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In many ways, The Valley of Secrets is a life’s work for author Charmian Hussey. Her debut novel began life as a modest, locally-published volume. Inspired by the childhood fantasies of her son, now in his thirties, Hussey’s book was seized upon by book collectors and began to change hands for four-figure sums. This new, mainstream edition brings her story to a wider audience and, importantly, it deserves attention.
It is the story of a teenage boy called Stephen Lansbury who, after living his whole life in care homes in London, is informed by a crusty old solicitor (who could have been lifted from a Dickens novel) that he is the sole beneficiary of his uncle’s estate. Stephen inherits a large country house in Cornwall, Lansbury Hall, and sets off at once to take up residence there. Apparently unoccupied, the dusty pile sits amidst a vast expanse of overgrown gardens and hidden valleys. Protected by high walls and shrouded in mystery, the house and its secretive owners are almost a legend amongst the locals and they are duly agog when this young man arrives to make his home there.
But not all is as it seems. Stephen’s uncle was an Amazonian explorer, and when Stephen discovers and reads the journal of his relative’s last voyage overseas, it becomes clear that he brought something back with him... which may still survive.
This is a defiantly old-fashioned story, which revels in its environmental messages and glories in its sumptuous descriptions of the local flora and fauna. It’s a fascinating book and is certain to be enjoyed by many. (Age 10 and over) --John McLay
Simon Parker -- Western Morning News, September 23 2003
'Charmian's magical tale......rivals Harry P'
Julia Bryan -- Cornish Guardian October 2 2003
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Book Description Soft cover. Condition: New. Christopher Crump (illustrator). First Edition. First British Edition, Trade Paperback Original. Signed, without inscription, by the author on the FULL title page. Large size paperback with French flaps. NO remainder mark, NO previous owner markings or inscriptions. Books bubble wrapped and shipped in a sturdy box with Delivery Confirmation. Signed. Seller Inventory # 010410
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: New. 1st Edition. author signed first printing trade paperback, first UK edition (fpu). new & unused; no marks, not remaindered, not exlib, not bookclub, etc. simple author signature on title page, no inscription. fiction trade paperback. Language: eng. Signed by Author. Seller Inventory # 5139
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: New. Christopher Crump (illustrator). 095185223X. A fine new unread softcover, SIGNED on the title page, without dedication, by Charmian Hussey. No marks, creases or inscriptions. 390 pages, illustrated. Contents new, clean, tight and bright. Bought when new, sealed, never opened, never read. Signed by Author(s). Book. Seller Inventory # 030131
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Very Fine. Christopher Crump (illustrator). First Edition; Paperback Original. From the rear panel: "Locked away behind the great gates hidden from the world for almost a century lies a magical Cornish valley. Follow Stephen throug the gates as he uncovers the valley's strange secrets which he must confront alone." Bubble wrapped, boxed, and shipped with Delivery Confirmation. Signed on title page. Seller Inventory # 001089
Book Description Condition: New. Buy with confidence! Book is in new, never-used condition 1.5. Seller Inventory # bk095185223Xxvz189zvxnew