Wild Words Newsletter
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O Caledonia: A beloved classic for fans of I Capture the Castle and Shirley Jackson, featuring an insightful introduction by Maggie O'Farrell, invites readers to immerse themselves in a hauntingly beautiful tale.
This extraordinary novel by Elspeth Barker unfolds in a draughty Scottish castle, where the somber echoes of a young girl’s life resonate through its cold stone halls. At just sixteen, Janet finds herself at the intersection of tragedy and dark humor, her story intricately woven with that of unforgettable characters—siblings with pristine hair, a Nanny reminiscent of the tumultuous North Sea, and the whimsical Cousin Lila, who seeks solace in whisky.
With a narrative style that is both enchanting and unsettling, O Caledonia reflects the complexities of growing up, masterfully articulated through Barker's exquisite prose. Critics laud the book as a “sparky, funny work of genius,” and an “absolute sumptuous treat.” The novel's distinct blend of humor and sorrow will resonate deeply with those familiar with the gothic tones of the Brontë sisters and Edgar Allan Poe.
As you explore Janet's world filled with peculiarities—from a jackdaw residing in a doll's house to her yearning for understanding and connection—you'll find yourself captivated by this exquisite tale that has garnered acclaim from literary giants.
Delve into the pages of O Caledonia and discover a narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned.
ISBN: | 9781474620512 |
Author: | Elspeth Barker |
Format: | Paperback / softback |
Imprint: | Weidenfeld & Nicolson |
Publisher: | Orion Publishing Co |
Dimensions: | 127 x 197 x 20 mm |
Publication Date: | 30 September, 2021 |
Pagination: | 224 pages |
Weight: | 206g |
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’