The Illustrated Child
The Illustrated Child by Polly Crosby, published by HarperCollins Publishers on July 8, 2021, is a 432-page work that explores the life of Romilly Kemp, a young girl navigating her idyllic childhood amidst the wilderness surrounding her father’s farmhouse. As her father elevates her to the center of his illustrated books, Romilly’s once carefree existence becomes complicated by the arrival of strangers drawn by the allure of a hidden treasure linked to her father’s stories. The narrative delves into themes of isolation and the impact of family secrets as Romilly confronts her past.
Readers will find a blend of mystery and coming-of-age elements as Romilly embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the clues hidden in her father’s books. The story intertwines friendship and the darker aspects of her family’s history, revealing that not all treasures are what they seem. This edition invites readers to engage with a tale that balances enchantment with deeper emotional currents, making it a significant addition to the literary fiction genre.
Official synopsis Publisher
A young girl. A hidden treasure. A dark family secret.
‘Evocative and enchanting – a future classic’ Veronica Henry
‘An extraordinary debut… beautiful, dark, haunting’ Edward Carey
‘A captivating coming-of-age story’ Daily Mail
‘A bewitching read’ Woman & Home
Romilly Kemp has an idyllic childhood, roaming the wilderness that surrounds her father’s ramshackle farmhouse. But when he makes her the star of his beautifully illustrated books, her carefree if somewhat lonely existence is threatened.
The books are thought to hold clues to an elaborate treasure hunt, and strangers turn up at their door, anxious to get a glimpse of the ‘Kemp Treasure Girl’. But when her father falls ill, leaving Romilly more isolated and alone than ever, she begins to delve deeper into the books – and her past.
As she makes sense of the clues he has hidden, she finds a truth that is far darker and more devastating than any treasure hunt has a right to be. For not everything that is hidden is gold.
Praise for The Illustrated Child:
‘Evocative and enchanting – a future classic and a star in the making’ Veronica Henry
‘An extraordinary debut… beautiful, dark, haunting and unforgettable. I loved it’ Edward Carey
‘A captivating coming-of-age story with memorable characters beautifully brought to life in a setting dripping with atmosphere’ Daily Mail
‘Part fantasy, part coming of age, the undercurrents of child neglect and mental ill health pull at you all the way through this poignant tale’ Heat
‘A bewitching read’ Woman & Home
‘Written in fine, delicate prose, this treasure of a debut takes up the palette of emotions and paints with all the colours. Beautiful’ Nydia Hetherington
‘Exquisitely written, stunning, totally unique. Everyone needs to read this’ Jessica Ryn
‘A magical tale, beautifully written, evocative and mysterious, and stitched through with a dark thread that I wasn’t expecting. What a wonderful book’ Anita Frank
‘A beautifully written tale that evokes dreams and imagination’ Daily Record
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