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The Origins of Iris

On sale

19th August 2021

Price: £14.99

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Selected: Hardcover / ISBN-13: 9781529357684

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Evocative and unexpected, tender and fierce, The Origins of Iris is unlike any other thriller I’ve read in years . . . Outstanding’ Sarah Hilary

This novel is like a dream, from the haunting narrative to the beautiful prose to the way Iris and her wilderness kept making their way into my subconscious at night. It is everything I could want from a book’ Anna Bailey

‘I opened my eyes and the woman wearing my face opened hers at the same time.’

Iris flees New York City, and her abusive wife Claude, for the Catskill Mountains. When she was a child, Iris and her father found solace in the beauty and wilderness of the forest; now, years later, Iris has returned for time and space to clear her head, and to come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here. But what Iris doesn’t expect in her journey of survival and self-discovery is to find herself – literally.

Trapped in a neglected cabin deep in the mountains, Iris is grudgingly forced to come face to face with a seemingly prettier, happier and better version of herself. Other Iris made different choices in life and love. But is she all she seems? Can she be trusted? What is she hiding?

As a storm encroaches, threatening both their lives, time is running out for them to discover why they have been brought together, and what it means for their futures.

Author of the critically-acclaimed debut The Wolf Road, Beth Lewis returns with her brand new novel The Origins of Iris where Wild meets Sliding Doors. An important, searing novel about one woman’s journey in fleeing an abusive relationship and confronting the secrets of her past.

Real readers have been captivated by The Origins of Iris:

‘A truly unique book that tackles some sensitive topics head on . . . incredibly thought provoking’

‘It will stay with me for a long time’

‘A captivating and powerful read that touches on notions of self-discovery and survival as well as hope and optimism and explores serious themes bravely and sympathetically’

‘A solid 5 star read . . . Haunting, poignant and human’

‘One of the best books I have read this year’

‘A raw, emotionally charged story that will grip you from start to finish’

Reviews

Daily Mail
An empathic, brave exploration of serious themes.
Peterborough Telegraph
Extraordinarily raw, gripping and totally unforgettable - Peterborough Telegraph
LoveReading.co.uk
Gosh, this original and thought-spinningly intricate yet quietly simple read speared my emotions. I found myself utterly consumed ... and absolutely adored every word.
Sophie Ward, author of the Book Prize longlisted Love and Other Thought Experiments
A beautiful reflection on the great conundrum of choices made and abandoned, loves pursued and betrayed
Sarah Hilary, award-winning author of Someone Else's Skin
Evocative and unexpected, tender and fierce, The Origins of Iris is unlike any other thriller I've read in years . . . Outstanding'
Anna Bailey, Sunday Times bestselling author of Tall Bones
This novel is like a dream, from the haunting narrative to the beautiful prose to the way Iris and her wilderness kept making their way into my subconscious at night. It is everything I could want from a book
Kate Hamer, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Girl In The Red Coat
Reviews 5 Compelling, original and highly readable
Tamar Cohen, bestselling author of When She Was Bad
Atmospheric, thought-provoking, complex. A haunting exploration of one woman's journey into the dark heart of herself
Emma Haughton, author of The Dark
A tale of wonder, heartbreak and mystery, beautifully told. Loved every word
Amanda Jennings, author of The Storm
Evocative, transportive writing telling a story of regrets, choices, loss, and love in many forms. This is a lyrical, dark, and beautiful book
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