Vita and the Birds
by Polly Crosby
Narrated by Kristin Atherton
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date 25 May 2023 | Archive Date 2 Jun 2023
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Description
‘A poignant page-turning story, beautifully written’ Leonora Nattrass, author of Blue Water
’Hugely evocative and beautifully written’ Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork Girl
’Polly Crosby’s writing is exquisite and this latest book is every bit as evocative as her previous novels’ My Weekly Top pick of the month May 2023
‘A thoroughly compelling mystery meets a poignant love story, all wrapped up in beautifully lyrical writing’ Frances Quinn, author of The Smallest Man
‘A beguiling mystery from a gifted storyteller’ Louise Fein, author of People Like Us
1938: Lady Vita Goldsborough lives in the menacing shadow of her controlling older brother, Aubrey. But when she meets local artist Dodie Blakeney, the two women form a close bond, and Vita finally glimpses a chance to be free.
1997: Following the death of her mother, Eve Blakeney returns to the coast where she spent childhood summers with her beloved grandmother, Dodie. Eve hopes that the visit will help make sense of her grief. The last thing she expects to find is a bundle of letters that hint at the heart-breaking story of Dodie’s relationship with a woman named Vita, and a shattering secret that echoes through the decades.
What she discovers will overturn everything she thought she knew about her family – and change her life forever.
‘Luminous and captivating … Polly Crosby’s shimmering writing veils a dark hint of the gothic’ Kate Griffin, author of Fyneshade
What readers are saying about Vita and the Birds'A beautiful and haunting tale of family, love, control and connections. This book and its characters will stay with me for a long time' Netgalley reviewer
'A lush and evocative novel of loss and forbidden love' Netgalley reviewer
'Beautifully written, a dark and moody yet intriguing story' Netgalley reviewer
'An extraordinary book that I read in a 4 hour straight session without stopping for food or drink . . . A spellbinding read' Netgalley reviewer
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format, Unabridged |
| ISBN | 9780008550677 |
| PRICE | £17.99 (GBP) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Jo L, Reviewer
Oh I adored this! I was absolutely gripped and just couldn’t stand to be removed from the story. Split between two timelines the 1930”s and the 1990”s. It’s a stunning whimsical historical fiction. I fell entirely in love with Eve, and with Vita and Dodi. I even (shock element) fell in love with the little birds. I could envisage the art I could feel the texture of the paints. I was absolutely captivated by the uncovering of the past. All the stars ⭐️ excellently written, beautifully narrated. Just released on May 25th. Stunning!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins audio U.K. for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Kelly S, Reviewer
Vita and the Birds is historical fiction at its finest. It tells the story of two ladies in a dual timeline: Eve in 1997 is returning to the childhood summer home she has fond memories of until she starts to remember what really happened in the Cathedral of the Marshes eight years ago. She meets a local lady who wishes Eve to paint her portrait and Eve wonders if she knew her grandmother Dodie.
We also return to Vita's life in 1939 on the cusp of war and in a controlling relationship with her brother Aubrey. With a sinister backdrop and a mysterious birdcage engraved with three names, this has atmospheric tension galore ☺️
I loved this! Such a great premise and I always love a mix of generations retelling their story, discovering and learning about those different experiences. Aubrey was such a horrible character and all the women had such distinctive voices for the audio, it was all beautifully brought to life. The Cathedral of the Marshes was such a muddle of beauty, freedom and horror, that it became a character in itself, as Eve remembered some of what happened through dreams and discussions with people who were there.
Easy five star read 😁
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