What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gifts
October 1840. A young woman staggers alone through a forest in Shropshire as a huge pair of impossible wings rip themselves from her shoulders.
Meanwhile, when rumours of a 'fallen angel' cause a frenzy across London, a surgeon desperate for fame and fortune finds himself in the grips of a dangerous obsession, one that will place the women he seeks in the most terrible danger . . .
THE GIFTS is the astonishing debut adult novel from the lauded author of BEARMOUTH. A gripping and ambitious book told through five different perspectives and set against the luminous backdrop of nineteenth century London, it explores science, nature and religion, enlightenment, the role of women in society and the dark danger of ambition.
Meanwhile, when rumours of a 'fallen angel' cause a frenzy across London, a surgeon desperate for fame and fortune finds himself in the grips of a dangerous obsession, one that will place the women he seeks in the most terrible danger . . .
THE GIFTS is the astonishing debut adult novel from the lauded author of BEARMOUTH. A gripping and ambitious book told through five different perspectives and set against the luminous backdrop of nineteenth century London, it explores science, nature and religion, enlightenment, the role of women in society and the dark danger of ambition.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2022
258 people are currently reading
18592 people want to read
About the author
Liz Hyder
5 books306 followersLiz Hyder is a writer and creative workshop leader. In early 2018, she won The Bridge Award/Moniack Mhor Emerging Writer Award. Her debut novel for young adults, Bearmouth, was named The Times Children's Book of the Year in 2019, won the Waterstones Children's Book for Older Readers 2020 and the Branford Boase Award 2020. It was also shortlisted for the UKLA Awards and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal. Her debut book for adults, The Gifts, published in hardback in February 2022 (UK and Commonwealth). Originally from London, she now lives in South Shropshire in a small medieval market town surrounded by hills, books and plants.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 599 reviews
April 25, 2023
In a Nutshell: A historical fantasy written in literary fiction style. Won’t work for every reader due to the slow pacing and the writing approach, but I liked the plot. Triggers galore!
Story Synopsis:
Bookish Yays:
😍 The unique plot, combining historical fiction and magical realism in a literary writing style. When it comes to magical realism, over-explaining kills the fun. The author reveals just enough details to keep us invested, but doesn’t explain/justify the reasons for the fantastical elements. This keeps the magic alive.
😍 The story covers some excellent themes, especially highlighting how the craze for science and the obsession over religion can have common roots. Both are a wait for a ‘Eureka’ moment, a miracle. Usually, one is based in logic and the other in faith. But this book depicts how an overlap is possible. It becomes quite thought-provoking.
😍 Surprisingly for a historical fiction work, there are many strong female characters. The leading ladies are all shown realistically (limited by the men in their lives), yet they aren’t doormats. They create their own space, and can fight for themselves when the time comes.
😍 The 1840s atmosphere is convincingly recreated. (With a feminist twist, of course.)
😍 I rarely have a soft spot for foreshadowing, but this book uses it effectively. I liked the hinted tidbits that sealed the gap between scenes without disclosing major spoilers.
😍 Mary’s arc was my favourite as it contains all the necessary ingredients for a memorable character and an impactful track. Her rapport with Richard is charming. The other women’s arcs are also quite well-written. Most of the secondary characters make a mark in their limited roles; only a few are stereotypical.
😍 There is a minor homosexual track. Though mainly hinted at, I still loved how it was woven seamlessly into the plot.
😍 The ending worked very well for me. It didn’t force a perfect solution; rather, the plot led itself to a believable culmination.
Bookish So-Sos:
😐 I enjoyed seeing the scenes from five different points of view, four of which were women. The third person narration ensures that the proceeding is somewhat easy. However, five perspectives automatically means plenty of characters and, as the story progresses, plenty of interconnections as well. It takes some time to remember who is who. Moreover, the switch in character perspectives sometimes happens too often. Though this isn’t too confusing because of the third person, it takes some time to get attuned to.
Bookish Nays:
😟 While slower pacing is to be expected in a character-oriented novel, the progress drops almost to a standstill in the middle. For an almost 450 page book, this is a substantial hurdle as it creates a dip in the interest level.
😟 There are a few highly triggering scenes concerning dogs. While a couple of these scenes might have been essential to detail the nature of that specific character, the rest felt forced in. This might be traumatising for sensitive animal lovers, so proceed with caution. I had to zoom through those sections because it was too much for me, but I also didn’t want to keep the book aside. Furthermore, there are dark scenes connected to the medical procedures of those times.
😟 While I am okay with the magical-realism bits remaining unexplained, I did want an explanation of the realistic parts of the plot that were left hanging. These weren’t major loopholes, but they stuck out like gaps in the jigsaw.
All in all, I enjoyed this unusual historical fantasy. If you like character-oriented novels, don’t mind (or can skip over) triggering scenes, and have no problem with multiple perspectives or magical realism, do give this a try. As the long list of ‘ifs’ indicates, this isn’t a book for everyone.
I must add that this is a novel to be read, not heard. With a mix of long and short chapters, multiple characters, and interlinked arcs, this won't be a comfortable audiobook even if you are an attuned listener.
4 stars.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Gifts”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
1840, England.
Etta: A young woman of mixed parentage, Etta is dealing with the grief of her pet dog’s passing when two huge wings suddenly rip themselves from her shoulders.
Edward: An ambitious surgeon, Edward is tired of being under the shadow of his best friend Samuel. When an opportunity possibly leading to fame and fortune comes his way, Edward knows he mustn’t let it go.
Alice: Edward’s wife and hobby painter, Alice knows Edward is up to something, but can’t get him to reveal more.
Natalya: Cast out from her community, Natalya is making her way to her cousin in London, unaware of what lies in store for her.
Mary: A poor but clever young woman, Mary finds herself investigating a weird rumour in London about the ‘Angel of the Thames.’
How the lives of these five characters get crazily intertwined forms the rest of the bizarre plot.
The story comes to us in the third-person perspective of these five characters.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The unique plot, combining historical fiction and magical realism in a literary writing style. When it comes to magical realism, over-explaining kills the fun. The author reveals just enough details to keep us invested, but doesn’t explain/justify the reasons for the fantastical elements. This keeps the magic alive.
😍 The story covers some excellent themes, especially highlighting how the craze for science and the obsession over religion can have common roots. Both are a wait for a ‘Eureka’ moment, a miracle. Usually, one is based in logic and the other in faith. But this book depicts how an overlap is possible. It becomes quite thought-provoking.
😍 Surprisingly for a historical fiction work, there are many strong female characters. The leading ladies are all shown realistically (limited by the men in their lives), yet they aren’t doormats. They create their own space, and can fight for themselves when the time comes.
😍 The 1840s atmosphere is convincingly recreated. (With a feminist twist, of course.)
😍 I rarely have a soft spot for foreshadowing, but this book uses it effectively. I liked the hinted tidbits that sealed the gap between scenes without disclosing major spoilers.
😍 Mary’s arc was my favourite as it contains all the necessary ingredients for a memorable character and an impactful track. Her rapport with Richard is charming. The other women’s arcs are also quite well-written. Most of the secondary characters make a mark in their limited roles; only a few are stereotypical.
😍 There is a minor homosexual track. Though mainly hinted at, I still loved how it was woven seamlessly into the plot.
😍 The ending worked very well for me. It didn’t force a perfect solution; rather, the plot led itself to a believable culmination.
Bookish So-Sos:
😐 I enjoyed seeing the scenes from five different points of view, four of which were women. The third person narration ensures that the proceeding is somewhat easy. However, five perspectives automatically means plenty of characters and, as the story progresses, plenty of interconnections as well. It takes some time to remember who is who. Moreover, the switch in character perspectives sometimes happens too often. Though this isn’t too confusing because of the third person, it takes some time to get attuned to.
Bookish Nays:
😟 While slower pacing is to be expected in a character-oriented novel, the progress drops almost to a standstill in the middle. For an almost 450 page book, this is a substantial hurdle as it creates a dip in the interest level.
😟 There are a few highly triggering scenes concerning dogs. While a couple of these scenes might have been essential to detail the nature of that specific character, the rest felt forced in. This might be traumatising for sensitive animal lovers, so proceed with caution. I had to zoom through those sections because it was too much for me, but I also didn’t want to keep the book aside. Furthermore, there are dark scenes connected to the medical procedures of those times.
😟 While I am okay with the magical-realism bits remaining unexplained, I did want an explanation of the realistic parts of the plot that were left hanging. These weren’t major loopholes, but they stuck out like gaps in the jigsaw.
All in all, I enjoyed this unusual historical fantasy. If you like character-oriented novels, don’t mind (or can skip over) triggering scenes, and have no problem with multiple perspectives or magical realism, do give this a try. As the long list of ‘ifs’ indicates, this isn’t a book for everyone.
I must add that this is a novel to be read, not heard. With a mix of long and short chapters, multiple characters, and interlinked arcs, this won't be a comfortable audiobook even if you are an attuned listener.
4 stars.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Gifts”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
November 14, 2025
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew
Set in 1840 England and narrated from five different points of view The Gifts is a slow-burn gothic tale of a doctor's obsession with the women with wings. I loved that book fell into many categories such as historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism and a touch of mystery.
This book wasn't just magical it was magnificent. Some reviewers felt it was confusing with the different characters and their points of view but I have to disagree. Each chapter is clear and precise about whom is speaking. The chapters were short and each character's life entwined with the others.
Although the book is set in the past it is still very pertinent today. There are many subjects observed in this book, including women's lack of rights (I loved how there were strong female leads, one of whom is trying to be a journalist in a man's world), race, greed, obsession, religion and mental health to name but a few. This is author Liz Hyder's adult debut and what a magical one it is.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew
Set in 1840 England and narrated from five different points of view The Gifts is a slow-burn gothic tale of a doctor's obsession with the women with wings. I loved that book fell into many categories such as historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism and a touch of mystery.
This book wasn't just magical it was magnificent. Some reviewers felt it was confusing with the different characters and their points of view but I have to disagree. Each chapter is clear and precise about whom is speaking. The chapters were short and each character's life entwined with the others.
Although the book is set in the past it is still very pertinent today. There are many subjects observed in this book, including women's lack of rights (I loved how there were strong female leads, one of whom is trying to be a journalist in a man's world), race, greed, obsession, religion and mental health to name but a few. This is author Liz Hyder's adult debut and what a magical one it is.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
June 5, 2023
TW: Animal Abuse, Kidnapping/Imprisonment
A young surgeon in 1840s London stumbles across the find of a lifetime – a drowned woman who has wings growing from her back. He’s certain that this will be his opportunity to make a name for himself and guards his secret carefully. But there are rumors of other women with wings, and the surgeon finds himself obsessed with finding them, no matter the cost.
This story is told from multiple POVs (four women and one man). Each of these perspectives is enjoyable and adds to the story, but it does feel a bit overwhelming and fragmented for the first portion of the book. While this work does take a little time to become situated into, it was an enjoyable read. I’m rating it a little lower because it wasn’t until almost 65% through that I was finally able to connect to the story and characters. The author did a good job with the characterization of the narrators and secondary characters, incorporating many strong women with varied backgrounds into this read. I do think this work would have benefitted from being trimmed down and dropping one or two of the POVs.
I enjoyed how well the author incorporated magical realism with historical fiction. I wanted a little more explanation relating to the magical aspects of the read, but the author did offer enough explanation to keep me from being dissatisfied. The author also did a good job at emphasizing how intertwined science and religion was in England during this time, which was a driving force behind the antagonist of this read.
I’m glad I stuck this one out, but it certainly wasn’t the most approachable read. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magical realism and don’t mind slow starts, then this is probably worth checking out. My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A young surgeon in 1840s London stumbles across the find of a lifetime – a drowned woman who has wings growing from her back. He’s certain that this will be his opportunity to make a name for himself and guards his secret carefully. But there are rumors of other women with wings, and the surgeon finds himself obsessed with finding them, no matter the cost.
This story is told from multiple POVs (four women and one man). Each of these perspectives is enjoyable and adds to the story, but it does feel a bit overwhelming and fragmented for the first portion of the book. While this work does take a little time to become situated into, it was an enjoyable read. I’m rating it a little lower because it wasn’t until almost 65% through that I was finally able to connect to the story and characters. The author did a good job with the characterization of the narrators and secondary characters, incorporating many strong women with varied backgrounds into this read. I do think this work would have benefitted from being trimmed down and dropping one or two of the POVs.
I enjoyed how well the author incorporated magical realism with historical fiction. I wanted a little more explanation relating to the magical aspects of the read, but the author did offer enough explanation to keep me from being dissatisfied. The author also did a good job at emphasizing how intertwined science and religion was in England during this time, which was a driving force behind the antagonist of this read.
I’m glad I stuck this one out, but it certainly wasn’t the most approachable read. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magical realism and don’t mind slow starts, then this is probably worth checking out. My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 6, 2022
An utter favourite. I adored it.
October 18, 2022
This is a beautifully written novel that blends several different genres- historical fiction, mystery, literary fiction, with a little fantasy thown in.
The structure of the novel is challenging, and lends itself to needing complete focus by the reader, but if this isn't a problem, the book is an intriguing and gripping novel that is extremely enjoyable.
The writing is wonderful and really adds to the historical feel to the novel, and for me this is my favourite part.
There are several layers to the book, that I thought deserved further exploration than we were given, but I feel this is admirable on the author's part- to leave things open-ended and mysterious.
An enjoyable read that I would recommend.
The structure of the novel is challenging, and lends itself to needing complete focus by the reader, but if this isn't a problem, the book is an intriguing and gripping novel that is extremely enjoyable.
The writing is wonderful and really adds to the historical feel to the novel, and for me this is my favourite part.
There are several layers to the book, that I thought deserved further exploration than we were given, but I feel this is admirable on the author's part- to leave things open-ended and mysterious.
An enjoyable read that I would recommend.
February 6, 2022
‘In an age defined by men, it will take something extraordinary to show four women who they truly are…
October 1840. A young woman staggers alone through a forest in Shropshire as a huge pair of impossible wings rip themselves from her shoulders’.
That’s all I’m going to mention about the story itself, because this book pretty much ripped the emotions straight out of my heart and landed them with an almighty boom in between the pages.
The Gifts was an astonishing book to start the year off with. Honestly, I am absolutely blown away by Liz Hyder’s magical, immersive and compelling novel.
It picked me up and swept me off with a whoosh, every time I picked it up. It’s one of those books (which are few and far between) where I have so many notes and post-it’s that I really don’t know where to start to review it!
I’m writing this early in the morning whilst my brain is fresh as I’m suffering a book hangover of gargantuan proportions and don’t want my review to be all “I LOVED IT! I LOVED IT! JUST BUY IT EVERYONE!”
Liz Hyder has made historical magical realism the most magically realistic reading experience. It is relatable, brutally true to present life and beautifully presented with a language that sings. The characters are right there, you can feel them walking around in your mind. The setting and imagery vivid, you can almost taste it, smell it.
I one hundred per cent ‘got’ the story that Liz set out to tell. It’s historical fiction, yes, with magical elements, but it’s also SO MUCH MORE.
I have a lot to say about this book but I also want to keep it all to myself. I read an advance copy that the publisher kindly sent me and if it’s affected me in it’s unfinished state, the finished copy (complete with illustrations!! Eeek!!) is guaranteed to be a marvel. I cannot wait to see it!
When I first started reading, I made notes on the individual characters because there’s quite a few of them, each one playing an essential part to the story. I’m glad I did this, as occasionally, in the first, maybe 100 pages, I did need to refresh my memory about who they were and what they were ‘up to’. And my goodness, they were ALL up to all sorts, I can tell you.
Their individuality soon settled in my mind and I was able to distinguish and switch between them with no problem. That, for me, is a sign of a well written book. I often struggle if there’s many characters, but not here. I was in deep, completely invested in everything going on in the pages.
There’s a chemistry between two of the characters that was done so perfectly. I’m not one for ‘love’ in stories, but I was absolutely buzzing for these two, and their banter was hilarious at times. I was crying with laughter during numerous scenes.
The chapters were short and snappy. This is how I like my books. I feel like I’m not quite ready to move onto another book yet because The Gifts is still under my skin, like the bursting wings of those ‘chosen’ women.
I’m left with this thought that gets me right here *pounds fist into heart area* - is it really STILL so scandalous that a woman can have the audacity to grow a pair of powerful wings and set herself free?
WOW. Just WOW.
Thank you so much Liz for your story. And to the publisher, Zaffre Books for sending me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now I’m going to go off and hug the book some more. Natalya, Etta, Mary and Annie, you’re going on my forever shelf eventually, but not just yet, I can’t quite let you go…
October 1840. A young woman staggers alone through a forest in Shropshire as a huge pair of impossible wings rip themselves from her shoulders’.
That’s all I’m going to mention about the story itself, because this book pretty much ripped the emotions straight out of my heart and landed them with an almighty boom in between the pages.
The Gifts was an astonishing book to start the year off with. Honestly, I am absolutely blown away by Liz Hyder’s magical, immersive and compelling novel.
It picked me up and swept me off with a whoosh, every time I picked it up. It’s one of those books (which are few and far between) where I have so many notes and post-it’s that I really don’t know where to start to review it!
I’m writing this early in the morning whilst my brain is fresh as I’m suffering a book hangover of gargantuan proportions and don’t want my review to be all “I LOVED IT! I LOVED IT! JUST BUY IT EVERYONE!”
Liz Hyder has made historical magical realism the most magically realistic reading experience. It is relatable, brutally true to present life and beautifully presented with a language that sings. The characters are right there, you can feel them walking around in your mind. The setting and imagery vivid, you can almost taste it, smell it.
I one hundred per cent ‘got’ the story that Liz set out to tell. It’s historical fiction, yes, with magical elements, but it’s also SO MUCH MORE.
I have a lot to say about this book but I also want to keep it all to myself. I read an advance copy that the publisher kindly sent me and if it’s affected me in it’s unfinished state, the finished copy (complete with illustrations!! Eeek!!) is guaranteed to be a marvel. I cannot wait to see it!
When I first started reading, I made notes on the individual characters because there’s quite a few of them, each one playing an essential part to the story. I’m glad I did this, as occasionally, in the first, maybe 100 pages, I did need to refresh my memory about who they were and what they were ‘up to’. And my goodness, they were ALL up to all sorts, I can tell you.
Their individuality soon settled in my mind and I was able to distinguish and switch between them with no problem. That, for me, is a sign of a well written book. I often struggle if there’s many characters, but not here. I was in deep, completely invested in everything going on in the pages.
There’s a chemistry between two of the characters that was done so perfectly. I’m not one for ‘love’ in stories, but I was absolutely buzzing for these two, and their banter was hilarious at times. I was crying with laughter during numerous scenes.
The chapters were short and snappy. This is how I like my books. I feel like I’m not quite ready to move onto another book yet because The Gifts is still under my skin, like the bursting wings of those ‘chosen’ women.
I’m left with this thought that gets me right here *pounds fist into heart area* - is it really STILL so scandalous that a woman can have the audacity to grow a pair of powerful wings and set herself free?
WOW. Just WOW.
Thank you so much Liz for your story. And to the publisher, Zaffre Books for sending me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now I’m going to go off and hug the book some more. Natalya, Etta, Mary and Annie, you’re going on my forever shelf eventually, but not just yet, I can’t quite let you go…
February 10, 2022
Sadly I was unable to finish this book. The harrowing and graphic torture and killing of the dog by the surgeon about 10% of the way into the book was way too much for me. It turned my stomach and made me very upset. I don't know what else is in the book but that requires a Content Warning. It is a thing I can't stand and something I avoid in books and movies. It makes me hugely distressed. I can't imagine what that level of distressing detail could possibly add to the story. You could easily show he was an evil man without the detail.
I was already struggling with the writing and the fact that we often switch viewpoint or who is being written about in the midst of a paragraph. So you start the paragraph with Annie and then suddenly you are reading about Etta and you are like, wait, who the hell is Etta and how did she suddenly appear? This happens a LOT and I found it really irritating.
I see that some people love this book but it is not for me and I think the synopsis needs rewriting to make it more accurate and it definitely needs Content Warnings.
I know some publishers/authors don't like them but when you don't use them then you risk people not trusting you. I could certainly never read anything else by this author as a result of this reading experience because I found it so intensely distressing,
I was already struggling with the writing and the fact that we often switch viewpoint or who is being written about in the midst of a paragraph. So you start the paragraph with Annie and then suddenly you are reading about Etta and you are like, wait, who the hell is Etta and how did she suddenly appear? This happens a LOT and I found it really irritating.
I see that some people love this book but it is not for me and I think the synopsis needs rewriting to make it more accurate and it definitely needs Content Warnings.
I know some publishers/authors don't like them but when you don't use them then you risk people not trusting you. I could certainly never read anything else by this author as a result of this reading experience because I found it so intensely distressing,
November 1, 2021
In an age defined by men, it will take something extraordinary to show four women who they truly are….
October 1840. A young woman staggers alone and frightened, running for her life through a forest in Shropshire as something impossible begins to happen: a huge pair of wings that should only belong to those above us rip from her shoulders creating something that surely cannot be real amongst mere mortals.
The ‘fallen angel’ starts to appear on the lips of those who love to gossip and spread rumours across London and when a surgeon stumbles upon this seemingly ethereal corpse, he is determined to use her as leverage to make not only a name for himself but fame and vast fortunes too yet as he delves deeper into working out the machinations of such a being, he will find himself in the vice-like grip of obsession which will see him search out and locate other women who appear to have been sent from the heavens to help him in his quest in which will test the very limits of human understanding when it comes to that which we could never comprehend.
As more women appear to be stricken with wings, they soon fall under the gaze of the surgeon who wants to understand just how this happens, be it observing them alive or maybe using more macabre methods.
Will these women be able to stand up to such scrutiny from both the outside world and this man who cannot help but be drawn to such heavenly beings?
Astonishing, harrowing and incredibly imagined, The Gifts is a compelling, razor sharp story of hope, grief, and what it means to be human.
October 1840. A young woman staggers alone and frightened, running for her life through a forest in Shropshire as something impossible begins to happen: a huge pair of wings that should only belong to those above us rip from her shoulders creating something that surely cannot be real amongst mere mortals.
The ‘fallen angel’ starts to appear on the lips of those who love to gossip and spread rumours across London and when a surgeon stumbles upon this seemingly ethereal corpse, he is determined to use her as leverage to make not only a name for himself but fame and vast fortunes too yet as he delves deeper into working out the machinations of such a being, he will find himself in the vice-like grip of obsession which will see him search out and locate other women who appear to have been sent from the heavens to help him in his quest in which will test the very limits of human understanding when it comes to that which we could never comprehend.
As more women appear to be stricken with wings, they soon fall under the gaze of the surgeon who wants to understand just how this happens, be it observing them alive or maybe using more macabre methods.
Will these women be able to stand up to such scrutiny from both the outside world and this man who cannot help but be drawn to such heavenly beings?
Astonishing, harrowing and incredibly imagined, The Gifts is a compelling, razor sharp story of hope, grief, and what it means to be human.
January 24, 2022
A feminist story based in magic with a historical fiction feel. To be honest I wasn't a fan of the way this book was written. This book tried too hard to be clever and just annoyed me and took from my enjoyment of the story. Perspectives from the different characters were introduced in the middle of paragraphs, so often lent itself to confusion, rereading of sentences and frustration - not for me. This will be one that readers either love or hate. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy of this book.
February 21, 2022
Oh my, what a joy of a book this is. From the prologue which is both intriguing and shocking to the beginning of the story which is set 8 days earlier, I was completely engrossed in the lives of Etta, Natalya, Annie and Mary. These four extraordinary women who take on tradition, injustice, arrogance and entitlement in their own way and will not be cowed.
This 19th century setting is one that combines both historical fiction with a touch of magical realism. The story is told from the perspective of these four women, a botanist, an artist, a storyteller and a would be journalist and also Edward Meake, a London surgeon whose aspirations for greater success to better that of his friend and rival, charismatic surgeon Samuel Covell, are overtaken by obsession, greed and ambition with his conviction that he alone has been chosen by a higher authority.
Without going into any plot detail as this is definitely one you need to discover yourself, combining the beauty of nature and the greed of man, The Gifts shines a light on the way of life in Victorian Britain, the social and legal standing of women and how unjustly they were viewed by society in general just because of their gender or marital status – the lack of employment opportunities if you were a woman was one thing but a married woman not being able own anything but having her inheritance belong to her husband enraged me. Our female protagonists had their own talents and were every bit as capable as a man however their work was too frequently dismissed as just a hobby.
The short chapters make this such a ‘just one more chapter’ book and although its a hefty page count, I never felt that the book was overlong, or too slow in pace. As for the writing, it is so very ‘readable’ there is no unnecessary description or padding. Written from a third person POV, I felt the characters were superbly drawn – Etta was just wonderful and I loved Natalya’s stories. Richard and Mary were a brilliant pairing and even the minor supporting characters had their own part to play. There are some parts that are achingly sad and poignant together with moments of humour.
I did initially wonder how all these characters would connect together. When they were first introduced in quick succession with very different personalities and backgrounds my concern that I would find the constant change of character confusing became irrelevant as it didn’t take long to become totally invested in each of their stories.
Unsettling, captivating and beautifully written, with vividly descriptive landscape from Orkney to London, The Gifts is an enthralling tale of ambition and the lines of knowledge for science sake and obsession being crossed, of women finding an inner strength, being resourceful and tenacious and not willing to conform. I loved it, and although my proof copy just had placeholder text, I’m sure that the finished copy with its chapter illustrations will be a thing of beauty indeed.
If you enjoyed Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield (another of my favourites in recent years) then I would think that The Gifts would greatly appeal.
This 19th century setting is one that combines both historical fiction with a touch of magical realism. The story is told from the perspective of these four women, a botanist, an artist, a storyteller and a would be journalist and also Edward Meake, a London surgeon whose aspirations for greater success to better that of his friend and rival, charismatic surgeon Samuel Covell, are overtaken by obsession, greed and ambition with his conviction that he alone has been chosen by a higher authority.
Without going into any plot detail as this is definitely one you need to discover yourself, combining the beauty of nature and the greed of man, The Gifts shines a light on the way of life in Victorian Britain, the social and legal standing of women and how unjustly they were viewed by society in general just because of their gender or marital status – the lack of employment opportunities if you were a woman was one thing but a married woman not being able own anything but having her inheritance belong to her husband enraged me. Our female protagonists had their own talents and were every bit as capable as a man however their work was too frequently dismissed as just a hobby.
The short chapters make this such a ‘just one more chapter’ book and although its a hefty page count, I never felt that the book was overlong, or too slow in pace. As for the writing, it is so very ‘readable’ there is no unnecessary description or padding. Written from a third person POV, I felt the characters were superbly drawn – Etta was just wonderful and I loved Natalya’s stories. Richard and Mary were a brilliant pairing and even the minor supporting characters had their own part to play. There are some parts that are achingly sad and poignant together with moments of humour.
I did initially wonder how all these characters would connect together. When they were first introduced in quick succession with very different personalities and backgrounds my concern that I would find the constant change of character confusing became irrelevant as it didn’t take long to become totally invested in each of their stories.
Unsettling, captivating and beautifully written, with vividly descriptive landscape from Orkney to London, The Gifts is an enthralling tale of ambition and the lines of knowledge for science sake and obsession being crossed, of women finding an inner strength, being resourceful and tenacious and not willing to conform. I loved it, and although my proof copy just had placeholder text, I’m sure that the finished copy with its chapter illustrations will be a thing of beauty indeed.
If you enjoyed Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield (another of my favourites in recent years) then I would think that The Gifts would greatly appeal.
February 17, 2022
Discover the locations in The Gifts
STUNNING
ETHEREAL
SPELLBINDING
MAGICAL
But also hard hitting and poignant, makes you think about some very serious issues including abuse, coercive control, the role of women in society and more besides.
I was left feeling bereft at leaving these beings behind. Oh this played like a magical film in my mind with luscious costumes, attention to detail, London recreated with hansom cabs and Victorian science labs, poverty and a gilded cage.
All the while, I read this as the film played in my mind - at the end, a mystical camera angle which floats upwards away from the city, the figures and the secrets within, as you watch a falling feather fall to earth. I could really write the film script and score for this book. In fact I already have.
September 14, 2023
4 Stars
Lyrical and beautifully written. The author does weirdly over use the words breath and breathing, but I was able to get past it.
Lyrical and beautifully written. The author does weirdly over use the words breath and breathing, but I was able to get past it.
March 2, 2022
This is a novel based on a slightly bizarre concept - in the mid-nineteenth century, a number of women grow wings. In an age of scientific discovery also still heavily influenced by religious beliefs, this piques the interest of doctors and captures the public imagination.
The story is narrated in short vignettes, alternating between the voices of the two women with wings, a feisty would-be female journalist, and the wife of the surgeon who sees an opportunity to achieve fame and fortune by exploiting the winged women, the ‘gifts’ of the title, sent to him by God.
This is Liz Hyder’s first adult novel, and the style is more like that of a YA novel - short sections, quite a lot of telling not showing, just slightly overstated generally. Some interesting themes are explored, but very clunkily - male arrogance, overweening pride, an assumption that women are inferior, and in amongst that, an emergence of female independence and the beginning of a change in some men’s attitudes towards that. But the juxtapositions are rather clumsy and simplistic, the wings are never explained, the characters are not very well developed. I did not really find this a satisfying read.
The story is narrated in short vignettes, alternating between the voices of the two women with wings, a feisty would-be female journalist, and the wife of the surgeon who sees an opportunity to achieve fame and fortune by exploiting the winged women, the ‘gifts’ of the title, sent to him by God.
This is Liz Hyder’s first adult novel, and the style is more like that of a YA novel - short sections, quite a lot of telling not showing, just slightly overstated generally. Some interesting themes are explored, but very clunkily - male arrogance, overweening pride, an assumption that women are inferior, and in amongst that, an emergence of female independence and the beginning of a change in some men’s attitudes towards that. But the juxtapositions are rather clumsy and simplistic, the wings are never explained, the characters are not very well developed. I did not really find this a satisfying read.
July 19, 2021
1840's Victorian London, South Shropshire and some fantasy. Whats not to like? I loved this novel, after writing Bearmouth for children this is a debut adult novel for Liz Hyder. Its a good one. You wont be able to put it down, It has short punchy chapters, and its essentially a tale of four females struggling in male dominated victorian england to find their place in society. Whilst there is a fantasy element, that brings a bit of magic and hope when all is said and done.
Roll on Feb 22 when this is released.
Roll on Feb 22 when this is released.
February 15, 2022
I didn’t find this book an easy one to read, it dragged for me and I got halfway and didn’t finish it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 28, 2022
Setup in the 1840s the book is narrated from multiple PoVs. It's those times when women have not been treated equal to men and had to endure their wishes of the simplest things such as Education. Now in this historical fiction tale when you mix a dose of magical realism and a sprinkle of fantasy - it becomes an ultimate cosmopolitan cocktail to get you dreamy.
Now as there are so many characters and PoVs, an audio narrative helps you distinguish them all. Now, this is one of those books where I cherished the plot more than the characters. A few of them were strong enough to leave a mark (like Edward and Annie) but other than that I think the side characters lacked lustre.
However, the overall book has enough charisma to keep you going and coming from a debut author I am yet amazed!
Now as there are so many characters and PoVs, an audio narrative helps you distinguish them all. Now, this is one of those books where I cherished the plot more than the characters. A few of them were strong enough to leave a mark (like Edward and Annie) but other than that I think the side characters lacked lustre.
However, the overall book has enough charisma to keep you going and coming from a debut author I am yet amazed!
October 17, 2022
What a magnificent and beautifully inspiring book this was! I devoured it in only a couple of sittings it was THAT gripping. It is a mixture of historical fiction and magical realism with interesting and engaging characters and is highly compelling.
The book is well paced with short chapters and is written from five different points of view - four women and one man who is a doctor with very high and dangerous aspirations. These five people have their paths all intertwine as you delve deeper into their stories as these women grow and spread their wings - literally! Reading all about these strong, intelligent women battling against the patriarchy and societal pressures that were part of Victorian life was so thrilling and empowering!
The story explores science, religion, obsession, feminism, the patriarchy, nature and so much more. I found it so powerful and extraordinary - I hadn’t read anything like it before.
There are some very emotional scenes that are described poignantly that made my heart break. It has a haunting and tense atmosphere throughout and the Victorian period is described and captured perfectly. It was a joy to read and I was so sad when it came to an end. I would love to revisit so many of these characters again.
Hyder has proven she has a great imagination and talent to write such an unbelievable plot yet make it believable! Pick this one up people!
The book is well paced with short chapters and is written from five different points of view - four women and one man who is a doctor with very high and dangerous aspirations. These five people have their paths all intertwine as you delve deeper into their stories as these women grow and spread their wings - literally! Reading all about these strong, intelligent women battling against the patriarchy and societal pressures that were part of Victorian life was so thrilling and empowering!
The story explores science, religion, obsession, feminism, the patriarchy, nature and so much more. I found it so powerful and extraordinary - I hadn’t read anything like it before.
There are some very emotional scenes that are described poignantly that made my heart break. It has a haunting and tense atmosphere throughout and the Victorian period is described and captured perfectly. It was a joy to read and I was so sad when it came to an end. I would love to revisit so many of these characters again.
Hyder has proven she has a great imagination and talent to write such an unbelievable plot yet make it believable! Pick this one up people!
September 14, 2023
Hmph! I'd been looking forward to this one for ages, but it ended up being badly written. The plot only got its oomph at 70% and even then, it fizzled out again towards the floppiest of conclusions. I was generally disinterested the whole way through. It's a bad state of affairs when, in the final chapters, I still couldn't differentiate between the insipid cast of characters: Annie/Mary, is there someone called Sarah? Richard/Edward/Charles or Charlie... It doesn't help that they have been given the most bland names, I suppose. This was a real disappointment for me, I'm afraid. Too much 'tell', not enough 'show'; Chekhov would not have been pleased.
May 20, 2023
Listening to this was an amazing experience and I loved it.
This book is mix of historical fiction and magical realism done in a way that captivated me from page one.
Multiples points of view came in short chapters so very well linked that I didn't lose the thread for a second.
The characters are marked by their individuality and originality, I loved how women were given the chance to express themselves through the pages, especially mary, a would be journalist in a world made just for men.
The story tackled diffrent themes such as race, mental health, relegious zele, women's rights, scientific obessession, etc...
I won't be telling you more as I would be spoiling and I really want the ones who'll pick this one up to fully enjoy it.
PS: this was an audioarc, thanks Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me with this amazing read!
This book is mix of historical fiction and magical realism done in a way that captivated me from page one.
Multiples points of view came in short chapters so very well linked that I didn't lose the thread for a second.
The characters are marked by their individuality and originality, I loved how women were given the chance to express themselves through the pages, especially mary, a would be journalist in a world made just for men.
The story tackled diffrent themes such as race, mental health, relegious zele, women's rights, scientific obessession, etc...
I won't be telling you more as I would be spoiling and I really want the ones who'll pick this one up to fully enjoy it.
PS: this was an audioarc, thanks Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me with this amazing read!
July 6, 2023
Thank you to @sourcebookslandmark for this beautiful copy of The Gifts by Liz Hyder.
I’m really on the fence for my review of this one. I definitely think if it sounds interesting, you should I read it and make up your own mind. It is getting a lot of great reviews.
For me, there were things I really enjoyed and things that were bothersome to me.
The positives- I loved the feminism throughout the story. Women throwing off the shackles of domineering men, finding their independence and helping other women.
The challenge- the biggest one for me is the animal abuse. It was in the vein of scientific research and had only short descriptions but they were abhorrent to me and I’m very sensitive to this content. It did fit in with the storyline somewhat but was very unexpected by me.
There are also many POV’s and it took me a good while to get all the characters down.
While I enjoyed the overall theme, some of the details in the story were just not my cup of tea. There was a magical realism element that I loved but it wasn’t ever explained, unless I missed it, so while it was cool, it just didn’t make any sense as to why or how.
It’s like watching Lost and having more questions than answers but still being entertaining 🙃
I’m really on the fence for my review of this one. I definitely think if it sounds interesting, you should I read it and make up your own mind. It is getting a lot of great reviews.
For me, there were things I really enjoyed and things that were bothersome to me.
The positives- I loved the feminism throughout the story. Women throwing off the shackles of domineering men, finding their independence and helping other women.
The challenge- the biggest one for me is the animal abuse. It was in the vein of scientific research and had only short descriptions but they were abhorrent to me and I’m very sensitive to this content. It did fit in with the storyline somewhat but was very unexpected by me.
There are also many POV’s and it took me a good while to get all the characters down.
While I enjoyed the overall theme, some of the details in the story were just not my cup of tea. There was a magical realism element that I loved but it wasn’t ever explained, unless I missed it, so while it was cool, it just didn’t make any sense as to why or how.
It’s like watching Lost and having more questions than answers but still being entertaining 🙃
July 31, 2021
What an unexpected joy ‘The Gifts’, Liz Hyder’s adult debut is. My delight at receiving an early proof copy only increased as I read, giddy and enthralled. What a treat! A tale of the unexplained within the everyday. Fiction set in the past, yet fresh and relevant to today; a vein of darkness within, yet wondrous and filled with hope.
Of the plot, the basic premise alone hooked me, and I won’t add to it… a young woman is running through Shropshire woodlands. The year is 1840. Wings unfurl from her back.
What I will say is that ‘The Gifts’ touches on the beauty of the natural world, superstition and science, the lure of ambition and pride; it is also the story of four women determining their own right to be, their talents and gifts undimmed by society’s constraints.
A dark, quiet tale which had me utterly gripped. Glorious, tender and thrilling. I loved it.
Of the plot, the basic premise alone hooked me, and I won’t add to it… a young woman is running through Shropshire woodlands. The year is 1840. Wings unfurl from her back.
What I will say is that ‘The Gifts’ touches on the beauty of the natural world, superstition and science, the lure of ambition and pride; it is also the story of four women determining their own right to be, their talents and gifts undimmed by society’s constraints.
A dark, quiet tale which had me utterly gripped. Glorious, tender and thrilling. I loved it.
December 1, 2021
This wasnt at all what I was expecting, for all the right reasons. A great step back into Victorian England with lots of societal issues at the forefront, and the backdrop of this read.
A really interesting and wonderfully unusual concept that captured my attention immediately and had me hooked the whole way through.
This moves at a great pace and the ending is superb.
A compelling, emotional read.
A really interesting and wonderfully unusual concept that captured my attention immediately and had me hooked the whole way through.
This moves at a great pace and the ending is superb.
A compelling, emotional read.
Read
April 23, 2023DNF @27%
Too slow-moving for my taste. Also, the writing lacked flow and clarity.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Liz Hyder, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Too slow-moving for my taste. Also, the writing lacked flow and clarity.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Liz Hyder, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
May 12, 2022
Well, new favourite.
April 19, 2023
When I learned this book was a fantasy novel I was only mildly intrigued. Although I don’t mind reading fantasy on occasion, it is not my go to genre. However I enjoyed this book. It fell more into the historical fiction category for me, which I do enjoy reading about. It took me a little bit to get the characters straight, but once I did I was able to easily follow each one’s story and was happy when they all intertwined with each other. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone up for a little adventure in their next read.
February 7, 2022
Edward is a renowned surgeon who makes a once in a lifetime discovery which could further his career. However, the discovery also turns him into a man full of greed & hungry for power, forcing him to keep secrets from his wife.
Mary, a woman with high aspirations, becomes suspicious of Edward when she is asked to investigate a rumour about the Angel of the Thames. Wanting to further her career as a writer (in a time when she has to write under a male pseudonym), Mary enlists the help of her long time friend, Richard, to get to the bottom of what’s going on.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, and The Gifts gave me a bit of everything I loved - a hint of the magical & powerful female characters who don’t let the era they were born in tell them what to do! Great storytelling & brilliantly written in short chapters, I raced through it in two days. Definitely recommend!
Mary, a woman with high aspirations, becomes suspicious of Edward when she is asked to investigate a rumour about the Angel of the Thames. Wanting to further her career as a writer (in a time when she has to write under a male pseudonym), Mary enlists the help of her long time friend, Richard, to get to the bottom of what’s going on.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, and The Gifts gave me a bit of everything I loved - a hint of the magical & powerful female characters who don’t let the era they were born in tell them what to do! Great storytelling & brilliantly written in short chapters, I raced through it in two days. Definitely recommend!
January 8, 2022
Wow, what a joy this book was! Important, relevant themes and issues layered into a terrific yarn, inhabited by vividly drawn characters. Unputdownable.
February 15, 2022
A thrilling, haunting read and a must for any fan of historical fantasy fiction. Think Stacey Halls and The Essex Serpent. The four women characters are beautifully crafted and their stories say much about the age now as then. Thank you Bonnier Books for the advanced reading copy.
July 20, 2023
We have four female protagonists: Etta, Mary, Annie and Natalya. Natalya is completely useless so I won’t even talk about her. Etta is a botanist, but she’s a woman so all the men brush her off as a mere hobbyist. Mary wants to be a writer, but she’s a woman. She’s really good at it, but women aren’t taken seriously as writers. Annie is a wife who wants children, but she can’t get pregnant and it’s obviously her fault because she’s a woman. Out of these four, Etta and Natalya randomly grow wings. And yes, Natalya is still the most uninteresting and unimportant character in the entire book.
The Gifts is meant to be a feminist book, that much is made abundantly clear right from the beginning. In fact, the book tries so hard to be feminist that it’s almost satirical. But this alleged feminism is shallow and cliché, I would even say childish. It’s just constant, dry laments about how hard and unfair life is for women as well as male characters repeatedly calling women with a brain and the tiniest bit of free will “difficult.”
When writing a feminist book, it would help if the female characters had personalities and distinct voices, but they’re all indistinguishable and one-dimensional. In fact, the most interesting and complex character in the book is the male antagonist. What irony. What’s more, one of the protagonists, Annie, doesn’t have a single thought that doesn’t revolve around her husband. She does like to paint, but guess what she’s painting? That’s right, her husband. She kicks off at the doctor who dares to suggest that it may not be her fault that she can’t have children with her husband and resents the doctor for the rest of the book. She feels guilty when she thinks she’s disobeyed her husband and never questions this ideology. Not even after he turns abusive. I was expecting her to develop some kind of critical thinking skills towards the end of the book and realise that not everything is her fault simply because she’s a woman. But no. I get it, this was life for Victorian women, this was what was expected of them, but when you’re so obviously writing a feminist book, I don’t know, maybe give your obedient housewife character the intellectual ability to occasionally question things? You know, something human beings tend to have? I could go on about all the other things that bothered me about Annie and the other characters, but we’d be here all day.
The text is so self-aware that I felt like the author was standing behind me and pointing at sentences, explaining them and the meaning behind them to make sure I understood just how feminist and clever and profound they are. Everything is made plain clear to the point that there is nothing to read between the lines and nothing left for interpretation which made me feel like the author didn’t trust the reader to be smart enough to connect the dots even when the dots were obviously connected. The plot is contrived at best, it’s feeble, uninteresting and predictable, and the ending is underwhelming and unsatisfying. The point of view changes recklessly between paragraphs from one character to another and then to third, and half of the paragraphs start with the word “later”.
The Gifts is meant to be a feminist book, that much is made abundantly clear right from the beginning. In fact, the book tries so hard to be feminist that it’s almost satirical. But this alleged feminism is shallow and cliché, I would even say childish. It’s just constant, dry laments about how hard and unfair life is for women as well as male characters repeatedly calling women with a brain and the tiniest bit of free will “difficult.”
When writing a feminist book, it would help if the female characters had personalities and distinct voices, but they’re all indistinguishable and one-dimensional. In fact, the most interesting and complex character in the book is the male antagonist. What irony. What’s more, one of the protagonists, Annie, doesn’t have a single thought that doesn’t revolve around her husband. She does like to paint, but guess what she’s painting? That’s right, her husband. She kicks off at the doctor who dares to suggest that it may not be her fault that she can’t have children with her husband and resents the doctor for the rest of the book. She feels guilty when she thinks she’s disobeyed her husband and never questions this ideology. Not even after he turns abusive. I was expecting her to develop some kind of critical thinking skills towards the end of the book and realise that not everything is her fault simply because she’s a woman. But no. I get it, this was life for Victorian women, this was what was expected of them, but when you’re so obviously writing a feminist book, I don’t know, maybe give your obedient housewife character the intellectual ability to occasionally question things? You know, something human beings tend to have? I could go on about all the other things that bothered me about Annie and the other characters, but we’d be here all day.
The text is so self-aware that I felt like the author was standing behind me and pointing at sentences, explaining them and the meaning behind them to make sure I understood just how feminist and clever and profound they are. Everything is made plain clear to the point that there is nothing to read between the lines and nothing left for interpretation which made me feel like the author didn’t trust the reader to be smart enough to connect the dots even when the dots were obviously connected. The plot is contrived at best, it’s feeble, uninteresting and predictable, and the ending is underwhelming and unsatisfying. The point of view changes recklessly between paragraphs from one character to another and then to third, and half of the paragraphs start with the word “later”.
September 29, 2022
My thanks to Bonnier Books U.K. Manilla Press for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Gifts’ by Liz Hyder in exchange for an honest review.
This superb literary historical novel has at its heart a wondrous transformation.
I found myself completely swept up in this fantastical tale right from its opening pages. However, its plot is rather difficult to summarise, so only a few details.
October 1840 and a young woman is wandering in a Shropshire forest gripped with sadness over the death of her canine companion. Without warning a huge pair of wings erupt from her shoulders. She is confused but then is struck by a crossbow bolt! We then are transported to London eight days previously. Quite an opening!
In London, there are rumours that the body of a 'fallen angel' was found in the Thames. An ambitious surgeon, desperate to make a name for himself, is gripped by a dangerous obsession. Desperate to find a live ‘specimen’ he is willing to do anything achieve his goal.
‘The Gifts’ is told through the perspectives of five characters, four women and one man, and moves quickly between them. Each of the five is assigned a symbol that appears as a small drawing at the start of their sections. In the audiobook edition the narrator helpfully states the character’s name with each change of perspective.
Liz Hyder utilises her historical backdrop of the nineteenth century to great effect. The novel explores the shifting spheres of science and religion, the relationship between humanity and the natural world as well as role of women in the patriarchal society of the day.
Although I loved this novel, I did find the narrative a bit fragmented due to the frequent point of view shifts. Yet after a while I became used to this rhythm of movement.
The cover art was breathtaking and there are occasional illustrations scattered throughout. The print edition is rounded out with a bibliography, suggested questions for reading groups, and a note from the author on the inspirations for ‘The Gifts’.
I fell in love with ‘The Gifts’ from the opening in the Shropshire woods through to its dramatic conclusion. I found Liz Hyder’s writing beautiful and loved the imagery of these mysterious transformations.
Definitely one of my books of the year.
Update: 29 September 2022
My thanks to Bonnier Books U.K. Audio Manilla Press for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘The Gifts’. It is narrated by Tuppence Middleton, a well known British actor with stage, film, and television credits. She has a beautiful, polished voice and her reading brought the novel’s characters, story, and setting vividly to life.
This superb literary historical novel has at its heart a wondrous transformation.
I found myself completely swept up in this fantastical tale right from its opening pages. However, its plot is rather difficult to summarise, so only a few details.
October 1840 and a young woman is wandering in a Shropshire forest gripped with sadness over the death of her canine companion. Without warning a huge pair of wings erupt from her shoulders. She is confused but then is struck by a crossbow bolt! We then are transported to London eight days previously. Quite an opening!
In London, there are rumours that the body of a 'fallen angel' was found in the Thames. An ambitious surgeon, desperate to make a name for himself, is gripped by a dangerous obsession. Desperate to find a live ‘specimen’ he is willing to do anything achieve his goal.
‘The Gifts’ is told through the perspectives of five characters, four women and one man, and moves quickly between them. Each of the five is assigned a symbol that appears as a small drawing at the start of their sections. In the audiobook edition the narrator helpfully states the character’s name with each change of perspective.
Liz Hyder utilises her historical backdrop of the nineteenth century to great effect. The novel explores the shifting spheres of science and religion, the relationship between humanity and the natural world as well as role of women in the patriarchal society of the day.
Although I loved this novel, I did find the narrative a bit fragmented due to the frequent point of view shifts. Yet after a while I became used to this rhythm of movement.
The cover art was breathtaking and there are occasional illustrations scattered throughout. The print edition is rounded out with a bibliography, suggested questions for reading groups, and a note from the author on the inspirations for ‘The Gifts’.
I fell in love with ‘The Gifts’ from the opening in the Shropshire woods through to its dramatic conclusion. I found Liz Hyder’s writing beautiful and loved the imagery of these mysterious transformations.
Definitely one of my books of the year.
Update: 29 September 2022
My thanks to Bonnier Books U.K. Audio Manilla Press for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘The Gifts’. It is narrated by Tuppence Middleton, a well known British actor with stage, film, and television credits. She has a beautiful, polished voice and her reading brought the novel’s characters, story, and setting vividly to life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 599 reviews