The Gifts: The award-winning historical novel about women who sprout wings - for fans of THE BINDING and THE MERMAID AND MRS HANCOCK Paperback – 1 Sept. 2022

‘The Gifts’ by Liz Hyder is a superb literary historical novel that has at its heart a wondrous transformation.I found myself completely swept up in this fantastical tale right from its opening pages. However, its plot is rather difficult to summarise, so only a few details.October 1840 and a young woman is wandering in a Shropshire forest gripped with sadness over the death of her canine companion. Without warning a huge pair of wings erupt from her shoulders. She is confused but then is struck by a crossbow bolt! We then are transported to London eight days previously. Quite an opening!In London, there are rumours that the body of a 'fallen angel' was found in the Thames. An ambitious surgeon, desperate to make a name for himself, is gripped by a dangerous obsession. Desperate to find a live ‘specimen’ he is willing to do anything achieve his goal.‘The Gifts’ is told through the perspectives of five characters, four women and one man, and moves quickly between them. Each of the five is assigned a symbol that appears as a small drawing at the start of their sections. In the audiobook edition the narrator helpfully states the character’s name with each change of perspective.Liz Hyder utilises her historical backdrop of the nineteenth century to great effect. The novel explores the shifting spheres of science and religion, the relationship between humanity and the natural world as well as role of women in the patriarchal society of the day.Although I loved this novel, I did find the narrative a bit fragmented due to the frequent point of view shifts. Yet after a while I became used to this rhythm of movement.The cover art was breathtaking and there are occasional illustrations scattered throughout. The print edition is rounded out with a bibliography, suggested questions for reading groups, and a note from the author on the inspirations for ‘The Gifts’.I fell in love with ‘The Gifts’ from the opening in the Shropshire woods through to its dramatic conclusion. I found Liz Hyder’s writing beautiful and loved the imagery of these mysterious transformations.Definitely one of my books of the year.Update: 29 September 2022I recently revisited ‘The Gifts’ via its unabridged audiobook edition. It is narrated by Tuppence Middleton, a well known British actor with stage, film, and television credits. She has a beautiful, polished voice and her reading brought the novel’s characters, story, and setting vividly to life.

Well written and I enjoyed the historical experience of how the doctors of that period justified their search for knowledge and the fascination for any anomalies in the accepted physiology of the human form . It was certainly thought provoking.

At first I was a bit sceptical about the storyline being about angels and didn't quite know what to expect but after reading this book I found it both moving and disturbing at the same time. I liked that these what appeared to be normal women had this wonderful gift bestowed upon them from out of the blue but was also alarmed how vulnerable they became and how they were harmed and exploited by men who wanted to gain wealth and power from their existence.

It was okay. I found it a bit slow. Nearly gave up half way through.

About a third of the way in I almost gave up on this book. I found it was slow to build and quite bitty in the beginning. I am so, so glad I finished it, a beautiful book with several intertwined stories.

Liz is a first class storyteller, the details which she has gone to, make this a modern day classic. Without giving too much away, her research and invaluable knowledge, makes this a must read. You will not be disappointed.

Women are sprouting wings, both physical and metaphorical. Ideal for those who liked The Essex Serpent.

The Gift is utterly breathtaking. I devoured it over three days and miss the characters already. The writer’s voice is unique so one should not compare it with others but the poetry and magical realism resonated with Jennette Winterson and Kate Atkinson, the delicious historical detail as rich as C.J. Sansom’s Shardlake series. It kept me enthralled and empathetic from start to finish. Can’t wait for Liz Hyder’s next novel!