Rural Wales in the 80s and two very different families, one ex-hippy, the other ancient farming stock. Seen through the eyes of children, the two families’ boys who form an unlikely friendship, we are given a dark story of growing up, of neglect, impoverishment, hope and the influences of family and nature. A startling tale.
Similar this month: None.
Comparison: Bruce Chatwin, Esther Freud.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
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Closing date: 04/07/2026
Set in the Welsh Borders in 1980, The Claude Glass charts an unlikely friendship between two neighbours; Robin, the seven-year-old son of English hippie sheep farmers, and Andrew, a child so neglected by his impoverished parents that he is left almost mute, seeking solace among the farm dogs.
Exploring his parentís semi-derelict farmhouse, Andrew finds an antique convex mirror - a Claude Glass - and, gazing into it, the two boys see their wild, rural landscape strangely ordered. But this comforting vision proves fragile as tensions and sexual jealousy rock the adult world around them.
Written with a lyricism and freshness that echoes the early work of Esther Freud or Bruce Chatwin, The Claude Glass draws you into the lives of its startling characters and their tarnished romance with nature.
The Claude Glass features in the following genres: Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, eBooks of the Month, General Fiction, Fiction, Recommendations
The Claude Glass is available in Paperback
The Claude Glass was written by Tom Bullough and published by Sort Of Books
The Claude Glass has 201 pages
£6.29
