priest - a wild and brilliant girl. But when tragedy strikes, she is forced to choose between what is expected of her and the freedom she has always dreamed of. Adopting a bold disguise, she secures a place at the revered Fulda monastery and begins life anew as John the Englishman. A matchless scholar and celebrated teacher, by her middle years she has dazzled the Church hierarchy in Rome, finding herself at the centre of power and intrigue. But in a city where gossip is currency, a secret like hers is dangerous. And when the only person who knows her true identity arrives in Rome, she will risk everything to be known - and loved. More praise for Rapture'All the hallmarks of a great thriller - such tension - mixed with the quiet, confident beauty of Agnes' voice - her fury and her love'Evie Wyld, author of The Echoes'Bold and unexpected, Rapture buzzes with life and energy . . . Extraordinary'Rosanna Pike, instant Sunday Times bestselling author of A Little Trickerie'Emily Maguire has created an earthy, visceral, and sensual tale, full of devotion, intrigue and passion . . . A stunning novel'Victoria MacKenzie, award-winning author of For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy On My Little PainA note from the author'Rapture is inspired by a thousand year-old story about a clever girl who dresses as a man to follow her lover to a monastery where she becomes a brilliant scholar and teacher, and eventually ends up - still in careful disguise - the most powerful person in Rome. I feel like this is the book I've been working towards for my whole writing life. The story of an ambitious woman in a world where women are supposed to be modest. A woman whose mind refuses to accept a small life, and whose body is reviled while remaining, for her, a source of great joy. A woman, who, like so many oppressed people throughout history, finds a way to subvert and resist. To be who she is without permission or approval. In Rapture this legendary, much-argued over figure is a flesh-and-blood woman of ingenuity, purpose and passion. Her name is Agnes, and I'm excited for you to meet her.'

''The Paris Code is a passionate, fiery tribute to a historical woman so extraordinary she almost defies belief. Natasha Lester writes with razor-sharp research.'' - Kate Quinn, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Alice NetworkA strong woman. A dangerous city. A fight for freedom...1928. Eighteen-year-old Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities - rally car driving, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the French government - earn her a reputation, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Ten years later, as Europe teeters on the brink of war, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine''s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance, she conceals her identity - and gender - as she navigates a perilous double-life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only ever a heartbeat away.But when the resistance finds themselves without a leader, Marie-Madeleine steps into the role, heedless of the many men who doubt her abilities. Will she, a young mother from Paris, help turn the tide of war?Internationally bestselling author Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history''s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love, tragic loss and magnificent leadership.Titled as The Mademoiselle Alliance in Australia and USA.Praise for The Paris Code:''Written with heart, passion, and impeccable historical research, The Paris Code is a powerful story readers will not be able to put down'' - Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Booklover''s Library''A story of epic love, tragic loss and magnificent leadership'' 5-star Reader Review''Deeply researched and gorgeously written, The Paris Code is a testament the strength of a remarkable, globetrotting woman.'' - Kerri Maher, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller.''A coup for bringing women written in the margins of fiction to the fore'' 5-star Reader Review''An incredible story of courage, devotion, and daring during the French Resistance...The Paris Code is a moving, powerful homage. A must-read for historical fiction lovers!'' - Chanel Cleeton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana''A story about leadership, bravery and courage, war, friendship and the bond Marie-Madeleine had with the fellow resistance members, danger and sacrifice and even romance!'' 5-star Reader Review''Natasha Lester''s The Paris Code is a masterfully crafted novel that captivated me from the very first page. A beautifully woven story of love, intrigue, courage, and resilience.'' - Victoria Christopher Murray, New York Times bestselling author of The Personal Librarian''A powerful story readers will not be able to put down'' 5-star Reader Review

Birmingham, 1858. Dora, a spirited young maid with a vivid imagination, finds solace in the library of the esteemed family she works for. But when a forbidden love leads to a secret that could ruin her, Dora has no choice but to leave the only place that has ever offered her security and kindness. Alone in Birmingham’s teeming industrial streets, Dora reinvents herself as a washerwoman – each stitch and scrub a testament to her fierce determination to protect her daughter, Rose. But, snatching any free moment in her exhausting days, Dora begins to write her own stories, dreaming that one day, she will see her words in print. As fate reunites Dora with long-lost family, she must face fresh challenges and personal heartache. Can this woman, armed with grit, love and a pen, defy her past and write her own destin? ora's Dream is a gritty and heartfelt saga from beloved author, Annie Murray and is the second book in the Children of Birmingham series after The Pearl Button Girl. The Birmingham Rose by Annie Murray was a Sunday Times bestseller in Feb 1995.

‘Spins with virtuosic, charismatic brilliance around a core of wilful mystery’ Guardian________________________Russia in the 1940s. A small boy practises spinning on his mother’s wooden floors, entranced by what he can make his body do. His momentum will propel him far from home; we watch him turn, through the lives of his teachers, his partners on and off stage, through the eyes of doormen and shoemakers, hustlers and nurses, through the rehearsal rooms of Moscow to Parisian opera houses to the streets of New York – ablaze as a comet, his light hot enough to catch and burn. Masterfully blending fact and fiction to give an alternative biography of Rudolph Nureyev’s life, Dancer is not only the story of one of the most important artists in history – but a biography of the twentieth century itself. ‘McCann’s agile, muscular prose creates its own energy and rhythm … He has taken one of the most charismatic characters of the twentieth century and created a bold contemporary novel’ Daily Telegraph‘Remarkable … Does full justice to the tragic story of a dancer who was the glory of his generation’ Sunday Times‘Here is an astonishing book. Colum McCann writes with a ferocious eloquence and a masterly sense of narrative’ Spectator

'A powerful and beautifully told novel about hidden secrets and the hunger to belong. I loved it' Clare Leslie Hall, author of BROKEN COUNTRY'Has future classic written all over it' Red Magazine'I loved everything about this book' Julia Quinn, author of BRIDGERTONA BBC RADIO 2 BOOKCLUB PICKA GOODREADS MOST ANTCIPATED BOOK OF 2026AS SEEN ON THE TODAY SHOWFrom the New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve comes a sweeping story of one woman's dream in post-World War II Germany and the three lives it changes forever. In the smouldering ruins of post-war Germany, Ethel Gathers - an American woman longing for a child - spots a group of mixed-race children following a nun through the cobbled streets. Compelled by a force she can't explain, Ethel follows them and uncovers a hidden community of abandoned children, born to Black soldiers and German women. Determined to help, Ethel's actions set off a chain of events that will echo across generations. In 1948, Ozzie Philips volunteers for the U.S. Army. But in Occupied Germany, he finds that the racism he tried to escape has crossed the ocean with him. Then he meets Jelka, a German woman navigating her own grief in a shattered country. Their connection, immediate and intense, changes everything. By 1965, fifteen-year-old Sophia Clark is chosen to join a prestigious boarding school. When a chance encounter with a classmate reveals a deeply buried truth, Sophia begins a journey to unravel her past and find her place in the world. Against the odds and across continents and decades, these three characters' lives collide - their fates forever altered. Deeply moving and unputdownable, this is a story about identity, belonging and the ties that endure - even when history tries to sever them.

Expertly crafted and beautifully sensitive, with themes of family and political conflict, and pure but forbidden love, this book will stay with readers for a long time. Divided by plague, divided by war, divided by love - what will reunite two sister? orkshire,1643. Civil war divides the country. Jane mourns the departure of her last boy who goes off to fight for the king. She must find a new way to endure, facing family secrets and her own buried grief. Isabel is spurred into action, finding herself drawn into the rebel resistance - with unexpected consequences that might mean disaster for her sister Jane. Kit is left desperate and starving, taking on the identity of a murdered brother. Life in the king's army brings friendship and new hope, and even love at the most perilous moment of all. As these three lives intertwine, each of them will be altered forever.