The Repentants
A Thrilling Feminist Historical Novel from the Women's Prize-Longlisted Author
Published on 28. May 2026
336 pages
978-1-0350-5213-4 (ISBN)
Description
Her scandal. His revenge. The unforgettable new historical novel from award-winning author, Kate Foster.
St Monans, Fife, Scotland 1790. Two women are forced to publicly repent in church, one for adultery the other for breaching the sabbath. Wealthy housewife, Florrie, and salt serf, Eliza, form a quick and unusual bond over their mutual humiliation. So when Florrie's husband decides she must accompany him on a trade venture to Iceland, she insists Eliza comes as her maid.
Far from home, isolated and fearful, the two women grow ever closer. Then Florrie's husband reveals his sinister plan: he will leave her in Iceland, banished for the shame she has cast upon him. Florrie must escape, but when she turns to Eliza for help she realizes nothing is quite as it seems . . .
Inspired by an attempt by Scottish merchants to annex Iceland as a remote prison for the British Empire, The Repentants is a chilling tale of betrayal, exile and survival from the Women's Prize long-listed author of The Maiden, Kate Foster.
'Nothing short of a masterpiece' - Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal
Praise for Kate Foster:
'Tense, thrilling . . . with a decidedly feminist slant' - Daily Mail
'The tension persists until the last page' - The Times
'Enthralling, compelling and at times chilling. Foster transports the reader back in time, bringing alive the forgotten and hidden voices of women in the past' - D. V. Bishop, author of City of Vengeance
St Monans, Fife, Scotland 1790. Two women are forced to publicly repent in church, one for adultery the other for breaching the sabbath. Wealthy housewife, Florrie, and salt serf, Eliza, form a quick and unusual bond over their mutual humiliation. So when Florrie's husband decides she must accompany him on a trade venture to Iceland, she insists Eliza comes as her maid.
Far from home, isolated and fearful, the two women grow ever closer. Then Florrie's husband reveals his sinister plan: he will leave her in Iceland, banished for the shame she has cast upon him. Florrie must escape, but when she turns to Eliza for help she realizes nothing is quite as it seems . . .
Inspired by an attempt by Scottish merchants to annex Iceland as a remote prison for the British Empire, The Repentants is a chilling tale of betrayal, exile and survival from the Women's Prize long-listed author of The Maiden, Kate Foster.
'Nothing short of a masterpiece' - Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal
Praise for Kate Foster:
'Tense, thrilling . . . with a decidedly feminist slant' - Daily Mail
'The tension persists until the last page' - The Times
'Enthralling, compelling and at times chilling. Foster transports the reader back in time, bringing alive the forgotten and hidden voices of women in the past' - D. V. Bishop, author of City of Vengeance
Reviews / Votes
A powerful historical thriller with believable characters and a wonderful sense of place * The Times * Kate Foster is a rare and extraordinary talent. While bringing history to life, she can shock you, make you laugh, cry and gasp, but you never lose sight of the story or the important themes behind it. The Repentants is a remarkable tale that moves between Scotland and Iceland, on an emotional journey as wild as the waves between them. It's nothing short of a masterpiece and Kate Foster's best yet -- Janice Hallett, bestselling author of <i>The Appeal</i> A small town in in Fife, Scotland, and the unforgiving landscape of Iceland are the perfect settings for a devious tale of revenge, betrayal and survival, beautifully crafted by Foster * Daily Mail * Foster tells a gripping story of exile, betrayal and the need to survive in this gripping narrative * Radio Times * This tense and utterly addictive read cements Foster's reputation as one of our best historical fiction authors * Heat * A deeply evocative story of two women and the men who tried to humble them. From the salt sting of Iceland's air to the deftly drawn characters of Florrie and Eliza, woven together masterfully, I was utterly immersed inside Foster's finest novel yet -- Cathryn Kemp, author of <i>A Poisoner's Tale</i> I loved it! Original, fascinating and hugely compelling, The Repentants leaves a taste of salt, sulphur and a lust for life against all odds that lingers long after the last page -- Hester Musson, bestselling author of <i>The Beholders</i> I raced through The Repentants, as the plot twisted and turned in unexpected ways. This tale of three very different women all battling to reclaim some agency over their fate has many modern parallels without ever losing sight of its historical setting. A most enjoyable read -- Sally Hinchcliffe, author of <i>Hare House</i> A gripping read. The lives of three very different women become entangled in the harsh Icelandic landscape. Each struggles to find agency in the 18th century world where men's needs are met, but their own must be fought for. Refreshingly different -- Sarah Maine, author of <i>The House Between Tides</i> The Repentants will take you to the edge - to the remote wilds of Iceland and the remote wilds of a woman's heart, both under siege by the men who wish to use them. A fight for survival that is witty, sharp and savage -- Cari Thomas, author of <i>Threadneedle</i> A gripping tale of three women's struggles to break free from a patriarchy that treats them as chattels of little value. The environment is bitter, but revenge can be both cold and sweet . . . Foster's best yet -- Alison Belsham, author of <i>The Girls on Chalk Hill</i> The Repentants is a compelling story of secrets, betrayals and triumphs, as three women battle to exert control over their own fates. A beautifully written, atmospheric page-turner of a novel -- Elizabeth Lee, author of <i>Cunning Women</i> A tense drama, full of twists and turns * Historical Novel Society * A chilling tale of betrayal, exile and survival * Platinum * Packed with danger and determination, revelations and revenge, suspense and plot twists, The Repentants sees Foster at her masterful storytelling best! * Lancashire Evening Post *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
File size
0,96 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-0350-5213-4 (9781035052134)
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
Kate Foster has been a national newspaper journalist for over twenty years. Growing up in Edinburgh, she became fascinated by its history and often uses it as inspiration for her stories. Her previous novels include The Maiden, which won the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year in 2023 and was longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2024, The King's Witches, and The Mourning Necklace. The Repentants is her fourth novel. She lives in Edinburgh with her two children.
