Mary Sharratt's writing champions the recovery of women's stories, delving into the lives and motivations of formidable female figures who defied the conventions of their times. Her style is marked by deep historical research that breathes life into the past, illuminating forgotten lives and narratives. Through her work, Sharratt celebrates the resilience, ingenuity, and often overlooked power of women who shaped the world in ways that deserve recognition. Her fascination with herbal medicine and sacred music further enriches her storytelling with layers of authenticity and sensory detail.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of early 20th-century Vienna, the story follows Alma Schindler, a talented young woman aspiring to be a composer. As she navigates a society ripe with new opportunities for women, her life takes a turn when she falls for the renowned composer Gustav Mahler, who requires her to abandon her musical ambitions for their marriage. Caught between love and her artistic aspirations, Alma grapples with the challenge of staying true to herself while navigating the complexities of their relationship.
Recognized as one of the year's best, this book offers a compelling narrative that captivates readers with its rich storytelling and profound themes. It delves into the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of personal growth, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences. The author crafts vivid characters that resonate deeply, making it a memorable addition to contemporary literature.
Set against the backdrop of a witch-hunt, the narrative follows a family's struggle for survival, highlighting the strength of love amid chaos and fear. The story intricately weaves historical elements with emotional depth, showcasing the impact of societal hysteria on personal lives. Through vivid storytelling, it reveals the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate persecution and seek to protect their bonds in a time of turmoil.
In the tradition of Philippa Gregory’s smart, transporting fiction comes this tale of dark suspense, love, and betrayal, featuring two star-crossed sisters, one lost and the other searching.Bright and inquisitive, Hannah Powers was raised by a father who treated her as if she were his son. While her beautiful and reckless sister, May, pushes the limits of propriety in their small English town, Hannah harbors her own secret: their father has given her an education forbidden to women. But Hannah’s secret serves her well when she journeys to colonial Maryland to reunite with May, who has been married off to a distant cousin after her sexual misadventures ruined her marriage prospects in England.As Hannah searches for May, who has disappeared, she finds herself falling in love with her brother-in-law. Alone in a wild, uncultivated land where the old rules no longer apply, Hannah is freed from the constraints of the society that judged both her and May as dangerous — too smart, too fearless, and too hungry for life. But Hannah is also plagued by doubt, as her quest for answers to May’s fate grows ever more disturbing and tangled.
Set in 1923 Minerva, Minnesota, the story unfolds in a town characterized by both genteel charm and a stifling social order. Amidst the backdrop of church steeples and local industry, three women challenge the entrenched status quo, striving for dignity and independence. Their journey highlights the struggle against societal constraints in a small town where opportunities are scarce, showcasing their resilience and determination to carve out their own identities.
