May 2010 Debut of the Month.
Shortlisted for the Orange Award for New Writers 2010.
A very well-realised historical novel centred around the small household of a fireworks maker, a master craftsman who never stops searching for clearer and brighter fires. His insular world contains just four other people. Evoking the sights, the smells and the prejudices of 18th century London, it’s a real treasure, a book that takes you to a world you don’t want to leave as small, everyday dramas seem earth-shattering, feelings are hidden and motives concealed. A gem.
Comparison: Marina Fiorato (The Glass Blowers of Murano), Jane Harris (The Observations), Melanie Gifford (The Gallows Girl).
Jane Borodale has written a walking tour of some of the locations in this book. To read it, click here.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
| Recommendations: |
A stunning historical novel, 'The Book of Fires' is the unforgettable story of Agnes Trussel -- and love, fireworks and redemption. Brought up in rural Sussex, seventeen-year-old Agnes Trussel is carrying an unwanted child. Taking advantage of the death of her elderly neighbour, Agnes steals her savings and runs away to London. On her way she encounters the intriguing Lettice Talbot who promises that she will help Agnes upon their arrival. But Agnes soon becomes lost in the dark, labyrinthine city. She ends up at the household of John Blacklock, laconic firework-maker, becoming his first female assistant. The months pass and it becomes increasingly difficult for Agnes to conceal her secret. Soon she meets Cornelius Soul, seller of gunpowder, and hatches a plan which could save her from ruin. Yet why does John Blacklock so vehemently disapprove of Mr Soul? And what exactly is he keeping from her? Could the housekeeper, Mrs Blight, with her thirst for accounts of hangings, suspect her crime or condition? Historical fiction at its very best, 'The Book of Fires' is utterly intriguing, completely compelling and impossible to put down.
The Book of Fires features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Debut Books of the Month, eBooks of the Month, Fiction, Recommendations
The Book of Fires is available in Paperback, Hardback
The Book of Fires was written by Jane Borodale and published by HarperPress an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
The Book of Fires has 382 pages
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