The Book of Speculation
Published on 4. February 2016
Book
Hardback
416 pages
978-1-78239-776-2 (ISBN)
Description
Simon Watson lives alone on the Long Island Sound. His parents are long dead, his mother having drowned in the water his house overlooks. On a day in late June, Simon receives a mysterious book from an antiquarian bookseller; it has been sent to him because it is inscribed with the name of Simon's grandmother. The book tells the story of two doomed lovers who were part of a travelling circus more than two hundred years ago. He is fascinated, yet as he reads Simon becomes increasingly unnerved. Why do so many women in his family drown on 24th July? And could his beloved sister, who has suddenly turned up at home for the first time in years, risk the same terrible fate?
As 24th July draws ever closer, Simon must unlock the mysteries of the book, and decode his family history, before it's too late.
As 24th July draws ever closer, Simon must unlock the mysteries of the book, and decode his family history, before it's too late.
Reviews / Votes
In this dazzling debut, the immensely talented Erika Swylersweeps seamlessly through generations and centuries, moving deftly back
and forth and weaving the strands into an exquisite tapestry. I was
immediately swept up in this quirky, raucous, and bewitching family
saga. I absolutely loved this book * Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants * A luscious experience - dark, sweet and wild * Katherine Dunn, author of Geek Love * Compulsive reading. * Elle *
More details
Edition
Main
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Atlantic Books
Illustrations
13 integrated drawings, greyscale
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 159 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight
647 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78239-776-2 (9781782397762)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Erika Swyler, a graduate of New York University, is a writer and playwright whose work has appeared in literary journals and anthologies. Born and raised on Long Island's north shore, Erika learned to swim before she could walk, and happily spent all her money at travelling carnivals. She is also a baker and photographer.