Avril Joy Book order

Drawing from profound and lasting impressions gained during her tenure at a women's prison, where she encountered creative writing participants, this author's work is deeply informed by those experiences, often surfacing in unexpected ways. Her narratives explore the lives and fates of the women she met, channeling their stories through her literary output. Her style is incisive, rooted in realistic, often harsh settings, which she imbues with psychological depth.

2023
The Silent Women
308 pages
11 hours of reading
Set in 1875, the story follows Simone Gastrell, who is committed to Long Meadows Asylum by her unfaithful husband. Inside, she forms a bond with two other women: Alice Semple, a silent herbalist who documents her thoughts, and Phoebe Baines, a fragile soul lost in her own mind. In a male-dominated world, they find solace in their friendship and the beauty of the gardens. As the asylum's environment becomes increasingly perilous, the trio discovers their strength and voices, uniting to confront their harsh reality and fight for their survival.
2021
this One Wild Place
214 pages
8 hours of reading
Avril Joy's collection showcases her best stories, blending both published and unpublished works. The narratives explore themes of hope amidst loss, personal transformation, and redemption, highlighting the enduring power of love. Notable pieces include the Costa-winning "Millie and Bird" and "A Morning Tide," which was shortlisted for the Fish Short Memoir Prize. Through her poignant storytelling, Joy captures the complexities of human experience and emotion.

The Silent Women

this One Wild Place