The White City

by Alex Cutts

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Pub Date 28 Feb 2026 | Archive Date 8 Apr 2026

General Fiction (Adult) | Literary Fiction

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Description

Trapped in a prematurely middle-aged life in rural Norfolk, Edward finds his precariously constructed world is crumbling around him. Determined to unravel his own unresolved mystery and inspired by the fire of romantic connection, he heads for the bright white city of Arequipa, high in the Peruvian Andes, on a quest to find his absent father.

A quarter of a century earlier, Judith’s footsteps walk the same streets, as her own life takes an unexpected turn. Pushing past setbacks, she allows herself finally to live in the moment, only to realise, much too late, that choices always have consequences.

Back in the present, having thought his goal to be a simple missing person search, Edward discovers much more than he could have anticipated. As he absorbs the magic of Peru and its people, the pieces of his life at last come together. Will he come home at all, and even if he does, can the new Edward be sure of the path he should take?

A Note From the Publisher

Originally from Manchester, Alex Cutts eventually arrived in Norfolk after periods living in Peru, Tanzania and Edinburgh. Since obtaining a first-class degree in fine art, he has maintained a longstanding creative passion, encompassing both writing and music, while simultaneously developing a successful career in finance over almost two decades.

Originally from Manchester, Alex Cutts eventually arrived in Norfolk after periods living in Peru, Tanzania and Edinburgh. Since obtaining a first-class degree in fine art, he has maintained a...

Available Editions

EDITION	Paperback
ISBN	9781836285434
PRICE	£10.99 (GBP)
PAGES	368

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Additional Information

Average rating from 3 members

Featured Reviews

Norma F, Reviewer

Hoping for a chance to revisit the setting of one of my favourite vacations and a desire to support a debut author, I reached for this book, unaware of what it held.

If you enjoy reading about a flawed protagonist, family saga, travel adventure, family secrets, time and location hops, and a messy love story, this one will tick off all those boxes…and more! I enjoyed this story about a quest for meaning and how to navigate unexpected turns on life’s journey. I appreciated the reminder that choices have consequences.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

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Kathryn M, Reviewer

I really enjoyed getting to read this book, it had that element that i was looking for and enjoyed in this type of book. The plot was so well written and thought the overall feel worked in this universe. The characters were everything that I was looking for and glad they worked well in this plot. Alex Cutts wrote this perfectly and hope to read more from them.

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Sara H, Reviewer

I found the sections of this book set in Peru much more compelling than those set in England. I couldn’t feel any sympathy for the mess Edward made of his life there. I didn’t want to see him to choose between the two women - I just wanted him to grow up and leave them both in peace! The personal growth of the first person narration in Peru was a welcome change of pace.

I enjoyed the chance to see Peru through the various narrators’ eyes, and to learn a little more about a nation I knew very little about.