This is a beautifully written novel that blends several different genres- historical fiction, mystery, literary fiction, with a little fantasy thown in. Liz Hyder's debut doesn't read like a debut at all. Newt's voice and character made me care deeply about what happens to the young protagonist. The setting of the mines is skilfully drawn and contributes to the darkness of the novel. Bearmouth is gritty, political and incredibly well written and plotted. Although I loved this novel, I did find the narrative a bit fragmented due to the frequent point of view shifts. Yet after a while I became used to this rhythm of movement.

At a time of extraordinary change, two women must harness their talents to take control of their own destiny...I’m editing Bearmouth for publication with the brilliant Pushkin Press, which is very exciting, but I’m also researching the next book and brainstorming ideas for TV and film. Lots going on! Bearmouth was a trading post for the placer mining camps of Beartown, Garnet and Coloma, located in the hills north of Bearmouth in Granite County, Montana, United States. A pioneer family named Lannen operated the gold exchange and ferry boat across the Clark Fork River. [2]

I rarely have a soft spot for foreshadowing, but this book uses it effectively. I liked the hinted tidbits that sealed the gap between scenes without disclosing major spoilers. Et puis un jour, un nouveau débarque - Desmond et ses yeux noirs qui expriment une colère froide. Crapouille pense au démon en entendant son prénom. Le garçon n'est pas comme les autres car il parle de révolution. Le début des embrouilles. Désormais les questions se bousculent face aux inégalités de plus en plus invivables.The structure of the novel is challenging, and lends itself to needing complete focus by the reader, but if this isn't a problem, the book is an intriguing and gripping novel that is extremely enjoyable. The chapters were short and snappy. This is how I like my books. I feel like I’m not quite ready to move onto another book yet because The Gifts is still under my skin, like the bursting wings of those ‘chosen’ women. This 19th century setting is one that combines both historical fiction with a touch of magical realism. The story is told from the perspective of these four women, a botanist, an artist, a storyteller and a would be journalist and also Edward Meake, a London surgeon whose aspirations for greater success to better that of his friend and rival, charismatic surgeon Samuel Covell, are overtaken by obsession, greed and ambition with his conviction that he alone has been chosen by a higher authority. Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing -

The writing is wonderful and really adds to the historical feel to the novel, and for me this is my favourite part. Alice: Edward’s wife and hobby painter, Alice knows Edward is up to something, but can’t get him to reveal more.Liz Hyder is a writer, creative workshop leader and arts PR Consultant. Bearmouth, her debut for Young Adults, won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Readers, the Branford Boase Award and was named Children’s Book of the Year in The Times. The Gifts, her debut book for grown-ups, is out in February 2022. There are some very emotional scenes that are described poignantly that made my heart break. It has a haunting and tense atmosphere throughout and the Victorian period is described and captured perfectly. It was a joy to read and I was so sad when it came to an end. I would love to revisit so many of these characters again. In London, there are rumours that the body of a 'fallen angel' was found in the Thames. An ambitious surgeon, desperate to make a name for himself, is gripped by a dangerous obsession. Desperate to find a live ‘specimen’ he is willing to do anything achieve his goal.