Blow on a Dead Man's Embers - Softcover

Strachan, Mari

3.68

203 ratings by Goodreads

9781847675316: Blow on a Dead Man's Embers

Softcover

ISBN 10: 184767531X ISBN 13: 9781847675316

Publisher: Canongate Books, 2011

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In the aftermath of the Great War, Non Davies wakes one morning to find her husband crouching under the kitchen table in a cold sweat and with fear in his eyes, shouldering an imaginary rifle. During the intense heat of that summer she forces herself to sit and watch him, knowing she has to discover what has changed her Davey so completely.

A mysterious letter addressed to Davey gives her the clue she needs and takes her to London in search of an answer. When she returns home Non realizes that the dark secrets of Davey's behaviour are working their way ever closer to the surface - secrets that will shatter the fragile happiness of their community if they ever become known.

Blow on a Dead Man's Embers is a wonderful piece of storytelling, rich in atmosphere and full of characters that leap from the page. It is a gripping and moving portrait of a society emerging from the shadow of war, and of Non Davies, an unforgettable woman out of kilter with her time.

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Review:

"A distinctive and potent treatment of the lingering sorrow of war...a quirky mixture of the earthy and the ethereal" (Times Literary Supplement)

"Strachan skilfully evokes the general sense of war-weariness ... A slow starter, but its fire finally takes hold and burns deep" (Literary Review)

"Extremely compelling...I loved this novel." (Catherine O'Flynn on The Earth Hums in B Flat)

"A gorgeous debut" (Marie Claire on The Earth Hums in B Flat)

"Strachan's deft handling of a dark subject is both sober and sparkling." (Guardian on The Earth Hums in B Flat)

"A delight" (Financial Times on The Earth Hums in B Flat)

"Strachan eschews whimsy for reality in a beautifully written story about growing up." (Independent on The Earth Hums in B Flat)

"Deeply moving...An impresive and wonderfully absorbing debut, which evokes the atmosphere of a small Welsh town with wit and precision." (Waterstone's Books Quarterly on The Earth Hums in B Flat)

"A compelling page-turner for all ages." (Herald on The Earth Hums in B Flat)

"This mesmerising and magical story weaves fantasy with reality and compelling characterisation; it's both spellbinding and inspiring." (Easy Living on The Earth Hums in B Flat)

Book Description:

With her husband shattered by war, does one young woman have the strength to bring him back to life?

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