Description
Simon Watson lives alone on the Long Island Sound. His parents are long dead, his mother having drowned in the water his house overlooks. On a day in late June, Simon receives a mysterious book from an antiquarian bookseller; it has been sent to him because it is inscribed with the name of Simon's grandmother. The book tells the story of two doomed lovers who were part of a travelling circus more than two hundred years ago. He is fascinated, yet as he reads Simon becomes increasingly unnerved. Why do so many women in his family drown on 24th July? And could his beloved sister, who has suddenly turned up at home for the first time in years, risk the same terrible fate?
As 24th July draws ever closer, Simon must unlock the mysteries of the book, and decode his family history, before it's too late.
A sweeping and captivating debut novel about a young librarian who discovers that his family labours under a terrible curse - for generations, the women in his family have died on the same date in July. Simon must set out to unravel the mystery of this curse, before his beloved sister suffers the same fate.
About the Author
Erika Swyler, a graduate of New York University, is a writer and playwright whose work has appeared in literary journals and anthologies. Born and raised on Long Island's north shore, Erika learned to swim before she could walk, and happily spent all her money at travelling carnivals. She is also a baker and photographer.
Reviews
In this dazzling debut, the immensely talented Erika Swyler
sweeps seamlessly through generations and centuries, moving deftly back
and forth and weaving the strands into an exquisite tapestry. I was
immediately swept up in this quirky, raucous, and bewitching family
saga. I absolutely loved this book
A luscious experience - dark, sweet and wild * Katherine Dunn, author of Geek Love *
Compulsive reading. * Elle *
Book Information
ISBN 9781782397762
Author Erika Swyler
Format Hardback
Page Count 416
Imprint Corvus
Publisher Atlantic Books
Weight(grams) 647g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 159mm * 35mm