A major new work by the bestselling author of ‘A Vicious Circle’, on a larger scale and more serious than her previous fiction, but with her characteristic satirical edge and page-turningly suspenseful plotting.
Benedick Hunter is a man who has lost everything. A failed actor and divorced father on the verge of a nervous breakdown, his life takes on a new direction when he finds a book of his mother’s in which real people and their stories are strangely intertwined with traditional fairytales. In 1965, Laura, an American illustrator of children’s books, committed suicide in Primrose Hill after Benedick’s father left her for another woman. Her son can remember nothing about her, but the fairytales and their tantalising illustrations convince him that his own life is in some way echoing and repeating hers.
Hunter embarks on a bizarre and darkly comic quest to discover who his mother really was and why she died. Haunted by guilt, by the consequences of his own erratic behaviour, and by his impossible children, Hunter struggles with the terrible and the absurd. Hunter’s obsession takes him back into the London of the early 1960s, and across the Atlantic to New York and the magical yet sinister landscape of North Carolina. What was the connection between Laura’s creativity and her death? Why do some people portray her as evil and others as good? Hunter’s journey takes him to the heart of his own nature, of modern fatherhood, of manic depression and of the elusive nature of fairytales.
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In A Dark Wood unravels through a matrix of fairy tales and half-forgotten memories leading from London in the 1960s to present-day New York and the white verandaed houses of North Carolina (hemmed in, of course, by dark woods). It's Amanda Craig's fourth novel, following the acclaimed A Vicious Circle, which is currently being developed for BBC television. Craig confirms with this novel that she is a voice to listen to, a bold writer who is not frightened to deliver a harrowing read. That said, In A Dark Wood has a lighter side and is shot through with a magical feel--as all good fairy tales should be.--Jane Honey
‘An intelligent and gripping novel. Wonderful, page-turning storytelling.’ The Times
‘Exhibits the same incisiveness and intelligence as her acclaimed “A Vicious Circle”. Witty and disturbing, it is a novel of both accomplishment and charm.’ Daily Mail
‘A book within a book, a rich plot with plenty of on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense, an abundance of quirky but believable character...“In A Dark Wood” is an elegant anti-fairy tale for adults that keeps you guessing until the last few pages.’ Daily Express
‘An eerie novel full of fairytale menace...beguilingly told and hypnotic.’ Independent on Sunday
'A tour de force.' Spectator
'Vivid and enchanting, ‘In A Dark Wood’ is an affirmation of storytelling.' New Statesman
‘Terrifyingly intense...Craig’s triumph is to underscore the way in which society treats emotions as a disability.’ Financial Times
‘Predominantly comic and reassuring ... a triumph for sanity.’ Time Literary Supplement
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Book Description Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003027838
Book Description Hardback. Condition: Fair. A readable copy of the book which may include some defects such as highlighting and notes. Cover and pages may be creased and show discolouration. Seller Inventory # GOR005642177
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. In a Dark Wood This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9781857026825
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9781857026825
Book Description Hardcover. Dust Jacket Included. F. New York: Doubleday [2000]. First Edition. First Printing. Hardbound. Fine/fine. 0.0. Seller Inventory # ferry148
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