"Intensely focused on one young boy, this historical novel with themes of abuse, power, politics and religion, is a searing and incredibly provocative read for those looking for transportive authenticity."
Full of fire and ice, this novel set in the latter years of the Roman Empire, lives alongside Sparrow as he is taken to be the plaything of his powerful master. I recommend with all my heart beginning this immersive experience with Sparrow, as this young boy deserves your attention from the start of his story.
Both novels are LoveReading Star Books, both have the ability to capture and hold your attention to deliver the most powerful of reads. Please note that there are disturbing themes throughout, the author James Hynes, while empathetic, does not shy away from the reality of abuse. It is testament to the authority of the writing that I was able to walk alongside Sparrow as he suffers and grows into his own power.
From the beginning you know that he is telling his own story from the future, yet I never felt safe, I aways felt that he was on the edge of danger. While power and manipulation rule, hope hovers, kindness exists, and it is the potential blossoming of friendships that creates balance. The sense of place and time is vivid, the energy created ensured I didn’t surface from the page.
Searing itself onto my thoughts, this incredibly provocative novel sits as a Liz Pick of the Month. Emotionally challenging and stirring, Peacock is at once intimate and epic, fierce and tender, as it explores the dangers of power.

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Sparrow comes another spellbinding historical epic set in the last days of a dying Roman empire . . .
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
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From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Sparrow comes another spellbinding historical epic set in the last days of a dying Roman empire . . .Sparrow has flown from the confines of the Roman brothel where he was raised. Now older and smarter, and having learned the arts of deception and enticement from the women who raised him, he vies to become a player in the internal politics at Arcadia, the home of his new master, a man who is himself playing with political fire.
Peacock features in the following genres: Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Narrative theme: Coming of age, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Narrative theme: Interior life, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Narrative theme: Displacement, exile, migration, Narrative theme: Sense of place, Sexual abuse and harassment, Violence and abuse in society
Paperback, Hardback. £18.00, down from the £20.00 cover price. In Stock.
Peacock was written by James Hynes and published by Picador an imprint of Pan Macmillan
Peacock has 439 pages
£18.00, reduced from £20.00. In Stock.